Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “These are the laws you are to set before them: New Living Translation “These are the regulations you must present to Israel. English Standard Version “Now these are the rules that you shall set before them. Berean Standard Bible “These are the ordinances that you are to set before them: King James Bible Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. New King James Version “Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them: New American Standard Bible “Now these are the ordinances which you are to set before them: NASB 1995 “Now these are the ordinances which you are to set before them: NASB 1977 “Now these are the ordinances which you are to set before them. Legacy Standard Bible “Now these are the judgments which you are to set before them: Amplified Bible “Now these are the ordinances (laws) which you shall set before the Israelites: Christian Standard Bible “These are the ordinances that you are to set before them: Holman Christian Standard Bible These are the ordinances that you must set before them:” American Standard Version Now these are the ordinances which thou shalt set before them. Contemporary English Version The LORD gave Moses the following laws for his people: English Revised Version Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. GOD'S WORD® Translation [The LORD continued,] "Here are the legal decisions to be used by the Israelites: Good News Translation "Give the Israelites the following laws: International Standard Version "These are the ordinances that you are to set before them. NET Bible "These are the decisions that you will set before them: New Heart English Bible "Now these are the ordinances which you shall set before them. Webster's Bible Translation Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“These are the ordinances that you are to set before them: World English Bible “Now these are the ordinances which you shall set before them: Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd these [are] the judgments which you set before them: Young's Literal Translation And these are the judgments which thou dost set before them: Smith's Literal Translation And these the judgments which thou shalt set before them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThese are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. Catholic Public Domain Version “These are the judgments which you shall place before them: New American Bible These are the ordinances you shall lay before them. New Revised Standard Version These are the ordinances that you shall set before them: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNOW these are the judgments which you shall set before them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And these are the judgments that you shall set before them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now these are the ordinances which thou shalt set before them. Brenton Septuagint Translation And these are the ordinances which thou shalt set before them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Laws for Servants1“These are the ordinances that you are to set before them: 2If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything.… Cross References Deuteronomy 15:12-18 If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ... Leviticus 25:39-46 If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ... Jeremiah 34:8-17 After King Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people in Jerusalem to proclaim liberty, the word came to Jeremiah from the LORD / that each man should free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female, and no one should hold his fellow Jew in bondage. / So all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them, ... Nehemiah 5:1-13 About that time there was a great outcry from the people and their wives against their fellow Jews. / Some were saying, “We and our sons and daughters are numerous. We must get grain in order to eat and stay alive.” / Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.” ... Matthew 5:17-20 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. / So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ... Galatians 3:19-25 Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator. / A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one. / Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law. ... Romans 7:12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. 1 Timothy 1:8-10 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. / We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, / for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching Colossians 2:14-17 having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross! / And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. / Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. ... Hebrews 8:6-13 Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises. / For if that first covenant had been without fault, no place would have been sought for a second. / But God found fault with the people and said: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. ... James 2:8-12 If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. / But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. / Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. ... Ezekiel 18:5-9 Now suppose a man is righteous and does what is just and right: / He does not eat at the mountain or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her period. / He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing. ... Isaiah 42:21 The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious. Psalm 19:7-11 The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. ... 1 Corinthians 9:9-10 For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? / Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest. Treasury of Scripture Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them. the judgments Leviticus 18:5,26 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD… Leviticus 19:37 Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD. Leviticus 20:22 Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out. which Exodus 19:7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. Exodus 24:3,4 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do… Deuteronomy 4:5,8 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it… Jump to Previous Judgments Laws OrdinancesJump to Next Judgments Laws OrdinancesExodus 21 1. Laws for men servants5. For the servant whose ear is bored 7. For women servants 12. For manslaughter 16. For kidnappers 17. For cursers of parents 18. For smiters 22. For a hurt by chance 28. For an ox that gores 33. For him who is an occasion of harm These are the ordinances The term "ordinances" refers to specific laws or regulations given by God to the Israelites. These are part of the covenantal laws that follow the Ten Commandments, providing detailed applications for the community. The Hebrew word used here is "mishpatim," which often denotes judgments or legal decisions. This indicates a structured legal system intended to guide the moral and social conduct of the Israelites. The ordinances are part of the broader Mosaic Law, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. These laws reflect God's character and His desire for justice and righteousness among His people. that you are to set before them: Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the laws and ordinances from God on Mount Sinai. He is the mediator between God and the people. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now receiving God's laws to govern their community. 3. Mount Sinai The place where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws, including the ordinances in Exodus 21. 4. God The divine lawgiver who provides these ordinances to guide His people in righteousness and justice. 5. Covenant The agreement between God and the Israelites, of which these ordinances are a part, establishing the terms of their relationship. Teaching Points Understanding God's JusticeThe ordinances in Exodus 21 reflect God's justice and concern for order within the community. They provide a framework for fair treatment and accountability. The Role of Law in Society These laws were given to maintain social order and protect individuals, especially the vulnerable. They remind us of the importance of laws in promoting justice and peace. Moral and Ethical Living The ordinances serve as a guide for moral and ethical behavior, encouraging us to live in a way that honors God and respects others. Covenant Relationship The giving of these ordinances is part of God's covenant with Israel, reminding us of the importance of living in faithful relationship with God. Application to Modern Life While the specific ordinances may not directly apply today, the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for others are timeless and relevant. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 21:1?2. How does Exodus 21:1 guide us in establishing fair societal laws today? 3. What principles from Exodus 21:1 reflect God's justice and order? 4. How does Exodus 21:1 connect with Jesus' teachings on justice and mercy? 5. In what ways can Exodus 21:1 influence our approach to modern legal systems? 6. How can Exodus 21:1 inspire Christians to advocate for ethical treatment of others? 7. How does Exodus 21:1 align with the concept of justice in the Bible? 8. What historical context influenced the laws in Exodus 21:1? 9. How do the laws in Exodus 21:1 reflect God's character? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21? 11. Historically or archaeologically, is there evidence that these specific slave and injury laws were widely practiced as described in Exodus 21? 12. How do we resolve the apparent contradiction between God's mercy in other passages and His severe judgment here (Lev 10)? 13. What does the Bible teach about servanthood? 14. How did early Israelites fulfill the centralized requirement of bringing firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26) before a formal temple or priesthood was consistently established? What Does Exodus 21:1 Mean These are• God begins with a decisive identifier—“These.” By pointing to a specific body of teaching, He reminds Israel that His revelation is concrete, not fluid (Deuteronomy 4:1–2; Isaiah 40:8). • Just after the thunderous giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), the Lord now pivots from the general moral law to detailed applications. Scripture often pairs broad principles with practical follow-through (James 1:22–25). • Exodus 20:22–23 introduces this section: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘This is what you are to say to the Israelites…’ ”. The flow shows continuity—“these” statutes come from the same holy Author who spoke on Sinai. the ordinances • “Ordinances” (mishpatim) describes judgments or rulings meant to order community life. They show that God’s concern extends beyond worship into economics, family, and justice (Leviticus 18:4–5; Psalm 19:7–9). • Unlike pagan nations that shaped law around kings, Israel’s civil code springs from the character of God Himself (Psalm 99:4). • The coming verses address servants, violence, property, and social responsibility, illustrating how the second great command—“love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18)—plays out on the ground. that you are to set • The charge is personal: Moses must “set” these ordinances. Spiritual leaders are stewards, not originators (1 Corinthians 4:1–2). • Deuteronomy 4:5 echoes this task: “See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances… so that you may follow them”. Passing on truth intact is a sacred duty (2 Timothy 2:2). • “Set” implies intentional presentation—clarity, accessibility, and even public reading (Deuteronomy 31:11). God’s law is not to be hidden in academia but placed within reach of every household. before them • The ordinances are for “them”—the whole covenant community, from elders to day laborers. No one is above God’s standards (Exodus 18:20; Romans 2:11). • Putting the law “before” the people invites active response: hear, understand, obey (Joshua 24:15, 24). • Visible, communal law nurtures accountability. Psalm 119:30 celebrates this posture: “I have chosen the way of truth; I have set Your ordinances before me”. • Ultimately, the phrase anticipates Christ, the living Word placed openly before all (John 1:14; Hebrews 12:2), who fulfills the law and empowers His people to walk in it (Romans 8:4). summary Exodus 21:1 signals a shift from the grand proclamations of Sinai to the everyday details of covenant life. By identifying “these” specific directives, labeling them “ordinances,” commissioning Moses to “set” them, and placing them “before” the people, God shows that His righteous character governs every sphere. The verse reminds us that divine revelation is definite, comprehensive, faithfully delivered by called leaders, and designed for the practical obedience of the whole community. XXI.LAWS CONCERNING THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS. (1) These are the judgments.--"The laws" (Knobel), "the rights" (Keil), "the rules which shall guide judicial decisions" (Pool). The paraphrase alone gives the full meaning. Verse 1. - These are the judgments. The term "judgment" applies most properly to the decisions of courts and the laws founded upon them. No doubt the laws contained in the "Book of the Covenant" were to a large extent old laws, which had been often acted on; but we should do wrong to suppose that there was nothing new in the legislation. The Hebrew mishphat is used with some vagueness. Vers 2-11. -Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Theseוְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ (wə·’êl·leh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those are the ordinances הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים (ham·miš·pā·ṭîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style that אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you are to set תָּשִׂ֖ים (tā·śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set before them: לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃ (lip̄·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face Links Exodus 21:1 NIVExodus 21:1 NLT Exodus 21:1 ESV Exodus 21:1 NASB Exodus 21:1 KJV Exodus 21:1 BibleApps.com Exodus 21:1 Biblia Paralela Exodus 21:1 Chinese Bible Exodus 21:1 French Bible Exodus 21:1 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 21:1 Now these are the ordinances which you (Exo. Ex) |