Exodus 21:26 Meaning and Explanation
“And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A master who blinds a servant must grant the servant freedom as compensation for the permanent injury.
The Context of Exodus 21:26
Blinding a servant results in that servant's release
What Does Exodus 21:26 Mean?
Even within the institution of servitude, there are limits to harm a master may inflict. If a master strikes a servant's eye and destroys it, the loss of vision—a permanent and profound disability—results in the servant's unconditional release. Freedom becomes the price of the lost eye.
This law protects servants from disfiguring abuse and recognizes that some harms cannot be compensated monetarily. Permanent injury from a master's violence grants liberty, showing that even servants have a body that deserves protection and a spirit that deserves freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 21:26
What does Exodus 21:26 mean?
A master who blinds a servant must grant the servant freedom as compensation for the permanent injury.
What is the context of Exodus 21:26?
Blinding a servant results in that servant's release