Exodus 21:26

French (NBS) 2002 (Nouvelle Bible Segond)

Lorsqu'un homme frappe l'œil de son esclave ou de sa servante et lui fait perdre son œil, il le renverra libre, pour son œil.

Que signifie ce verset ?

This verse from Exodus states that if a master harms the eye of his servant or maid, causing permanent damage, he must set the servant free as compensation. The key message is about justice and the value of human life over ownership.

Expliqué aux enfants

Imagine you have a pet and you accidentally hurt its eye. This verse is like a rule that says if you hurt your pet badly, you have to let it go free because it's not fair to keep it after causing it harm. It's about being kind and fair.

Contexte historique

Exodus was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. This verse was part of the laws given to the Israelites to guide their behavior and society. It reflects the cultural norms of slavery but also introduces limits and justice.

Application pour aujourd'hui

In modern terms, this could apply to workplace safety laws. If a boss creates an unsafe environment that causes harm to an employee, the company could be liable to compensate the employee, possibly including job termination or reassignment.

Thèmes

• justice
• human rights
• slavery
• compensation
• moral law
• ancient law

Versets liés

• Exodus 21:23
• Leviticus 24:20
• Deuteronomy 25:11-12
• Matthew 5:38
• 1 Corinthians 6:7

Questions fréquentes

Does this verse support slavery?

The verse doesn't condone slavery but rather sets limitations on the treatment of servants, reflecting a society where slavery was a reality.

How does this relate to modern laws?

Today, this concept can be seen in workplace safety laws where employers are responsible for injuries caused to employees and must compensate them.

What does 'let him go free' mean?

It means the servant must be set free from their obligation of servitude as compensation for the harm caused to them.

Why is the eye specifically mentioned?

The eye symbolizes a significant loss of function and the severity of the injury, warranting the severance of the master-servant relationship.