Old Testament
Exodus 21:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not released the same way male servants are.
Compare translations
And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.
What Exodus 21:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In ancient times, if a father sold his daughter as a servant, her situation was different from that of male servants. This law highlights the importance of understanding the value and rights of individuals, especially women, in society. Unlike male servants who could be released after a set period, daughters sold into servitude had fewer rights and protections. This reflects a cultural context where women often had limited options. The text encourages us to consider how we treat those who are vulnerable or in difficult situations. It challenges us to think about fairness and justice in our own lives. By recognizing the historical context, we can better appreciate the need for compassion and equity today. This passage serves as a reminder to advocate for the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of gender or status. It calls us to reflect on how we can create a more just and equitable society for everyone, ensuring that no one is treated as less than they deserve.
How to apply Exodus 21:7 to your life
Consider how you treat those who are vulnerable in your life. Advocate for fairness and justice, especially for those who may not have a voice. Reflect on your own actions and ensure you are promoting dignity and respect for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. Stand up for what is right and just in your community, fostering an environment of support and care.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Exodus 21:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Exodus 21:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 21:7 mean?
Exodus 21:7 explains that if a father sells his daughter as a servant, her situation differs from that of male servants. This reflects the cultural norms of the time regarding gender roles and the rights of women.
What is the meaning of servitude in Exodus 21:7?
In Exodus 21:7, servitude refers to the practice of a father selling his daughter into service, highlighting the limited rights and protections women had compared to men in ancient society.
How does Exodus 21:7 relate to gender roles?
Exodus 21:7 illustrates the unequal treatment of women in ancient times, showing that daughters sold into servitude had fewer rights than their male counterparts, reflecting societal views on gender roles.
What lessons can we learn from Exodus 21:7?
From Exodus 21:7, we learn the importance of advocating for fairness and justice, especially for vulnerable individuals. It encourages us to reflect on our treatment of others and promote dignity and respect for everyone.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.