UTN uW Translation Notes:

Exodus 21 General Notes

This chapter begins to give the Israelite civil case law, that is, the explanation of how to apply the principles condensed in the ten commandments.

Structure and Formatting

- 1: Introduction- 2–6: Laws regarding male slaves- 7–11: Laws regarding female slaves- 12–17: Capital crimes- 18–36: Liability laws * 18–27: Regarding human violence * 28–36: Regarding damage done by or to animals

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Hypothetical situations

Throughout the case law, a hypothetical situation is introduced with “when” or “if.” It is followed by a description of the situation; then there is the penalty or action to be taken in those situations. A hypothetical person may be introduced with “anyone” or “whoever.” Most verses for the next several chapters will have these hypothetical situations. See: grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical Translators familiar with Hebrew may want to notice that, generally, major divisions are introduced by כִּי (ki) and minor divisions within a topic are introduced by אִם (’im).

Passive construction

Many portions of these situations are written in the passive voice. Some languages may have to change all or some of these to active voice. See: figs-activepassive.

Daughters sold as servants

The section from 21:7–11 may be somewhat confusing because a daughter that is sold as a servant is seamlessly connected to her becoming someone’s wife. It seems the two things could be closely related.

Ransom payment

In 21:30 a man whose bull killed someone may evade the death penalty by paying a ransom price, but the conditions for that happening are not clear.