Exodus 21:9 Meaning and Explanation
“And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If a master betroths his maidservant to his son, she must be treated as a daughter-in-law with a daughter's rights.
The Context of Exodus 21:9
Betrothal to the master's son grants her daughter-like status
What Does Exodus 21:9 Mean?
Betrothal to the master's son changes the maidservant's legal and social standing. She is no longer merely a servant but a member of the household with kinship obligations and protections. She must receive treatment befitting a daughter—not servant privileges, but family status.
This provision ensures that a woman incorporated into the family through betrothal experiences the dignity and security of membership, not the vulnerability of servile status. Her bond to the family legally transforms her identity and rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 21:9
What does Exodus 21:9 mean?
If a master betroths his maidservant to his son, she must be treated as a daughter-in-law with a daughter's rights.
What is the context of Exodus 21:9?
Betrothal to the master's son grants her daughter-like status