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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 21:16 Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/21-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/02_Exo_21_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 21:16 - Personal Injury Laws" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/21-15.htm" title="Exodus 21:15">◄</a> Exodus 21:16 <a href="/exodus/21-17.htm" title="Exodus 21:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper&#8217s possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Kidnappers must be put to death, whether they are caught in possession of their victims or have already sold them as slaves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“He who kidnaps a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Now one who kidnaps someone, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall certainly be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And he who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Whoever kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or is found with him in his possession, must be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Whoever kidnaps a person must be put to death, whether he sells him or the person is found in his possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever kidnaps a person must be put to death, whether he sells him or the person is found in his possession.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Death is the punishment for kidnapping. If you sell the person you kidnapped, or if you are caught with that person, the penalty is death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Whoever kidnaps another person must be put to death, whether he has sold the kidnapped person or still has him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Whoever kidnaps someone, either to sell him or to keep him as a slave, is to be put to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Whoever kidnaps a person, whether he has sold him or whether the victim is still in his possession, is certainly to be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Whoever kidnaps someone and sells him, or is caught still holding him, must surely be put to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Anyone who kidnaps someone and sells him, or if he is found in his possession, he shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he shall be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Anyone who kidnaps someone and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he who steals a man, and has sold him, and he has been found in his hand, is certainly put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And he who stealeth a man, and hath sold him, and he hath been found in his hand, is certainly put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he stealing a man, and selling him, and being found in his hand, dying, he shall die.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that shall steal a man, and sell him, being convicted of guilt, shall be put to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever will have stolen a man and sold him, having been convicted of the crime, shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A kidnapper, whether he sells the person or the person is found in his possession, shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever kidnaps a person, whether that person has been sold or is still held in possession, shall be put to death.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who steals a person and sells him, or he is found in his possession, he shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He who will steal a person and will sell him and be found with him surely shall be killed.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Whosoever shall steal one of the children of Israel, and prevail over him and sell him, and he be found with him, let him certainly die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/21-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5267" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm">Personal Injury Laws</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Whoever strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1589.htm" title="1589: wə·ḡō·nêḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To steal. A primitive root; to thieve; by implication, to deceive.">Whoever kidnaps</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">another man</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mō·wṯ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">must be put to death,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yū·māṯ (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4376.htm" title="4376: ū·mə·ḵā·rōw (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To sell. A primitive root; to sell, literally, or figuratively.">whether he sells him</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: wə·nim·ṣā (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">or the man is found</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: ḇə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">in his possession.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/24-7.htm">Deuteronomy 24:7</a></span><br />If a man is caught kidnapping one of his Israelite brothers, whether he treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. So you must purge the evil from among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">1 Timothy 1:10</a></span><br />for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-18.htm">Matthew 19:18</a></span><br />“Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-13.htm">Revelation 18:13</a></span><br />of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28</a></span><br />So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-11.htm">Leviticus 19:11</a></span><br />You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/1-6.htm">Amos 1:6</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Gaza, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they exiled a whole population, delivering them up to Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/1-9.htm">Amos 1:9</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Tyre, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they delivered up a whole congregation of exiles to Edom and broke a covenant of brotherhood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-10.htm">1 Corinthians 6:10</a></span><br />nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Proverbs 22:22</a></span><br />Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/34-8.htm">Jeremiah 34:8-17</a></span><br />After King Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people in Jerusalem to proclaim liberty, the word came to Jeremiah from the LORD / that each man should free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female, and no one should hold his fellow Jew in bondage. / So all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10-16</a></span><br />I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. / Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. / I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/40-15.htm">Genesis 40:15</a></span><br />For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-22.htm">Isaiah 42:22</a></span><br />But this is a people plundered and looted, all trapped in caves or imprisoned in dungeons. They have become plunder with no one to rescue them, and loot with no one to say, “Send them back!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/27-13.htm">Ezekiel 27:13</a></span><br />Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your merchandise.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he that steals a man, and sells him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.</p><p class="hdg">stealeth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/40-15.htm">Genesis 40:15</a></b></br> For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/24-7.htm">Deuteronomy 24:7</a></b></br> If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">1 Timothy 1:10</a></b></br> For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;</p><p class="hdg">selleth him</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28</a></b></br> Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty <i>pieces</i> of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.</p><p class="hdg">found in</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4</a></b></br> If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/10-19.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/exodus/21-15.htm">Death</a> <a href="/exodus/11-7.htm">Either</a> <a href="/exodus/18-8.htm">Found</a> <a href="/exodus/21-4.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/20-20.htm">Order</a> <a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/exodus/21-8.htm">Power</a> <a href="/exodus/21-8.htm">Price</a> <a href="/exodus/21-7.htm">Selleth</a> <a href="/exodus/21-7.htm">Sells</a> <a href="/genesis/47-22.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/exodus/12-30.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Stealeth</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Steals</a> <a href="/exodus/21-15.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/exodus/19-13.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/exodus/21-17.htm">Death</a> <a href="/leviticus/1-2.htm">Either</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Found</a> <a href="/exodus/21-19.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Order</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/exodus/23-31.htm">Power</a> <a href="/exodus/21-30.htm">Price</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-29.htm">Selleth</a> <a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">Sells</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/exodus/34-15.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-6.htm">Stealeth</a> <a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">Steals</a> <a href="/exodus/21-17.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/exodus/21-31.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-1.htm">Laws for men servants</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">For the servant whose ear is bored</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-7.htm">For women servants</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">For manslaughter</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">For kidnappers</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-17.htm">For cursers of parents</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">For smiters</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">For a hurt by chance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">For an ox that gores</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">For him who is an occasion of harm</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Whoever kidnaps another man</b><br>This phrase addresses the act of kidnapping, which is considered a severe violation of personal freedom and dignity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kidnapping was a serious crime, often associated with slavery or forced servitude. The biblical law here reflects the high value placed on human life and freedom, aligning with the broader biblical principle that every person is made in the image of God (<a href="/genesis/1-27.htm">Genesis 1:27</a>). This commandment underscores the sanctity of human life and the importance of protecting individuals from exploitation and harm.<p><b>must be put to death</b><br>The prescribed punishment of death for kidnapping highlights the gravity of the offense. In the context of the Mosaic Law, capital punishment was reserved for the most serious crimes, indicating that kidnapping was seen as a direct attack on the social order and the well-being of the community. This reflects the principle of justice and retribution found throughout the Old Testament, where the punishment is meant to fit the crime (<a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Exodus 21:23-25</a>). The severity of the penalty serves as a deterrent and underscores the importance of upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable.<p><b>whether he sells him</b><br>This clause addresses the potential outcome of kidnapping, where the victim is sold into slavery. The selling of a kidnapped person into slavery was a common practice in the ancient world, and this law explicitly condemns it. The prohibition against selling a kidnapped person aligns with the broader biblical condemnation of unjust slavery and human trafficking. It reflects the biblical theme of liberation and freedom, as seen in the Exodus narrative, where God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (<a href="/exodus/6-6.htm">Exodus 6:6</a>).<p><b>or the man is found in his possession</b><br>This phrase indicates that the crime of kidnapping is punishable regardless of whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper's possession. The law ensures that the perpetrator is held accountable in all circumstances, emphasizing the protection of the victim's rights and dignity. This comprehensive approach to justice is consistent with the biblical emphasis on righteousness and the protection of the innocent. It also reflects the principle that intent and action are both subject to divine and legal scrutiny, as seen in other biblical laws that address both the act and the intent behind it (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15-21</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The author of Exodus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The recipients of the law, who were being formed into a covenant community under God's guidance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The place where God delivered the law to Moses, including the commandments and ordinances.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/k/kidnapper.htm">Kidnapper</a></b><br>The individual who unlawfully takes another person, as described in this law.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/v/victim.htm">Victim</a></b><br>The person who is kidnapped, highlighting the crime's severity and the need for justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_human_life.htm">The Sanctity of Human Life</a></b><br>This law underscores the value God places on human life and personal freedom. Kidnapping is a violation of both, warranting the severest penalty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_deterrence.htm">Justice and Deterrence</a></b><br>The prescribed death penalty serves as a deterrent and a means of upholding justice within the community. It reflects the seriousness with which God views the protection of individuals.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_personal_freedom.htm">Respect for Personal Freedom</a></b><br>The law highlights the importance of respecting each person's freedom and autonomy, a principle that remains relevant in contemporary discussions on human rights.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_responsibility.htm">Moral Responsibility</a></b><br>Believers are called to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable, reflecting God's character in their communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_integrity.htm">Community Integrity</a></b><br>The law serves to maintain the integrity and moral fabric of the community, ensuring that such grievous acts do not go unpunished.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/should_reparations_for_slavery_be_paid.htm">Should reparations for slavery be paid?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_execution.htm">What is the Bible's stance on capital punishment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_donation_of_constantine.htm">Should reparations for slavery be paid?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_juneteenth's_meaning_to_christians.htm">How do Christians perceive the significance of Juneteenth?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that stealeth a man</span>. Kidnapping, or stealing men to make them slaves, was a very early and very wide-spread crime. Joseph' s brothers must be regarded as having committed it (<a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28</a>); and there are many traces of it in the remains of antiquity. (See Herod. 4:183; Strab. 7. p. 467; Sueton. <span class="accented">Octav</span>. § 32; etc.) Most kidnapping was of foreigners; and this was a practice of which the laws of states took no cognizance, though a certain disrepute may have attached to it. But the kidnapping of a fellow-country-man was generally punished with severity. At Athens it was a capital offence. At Rome it made a man infamous. We may gather from <a href="/deuteronomy/24-7.htm">Deuteronomy 24:7</a>, that the Mosaic law was especially levelled against this lena of the crime, though the words of the present passage are general, and forbid the crime altogether. Man-stealing, in the general sense, is now regarded as an offence by the chief civilised states of Europe and America, and is punished by confiscation of the stolen goods, and sometimes by imprisonment of the man-stealers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/21-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Whoever kidnaps</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגֹנֵ֨ב</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡō·nêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1589.htm">Strong's 1589: </a> </span><span class="str2">To thieve, to deceive</span><br /><br /><span class="word">another man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֧ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must be put to death,</span><br /><span class="heb">מ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whether he sells him</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְכָר֛וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·ḵā·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4376.htm">Strong's 4376: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sell</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or the man is found</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִמְצָ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nim·ṣā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his possession.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְיָד֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·yā·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">OT Law: Exodus 21:16 Anyone who kidnaps someone and sells him (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/21-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 21:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 21:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/21-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 21:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 21:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>