Exodus 21:22 meaning
In ancient Israel, the legal framework emphasized the protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children. Exodus 21:22 outlines the consequences when a pregnant woman is harmed in a conflict, highlighting the value placed on both her life and the life of her unborn child. The context of this law reflects a broader ethical stance where accidental harm carries significant ramifications, ensuring accountability and justice.
When an injury leads to the loss of an unborn child, the offender is deemed punishable according to the husband's wishes and judicial determinations. This reflects a nuanced legal approach that recognizes the gravity of potential harm while also considering the circumstances. The subsequent provision for a more severe penalty if the woman herself suffers as a result reiterates the protective measures in place for both mother and child. This illustrates the law as a means of moral guidance, promoting care and respect for life, and aligns with principles against violence, emphasizing justice rather than reprisal.
The scripture reads: “If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.”.
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Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Exodus 21:18-27 meaning. Here are the judgements for four instances of violence done to a person where the victim does not die. The four instances are: violence between free people, violence done to servants, violence done to a pregnant woman which causes the loss of her baby, and bodily injury to a servant.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Exodus 16:22-30 meaning. The second section of chapter 16 (vv. 22 – 30) is the provision of rest based upon the observance of the Sabbath. Though the law concerning the Sabbath was not given until chapter 19, some sense of it has existed since the creation. Here, the LORD prepared the people for the importance of the Sabbath rest by providing a double portion (i.e. two omers) of manna on the sixth day.
- Exodus 13:17-22 meaning. This section (verses 17 – 22) describes the beginning of the journey from Egypt to the Red Sea. It stresses that the LORD led them with a pillar of cloud or fire. He chose a route to the Red Sea for a specific purpose. The point is also made that Moses made sure that Joseph's bones were carried with them.
- Exodus 21:1 meaning. So begins a section known as the Book of the Covenant. It contains 42 judgments.
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