Intro: Exodus 21 Summary – Justice and Order in the Covenant Law
The Exodus 21 summary continues God’s revelation at Mount Sinai, where He gives Israel specific laws for daily life. These commands form part of the Book of the Covenant, guiding justice, compassion, and responsibility within the new nation. The laws in Exodus 21 address servants, personal injury, property damage, and moral accountability — establishing a foundation of fairness and protection for all people.
(For the complete series, see the Book of Exodus Chapter-by-Chapter Summary.)
Chart: Categories of Laws in Exodus 21
| Category | Verses | Key Subjects | Summary of Commands |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Laws About Hebrew Servants | 1–11 | Servitude and family rights | Servants serve six years and go free in the seventh (v. 2). If the master provides a wife, the family may stay together. Female servants are to be treated with fairness and dignity (v. 7–11). |
| 2. Laws About Violence and Personal Injury | 12–27 | Murder, assault, and injury compensation | Intentional murder is punishable by death (v. 12–14). Striking or cursing parents is forbidden (v. 15, 17). Injuries caused by fighting, servants, or accidents require compensation (v. 18–27). The “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” rule ensures fair justice, not revenge. |
| 3. Laws About Animals and Property Responsibility | 28–36 | Oxen and property damage | If an ox gores someone, the animal is stoned, and its owner held accountable if negligence is proven (v. 28–32). If a pit or ox causes damage to another’s property, restitution must be made (v. 33–36). |
| 4. Laws Protecting Human Dignity and Order | Throughout | Family and moral protection | Includes respect for parents, fair treatment of servants, and penalties against kidnapping (v. 16). These commands reinforce the sanctity of human life and order in society. |
Laws About Servants (Exodus 21:1–11)
Hebrew servants were to serve six years and gain freedom in the seventh. If they chose to remain with their master, they could do so voluntarily in a lifelong covenant. Female servants received protection from abuse or neglect — ensuring equality and justice under God’s law.
Laws About Violence and Injury (Exodus 21:12–27)
The Exodus 21 summary records laws that emphasize the value of human life. Murder and kidnapping were capital crimes, while accidental injury required restitution. The well-known phrase “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (v. 24) was meant to restrain excessive punishment, guaranteeing that justice was proportionate and fair.
Laws About Property and Responsibility (Exodus 21:28–36)
These laws show that property owners are accountable for negligence. If an animal causes death or injury, or if someone’s carelessness results in harm, the responsible party must compensate the loss. God’s law emphasizes prevention, accountability, and restoration rather than unchecked punishment.
Summary of Exodus 21
The Exodus 21 summary demonstrates how God’s covenant law shaped Israel’s moral and civil life. These regulations balanced justice with compassion, ensuring that all — rich and poor, master and servant — were treated with fairness.
This chapter reminds readers that holiness extends beyond worship into daily living, where mercy, accountability, and respect reflect God’s character.
For the next section of laws, visit God’s Covenant with Israel, or read the full Exodus 21 (KJV).
Image suggestion: An ancient balance scale beside a scroll of Hebrew writing, symbolizing justice and fairness — no people depicted.