Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession. New Living Translation “Kidnappers must be put to death, whether they are caught in possession of their victims or have already sold them as slaves. English Standard Version “Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death. Berean Standard Bible Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession. Berean Literal Bible And the one who steals a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, he must surely be put to death. King James Bible And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. New King James Version “He who kidnaps a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death. New American Standard Bible “Now one who kidnaps someone, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall certainly be put to death. NASB 1995 “He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death. NASB 1977 “And he who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death. Legacy Standard Bible “He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death. Amplified Bible “Whoever kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or is found with him in his possession, must be put to death. Berean Annotated Bible Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession. Christian Standard Bible “Whoever kidnaps a person must be put to death, whether he sells him or the person is found in his possession. Holman Christian Standard Bible Whoever kidnaps a person must be put to death, whether he sells him or the person is found in his possession.” American Standard Version And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. Contemporary English Version 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. English Revised Version And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Whoever kidnaps another person must be put to death, whether he has sold the kidnapped person or still has him. Good News Translation "Whoever kidnaps someone, either to sell him or to keep him as a slave, is to be put to death. International Standard Version "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. NET Bible "Whoever kidnaps someone and sells him, or is caught still holding him, must surely be put to death. New Heart English Bible "Anyone who kidnaps someone and sells him, or if he is found in his possession, he shall surely be put to death. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession. World English Bible “Anyone who kidnaps someone and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he who steals a man, and has sold him, and he has been found in his hand, is certainly put to death. Berean Literal Bible And the one who steals a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, he must surely be put to death. Young's Literal Translation 'And he who stealeth a man, and hath sold him, and he hath been found in his hand, is certainly put to death. Smith's Literal Translation And he stealing a man, and selling him, and being found in his hand, dying, he shall die. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe that shall steal a man, and sell him, being convicted of guilt, shall be put to death. Catholic Public Domain Version Whoever will have stolen a man and sold him, having been convicted of the crime, shall be put to death. New American Bible A kidnapper, whether he sells the person or the person is found in his possession, shall be put to death. New Revised Standard Version Whoever kidnaps a person, whether that person has been sold or is still held in possession, shall be put to death. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe who steals a person and sells him, or he is found in his possession, he shall surely be put to death. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He who will steal a person and will sell him and be found with him surely shall be killed. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. Brenton Septuagint Translation 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. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Personal Injury Laws…15Whoever strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death. 16Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession. 17Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.… Cross References Whoever kidnaps another man Deuteronomy 24:7 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. Amos 1:6 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. 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching must be put to death, Leviticus 24:17 And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death. Numbers 35:30 If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. whether he sells him Genesis 37:28 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. Amos 2:6 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. Joel 3:6 You sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks, to send them far from their homeland. or the man is found in his possession. Exodus 22:4 If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double. Joshua 7:21-22 When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” / So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there it all was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. Genesis 44:12 The steward searched, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest—and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. Deuteronomy 24:7 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. 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching Matthew 19:18 “Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, Revelation 18:13 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. Treasury of Scripture And he that steals a man, and sells him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. stealeth Genesis 40:15 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. Deuteronomy 24:7 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. 1 Timothy 1:10 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; selleth him Genesis 37:28 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 pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. found in Exodus 22:4 If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double. Jump to Previous Caught Death Either Found Gets Hand Order Possession Power Price Selleth Sells Sold Someone Stealeth Steals Surely WhetherJump to Next Caught Death Either Found Gets Hand Order Possession Power Price Selleth Sells Sold Someone Stealeth Steals Surely WhetherExodus 21 1. Laws for men servants5. 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 Whoever kidnaps another man 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 (Genesis 1:27). This commandment underscores the sanctity of human life and the importance of protecting individuals from exploitation and harm. must be put to death whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Exodus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai. 2. Israelites The recipients of the law, who were being formed into a covenant community under God's guidance. 3. Mount Sinai The place where God delivered the law to Moses, including the commandments and ordinances. 4. Kidnapper The individual who unlawfully takes another person, as described in this law. 5. Victim The person who is kidnapped, highlighting the crime's severity and the need for justice. Teaching Points The Sanctity of Human LifeThis law underscores the value God places on human life and personal freedom. Kidnapping is a violation of both, warranting the severest penalty. Justice and Deterrence 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. Respect for Personal Freedom The law highlights the importance of respecting each person's freedom and autonomy, a principle that remains relevant in contemporary discussions on human rights. Moral Responsibility Believers are called to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable, reflecting God's character in their communities. Community Integrity The law serves to maintain the integrity and moral fabric of the community, ensuring that such grievous acts do not go unpunished. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 21:16?2. How does Exodus 21:16 emphasize the value of human life in God's eyes? 3. What are the implications of "kidnaps a man" for modern justice systems? 4. How does Exodus 21:16 connect with the commandment "You shall not steal"? 5. In what ways can we uphold the sanctity of life in our communities? 6. How can Exodus 21:16 guide our understanding of justice and restitution today? 7. How does Exodus 21:16 align with the concept of justice in the Bible? 8. Why does Exodus 21:16 prescribe such a severe punishment for kidnapping? 9. What historical context influenced the laws in Exodus 21:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21? 11. Should reparations for slavery be paid? 12. What is the Bible's stance on capital punishment? 13. Should reparations for slavery be paid? 14. How do Christians perceive the significance of Juneteenth? What Does Exodus 21:16 Mean Whoever kidnaps• The command begins with a sweeping term—“Whoever”—showing no one is exempt. God applies His justice evenly, from the poorest to the most powerful (Leviticus 19:15; Romans 2:11). • “Kidnaps” describes forcibly taking a person against his will. Scripture consistently condemns this crime (Deuteronomy 24:7; 1 Timothy 1:9-10). • By placing the offense early in Israel’s civil code, the Lord signals that personal liberty is sacred and must be guarded. another man • Every victim is “another man,” a fellow image-bearer of God (Genesis 1:27; James 3:9). • The wording rules out ethnic, social, or economic excuses; stealing a person assaults the Creator’s dignity stamped on that life (Proverbs 14:31). • The verse protects men, women, and children alike, laying a foundation that later prophets echo against slave trading (Amos 1:6; Joel 3:3). must be put to death • The penalty is capital because the crime is capital—an attack on life and freedom together (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:12). • Civil authority is charged to carry out this judgment, acting as “an avenger who brings wrath on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4). • The certainty (“must”) stresses prevention: potential kidnappers know exactly what awaits them. whether he sells him • The law covers the trafficker who profits by selling the victim, as Joseph’s brothers did to him (Genesis 37:28). • Profit does not lessen guilt; it worsens it by adding greed to violence (Amos 2:6; Revelation 18:11-13). • Any form of human trafficking falls under this clause, showing God’s timeless stand against it. or the man is found in his possession • Even if no sale occurs, mere possession of a kidnapped person brings the same sentence (Deuteronomy 24:7). • Possession reveals intent to exploit, and God judges intent as well as action (Proverbs 24:12). • The victim’s recovery does not cancel the crime; justice still demands life for life (Exodus 22:4 does the same with stolen property, but here the “property” is a person, raising the stakes). summary Exodus 21:16 plainly prohibits kidnapping in every form. Because each person bears God’s image, stealing a life is an offense so grave that only death satisfies divine justice. Whether the kidnapper aims to sell the victim or merely keep him, the law makes no distinction—the perpetrator forfeits his own life. The verse affirms the sanctity of human freedom, the equality of all before God’s law, and the seriousness with which the Lord defends the vulnerable. Verse 16. - He that stealeth a man. 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 (Genesis 37:28); and there are many traces of it in the remains of antiquity. (See Herod. 4:183; Strab. 7. p. 467; Sueton. Octav. § 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 Deuteronomy 24:7, 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.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whoever kidnapsוְגֹנֵ֨ב (wə·ḡō·nêḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1589: To thieve, to deceive another man אִ֧ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person must be put to death, מ֥וֹת (mō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 4191: To die, to kill whether he sells him וּמְכָר֛וֹ (ū·mə·ḵā·rōw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 4376: To sell or the man is found וְנִמְצָ֥א (wə·nim·ṣā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present in his possession. בְיָד֖וֹ (ḇə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand Links Exodus 21:16 NIVExodus 21:16 NLT Exodus 21:16 ESV Exodus 21:16 NASB Exodus 21:16 KJV Exodus 21:16 BibleApps.com Exodus 21:16 Biblia Paralela Exodus 21:16 Chinese Bible Exodus 21:16 French Bible Exodus 21:16 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 21:16 Anyone who kidnaps someone and sells him (Exo. 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