Exodus 21:8

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

אם רעה בעיני אדניה אשר לא יעדה והפדה לעם נכרי לא ימשל למכרה בבגדו בה:

What Does This Mean?

This verse is about a woman who was betrothed to a master but does not please him. The master must allow her to be redeemed instead of selling her to another nation, as he has acted deceptively towards her. It provides protection for the woman in this situation.

Explained for Children

Imagine you promised to share your toy with a friend, but then you didn't want to anymore. This verse says you can't just give the toy to someone else; you have to let your friend have it back. It's about being fair to someone you made a promise to.

Historical Background

This verse was written by Moses around 1440-1400 BCE. It was part of the laws given to the Israelites to guide their society and relationships, reflecting the cultural norms and legal practices of that time.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse can be seen as a guideline for fair treatment in relationships and contracts. For example, if a company promises a job to an employee but then changes its mind, it should still fulfill its obligations and not mislead the employee.

Topics

• justice
• fairness
• contractual obligations
• ethical treatment
• protection
• redemption

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 21:10-14
• Exodus 21:7-11
• Leviticus 25:47-55
• Isaiah 58:6-7
• Matthew 19:8

Recommended Reading

Commentary Exodus Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'redeemed' in this verse?

Being 'redeemed' means that the woman can be bought back or freed from the bond she was in. It's like being released from a contract under certain conditions.

Why does the master have no power to sell her to a strange nation?

The master has no power to sell her because he has already broken a promise to her, and selling her would be an unfair and deceptive action.

How does this verse reflect the values of justice and fairness?

This verse reflects justice and fairness by ensuring that a woman is not mistreated and that she has a right to be freed from a situation where she is not pleased, rather than being sold to another place.

Can this verse be applied to modern business practices?

Yes, this verse can be applied to modern business practices by emphasizing the importance of fulfilling promises and treating people fairly, even when circumstances change.