Old Testament
Exodus 21:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If she doesn't please the master who chose her for himself, he must allow her to be bought back. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he broke faith with her.
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If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.
What Exodus 21:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a situation where a woman has been chosen by a master to be his wife. If she does not meet his expectations or please him, he must allow her to return to her family. This is significant because it shows that he cannot treat her as a mere possession. Instead, he has a responsibility to her well-being. The law emphasizes fairness and respect in relationships, highlighting that trust is essential. If he fails to honor this trust, he cannot sell her to someone else. This reflects a deeper principle about the importance of integrity in our commitments. Relationships should be built on mutual respect and care, not exploitation or deceit. The passage encourages us to consider how we treat others and the promises we make in our own lives, reminding us that our actions have consequences and that we should act with honor and kindness towards those we are connected to in any way. It’s a call to uphold dignity in all relationships, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect.
How to apply Exodus 21:8 to your life
In our daily interactions, we should strive to treat others with respect and honor our commitments. This means being mindful of how our actions affect those around us. When we make promises, we must keep them and ensure that we act with integrity. Building trust is essential in all relationships, personal or professional. Let's be intentional about how we treat others, fostering a culture of care and respect in our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Keep studying Exodus 21:8
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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 21:8 teach about relationships?
Exodus 21:8 emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and integrity in relationships. It illustrates that a master has a responsibility towards the woman he has chosen, highlighting that she is not merely a possession. If she does not please him, he must allow her to return to her family, which underscores the principle that relationships should be built on trust and care, rather than exploitation.
How does Exodus 21:8 relate to modern commitments?
The principles found in Exodus 21:8 can be applied to modern commitments by reminding us of the importance of honoring our promises and treating others with dignity. In today's context, whether in personal or professional relationships, we should strive to act with integrity and ensure that our actions reflect respect for others. This passage encourages us to consider the impact of our decisions on those we are connected to.
Why can't the master sell the woman to foreigners according to Exodus 21:8?
According to Exodus 21:8, the master cannot sell the woman to foreigners because he has broken faith with her. This law reflects a commitment to fairness and respect, indicating that once a bond is established, it must be honored. Selling her would be an act of exploitation and betrayal, reinforcing the idea that relationships should be based on trust and integrity.
What practical lessons can we learn from Exodus 21:8?
From Exodus 21:8, we learn the importance of treating others with respect and honoring our commitments. It teaches us to be mindful of how our actions affect those around us and to act with integrity in our relationships. By fostering a culture of care and respect, we can build trust and ensure that our interactions are grounded in fairness and dignity.
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