Exodus 21:7
New International Version
“If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants do.

New Living Translation
“When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she will not be freed at the end of six years as the men are.

English Standard Version
“When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do.

Berean Standard Bible
And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do.

King James Bible
And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.

New King James Version
“And if a man sells his daughter to be a female slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do.

New American Standard Bible
“Now if a man sells his daughter as a female slave, she is not to go free as the male slaves do.

NASB 1995
“If a man sells his daughter as a female slave, she is not to go free as the male slaves do.

NASB 1977
“And if a man sells his daughter as a female slave, she is not to go free as the male slaves do.

Legacy Standard Bible
“And if a man sells his daughter as a female slave, she is not to go free as the male slaves do.

Amplified Bible
“If a man sells his daughter to be a female servant, she shall not go free [after six years] as male servants do.

Christian Standard Bible
“When a man sells his daughter as a concubine, she is not to leave as the male slaves do.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she is not to leave as the male slaves do.

American Standard Version
And if a man sell his daughter to be a maid-servant, she shall not go out as the men-servants do.

Contemporary English Version
A young woman who was sold by her father doesn't gain her freedom in the same way that a man does.

English Revised Version
And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Whenever a man sells his daughter into slavery, she will not go free the way male slaves do.

Good News Translation
"If a man sells his daughter as a slave, she is not to be set free, as male slaves are.

International Standard Version
"When a man sells his daughter as a servant, she won't go out as the male servants do.

Majority Standard Bible
And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do.

NET Bible
"If a man sells his daughter as a female servant, she will not go out as the male servants do.

New Heart English Bible
"If a man sells his daughter to be a female servant, she shall not go out as the male servants do.

Webster's Bible Translation
And if a man shall sell his daughter to be a maid-servant, she shall not depart as the men-servants do.

World English Bible
“If a man sells his daughter to be a female servant, she shall not go out as the male servants do.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And when a man sells his daughter for a handmaid, she does not go out according to the going out of the menservants;

Young's Literal Translation
'And when a man selleth his daughter for a handmaid, she doth not go out according to the going out of the men-servants;

Smith's Literal Translation
And if a man shall sell his daughter for a maid, she shall not go forth as the servants went forth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If any man sell his daughter to be a servant, she shall not go out as bondwomen are wont to go out.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If anyone sells his daughter to be a servant, she shall not depart as a female servant is accustomed to go out.

New American Bible
When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not go free as male slaves do.

New Revised Standard Version
When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when a man sells his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out free as the menservants do.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when a man will sell his daughter as a Maidservant, she will not go out as Men Servants will leave.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And if a man sell his daughter to be a maid-servant, she shall not go out as the men-servants do.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if any one sell his daughter as a domestic, she shall not depart as the maid-servants depart.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws for Servants
6then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life. 7And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. 8If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who had designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her.…

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 25:39-43
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. ...

Nehemiah 5:5
We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.”

2 Kings 4:1
Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”

Genesis 29:18-30
Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her. ...

Genesis 31:14-16
And Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we have any portion or inheritance left in our father’s house? / Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Not only has he sold us, but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. / Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.”

1 Samuel 25:39-42
On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. / When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” / She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” ...

Ruth 4:10
Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased through his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his home. You are witnesses today.”

Matthew 19:8
Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it was not this way from the beginning.

Matthew 5:31-32
It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ / But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

1 Corinthians 7:10-16
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. / To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If a brother has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. ...

1 Corinthians 7:21-23
Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. / You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:5-9
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...

Colossians 3:22-25
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.

sell

Nehemiah 5:5
Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.

go out

Exodus 21:2,3
If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing…

Jump to Previous
Bondmen Daughter Depart Female Free Gives Handmaid Maidservant Maid-Servant Male Menservants Men-Servants Price Sell Selleth Sells Servant Servants Slave Slaves
Jump to Next
Bondmen Daughter Depart Female Free Gives Handmaid Maidservant Maid-Servant Male Menservants Men-Servants Price Sell Selleth Sells Servant Servants Slave Slaves
Exodus 21
1. Laws for men servants
5. 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














And if a man sells his daughter
The phrase begins with a conditional "if," indicating a specific legal situation within the ancient Israelite society. The Hebrew word for "sells" is "מָכַר" (makar), which implies a transaction or transfer of ownership. In the historical context, this was not a sale in the modern sense but rather an arrangement often made due to economic hardship. The father, as the head of the household, had the authority to make such decisions, reflecting the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society. This practice was a means of providing for the daughter, ensuring her care and protection within another household.

as a servant
The Hebrew term used here is "אָמָה" (amah), which can be translated as "maidservant" or "female servant." This term indicates a status that is distinct from slavery as understood in later historical contexts. The role of a servant in ancient Israel was often more akin to an indentured servant, with specific rights and protections under the Mosaic Law. This reflects God's concern for justice and the humane treatment of all individuals, even within hierarchical social structures.

she is not to go free
The phrase "not to go free" highlights a distinction in the treatment of female servants compared to male servants. The Hebrew word "יָצָא" (yatsa) means "to go out" or "to be released." This indicates that the conditions for release were different for female servants, often tied to marriage or familial integration rather than a set period of service. This provision was intended to ensure the long-term welfare and security of the woman, recognizing the different social and economic vulnerabilities faced by women in ancient times.

as the menservants do
The comparison to "menservants" underscores the different legal and social expectations for male and female servants. The Hebrew word for "menservants" is "עֶבֶד" (eved), which refers to male servants who were typically released after six years of service, as outlined in Exodus 21:2. This distinction reflects the broader societal norms and the protective measures embedded within the law to address the unique needs and circumstances of women. It also points to the progressive nature of the Mosaic Law in providing specific rights and protections for women, which were advanced compared to other ancient Near Eastern cultures.

(7) If a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant.--The right of selling their children into slavery was regarded in ancient times as inherent in the patria potestas, and was practised largely by many nations (Herod. v. 6; Heyne, Opusc., vol. iv., p. 125). Among the Hebrews such sales were, comparatively speaking, rare; but still they occasionally took place, in consequence of extreme poverty (Nehemiah 5:5). Women sold in this way might claim their freedom at the end of six years if they chose (Deuteronomy 15:17); but if purchased to be wives, they received a further protection. If the intention were carried out, they were to be entitled to the status of wives during their whole lifetime, even though their husbands contracted further marriages (Exodus 21:10). If, instead of becoming the wife of her purchaser, a woman was made over by him to his son, she was to enjoy all the rights of a daughter (Exodus 21:9). If the purchaser declined to act in either of these two ways, he was compelled to take one of two other courses. Either he must get another Hebrew to discharge his obligation of marriage (Exodus 21:8), or he must return the maid intact to her father, without making any demand for the restitution of the purchase-money (Exodus 21:11). These provisions afforded a considerable protection to the slave-concubine, who might otherwise have been liable to grievous wrong and oppression. . . . Verse 7. - If a man sell his daughter to be a maid-servant. Among ancient nations the father' s rights over his children were generally regarded as including the right to sell them for slaves. In civilised nations the right was seldom exercised; but what restrained men was rather a sentiment of pride than any doubt of such sales being proper. Many barbarous nations, like the Thracians (Herod. 5:6), made a regular practice of selling their daughters. Even at Athens there was a time when sales of children had been common (Plut. Vit. Solon. § 13). Existing custom, it is clear, sanctioned such sales among the Hebrews, and what the law now did was to step in and mitigate the evil consequences. (Compare the comment on verse 2.) These were greatest in the case of females. Usually they were bought to be made the concubines, or secondary wives of their masters. If this intention were carried out, then they were to be entitled to their status and maintenance as wives during their lifetime, even though their husband took another (legitimate) wife (ver. 10). If the retention was not carried out, either the man was to marry her to one of his sons (ver. 9), or he was to sell his rights over her altogether with his obligations to another Hebrew; or he was to send her back at once intact to her father' s house, without making any claim on him to refund the purchase-money. These provisos may not have furnished a remedy against all the wrongs of a weak, and, no doubt, an oppressed class; but they were important mitigations of the existing usages, and protected the slave-concubine to a considerable extent.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And if
וְכִֽי־ (wə·ḵî-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

a man
אִ֛ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

sells
יִמְכֹּ֥ר (yim·kōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4376: To sell

his daughter
בִּתּ֖וֹ (bit·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

as a servant,
לְאָמָ֑ה (lə·’ā·māh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 519: A maidservant, female slave

she is not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to go free
תֵצֵ֖א (ṯê·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

as the menservants do.
הָעֲבָדִֽים׃ (hā·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant


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OT Law: Exodus 21:7 If a man sells his daughter (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 21:6
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