Topical Bible: Servants: Slaves or Bond: Laws Respecting the Killing of

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In the biblical context, the term "servants" often refers to individuals who were in a state of servitude, which could include slaves or bondservants. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations concerning the treatment of servants, including laws addressing the killing of a servant.

Exodus 21:20-21 provides a foundational text regarding the treatment of servants: "If a man strikes his male or female servant with a rod and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished. However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property" . This passage indicates that the death of a servant at the hands of their master was a serious offense, warranting punishment. The text underscores the value of human life, even within the context of servitude, and implies a level of accountability for the master.

The phrase "he shall surely be punished" suggests that the master would face consequences, though the specific nature of the punishment is not detailed in this passage. The law reflects a balance between the rights of the master and the protection of the servant, acknowledging the servant's status as property while also recognizing their humanity.

The subsequent clause, "if the servant gets up after a day or two," implies a distinction between immediate death and injuries that do not result in death. In such cases, the master would not be punished, as the servant's recovery indicates that the intent was not to kill. This provision reflects an understanding of intent and consequence, emphasizing the importance of the servant's recovery in determining the master's culpability.

Exodus 21:26-27 further elaborates on the treatment of servants: "If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant and destroys it, he must let the servant go free in compensation for the eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, he must let the servant go free in compensation for the tooth" . These verses highlight the principle of restitution and the protection of the servant's well-being. The loss of an eye or tooth results in the servant's freedom, serving as a deterrent against excessive violence and abuse.

The biblical laws concerning the killing of servants reflect a broader ethical framework that values justice and mercy. While the institution of servitude was a reality in ancient Israelite society, the laws provided a measure of protection for servants, ensuring that their lives were not taken lightly and that their masters were held accountable for their actions. These regulations underscore the inherent dignity of all individuals, regardless of their social status, and the importance of justice in the community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 21:20,21
And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... state, was the sole distinction and bond of the ... were they his friends, and not servants;
and therefore ... endless grief and compassion for its slaves, which could ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

The Mystery
... rich and poor, and free and bond (that is ... that the former professed themselves the
servants of the ... with their name or mark; and the slaves, indeed, principally ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

part ii
... If people labour so long for worldly vanity, and often make us wait in vain for
them to finish, then should not we, God's servants, labour for the Lord God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm