“And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.”– Exodus 21:9 (KJV)
“But if the slave survives a day or two, then the owner will not be punished, for it was his property.”– Exodus 21:9 (NLT)
“If he gives her to his son, he must treat her like a daughter.”– Exodus 21:9 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 21:9 Mean?
This verse discusses the treatment of a female servant or slave when she is betrothed to the son of her master. The emphasis is that she should be treated well, similar to how one would treat their daughter. The verse is part of a larger section of the law given to the Israelites by God as recorded in Exodus.
To understand this verse, we realize that it reflects a cultural practice of that time in Israelite society. Women were often viewed through a different lens, with their status in society heavily influenced by their family or master’s standing. Therefore, the provision to treat her like a daughter rather than merely a servant was significant. It implies a level of respect, protection, and care that should be afforded to her.
Exodus 21:9 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on Exodus 21:9 more deeply, we see an important contrast in how relationships were structured in ancient societies compared to modern times. In many ancient cultures, including that of the Hebrews, slavery existed, but it wasn’t always the same as we think of slavery today. Many slaves could earn their freedom, live within families, and maintain some semblance of family units.
In this context, if a female servant was given to a son, the law insisted that she be treated like a daughter. This shows that even within a system that we may view negatively today, there were laws aimed at providing care and respect for individuals who might otherwise be dismissed.
In today’s world, this perspective can serve as a reminder of how we treat others. Even in a system that may not seem ideal, we can find ways to uplift and care for those around us. We might not have slaves today, but we do have relationships where power dynamics exist, such as in workplaces or schools. The essence of care and respect should remain constant.
Furthermore, it opens up a reflection about the value God places on individuals, regardless of their social standing. Each person is made in the image of God, and thus deserving of dignity and respect. Other biblical passages can echo this sentiment. For example, Galatians 3:28 reminds us that in Christ, there is no divide among people based on status, gender, or ethnicity. This power of unity is something we need to embrace today.
Context of Exodus 21:9
Exodus 21 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. God gave the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, and Chapters 21 through 23 contain various laws to guide the Israelite community in living out their covenant with God. These laws are often called the Book of the Covenant.
In the times of Moses, the Israelite community was moving towards settlement in the Promised Land. They needed structures and guidelines regarding various aspects of life, including social justice, family relations, and proper treatment of one another. The context of these laws was to create a community that honored God’s justice and righteousness.
Exodus 21:9 fits into this broader context, illustrating the need for fairness and regard for individuals’ rights and ways to maintain healthy family dynamics amid a structured approach to society. The command seems to stand against treating women simply as property—elevating them instead to a familial role in the eyes of their masters.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 21:9
When we break down this verse, we can focus on a few key terms that give it life and depth. The core elements are “betrothed,” “son,” “deal,” and “daughters.” The act of betrothing indicates a special relationship or commitment. The implication is that the son is taking responsibility for this individual in a deeper way beyond mere servitude.
Next, the command specifies that the son must ‘deal with her.’ The term ‘deal’ implies a level of care and interaction that must be approached with love and respect, emphasizing moral responsibility. Instead of having complete authority over her as a master would, the relationship is now one that demands consideration and affection. By describing her as a daughter, she is afforded higher status, one of dignity and protection.
This illustrates the transformational commitments God desires from His people. We are called to care for those we are in relationship with, valuing them as God would want us to. We could think about how we treat our friends, co-workers, and even family members through a lens of care and respect. In working together, these values can promote a healthier community.
When considering the implications this verse has for us, we can also observe parallels to how we are called to treat one another. The New Testament frequently emphasizes loving one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39), encouraging us to treat others with compassion and understanding. We can seek to embody this principle in our daily interactions.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 21:9
What can we learn from Exodus 21:9? One clear lesson is how God values each individual’s dignity and wellbeing, regardless of their social status. In its essence, the verse is about promoting equality and respect. When looking at modern society, we can see lessons in treating everyone, regardless of their role or circumstances, with compassion and kindness.
Another important lesson is the importance of responsibility. The son, by virtue of his relationship to the servant, must take special responsibility for her care and treatment. This is a guiding principle for us too. In our relationships—whether they be familial, professional, or communal—we can ask ourselves how we can take responsibility for the people in our lives. That responsibility creates bonds of loyalty and care that ought to run deep.
Moreover, we find that laws and guidelines can serve a purpose beyond just legalistic frameworks; they can illuminate morality and ethical obligations. The biblical law given in Exodus is not meant to restrict but rather guide us toward truth and compassion. As we look at these ancient texts, we can understand that they reflect a fundamental truth about human relationships—mutual respect and caring for one another.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 21:9 provides an invaluable insight into the way God intended relationships to function. It highlights dignity, respect, care, and responsibility. As we digest this verse, we are prompted to think about how we treat those around us and how we can uplift this principle in our interactions.
We can have a real impact on the lives of those we encounter daily. Let’s carry the heart of this scripture as we navigate our lives—seeing everyone through the lens of dignity and care. As we reflect on these themes, we can explore more about kindness in relationships, looking at passages such as Matthew 11 and Genesis 18:5.