◄ Exodus 21:16 ►
Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.
Study Bible
Whoever kidnaps
The Hebrew word for "kidnaps" is "גּוֹנֵב" (gonev), which is derived from the root "גנב" (ganav), meaning to steal or take by stealth. This term emphasizes the act of taking someone unlawfully and against their will. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kidnapping was a severe crime, disrupting the social order and family structures. The act of kidnapping is not merely a theft of property but a violation of personal freedom and dignity, reflecting the high value placed on human life and liberty in the biblical worldview.

another man
The phrase "another man" underscores the universality of the command. It is not limited to a specific group or class but applies to all individuals, highlighting the inherent value and equality of every human being. This reflects the biblical principle that all people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and thus, their freedom and dignity must be respected and protected.

must be put to death
The phrase "must be put to death" indicates the severity of the crime and the corresponding punishment. The Hebrew term "מוֹת יוּמָת" (mot yumat) is a legal formula used in the Torah to prescribe capital punishment. This reflects the gravity with which God views the crime of kidnapping, equating it with murder in terms of its impact on the victim and society. The death penalty serves as a deterrent and a means of upholding justice and righteousness within the community.

whether he sells him
The act of selling a kidnapped person is explicitly condemned, highlighting the abhorrence of treating human beings as mere commodities. This phrase points to the practice of human trafficking, which was prevalent in the ancient world and remains a grave issue today. The Bible's stance here is clear: human life is sacred and cannot be bought or sold. This commandment calls for the protection of the vulnerable and the upholding of human dignity.

or the man is found in his possession
This phrase addresses the situation where the kidnapped person is still in the kidnapper's possession, emphasizing that the crime is punishable regardless of the outcome. The presence of the victim with the kidnapper is sufficient evidence of the crime, underscoring the importance of swift and decisive justice. This reflects the biblical concern for the protection of individuals and the maintenance of social order, ensuring that justice is not delayed or denied.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The 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 Life
This 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
1. How does the law against kidnapping in Exodus 21:16 reflect God's character and His view of justice?

2. In what ways can the principle of respecting personal freedom be applied in today's society, especially in the context of human trafficking?

3. How does the severity of the punishment for kidnapping in Exodus 21:16 compare to other laws in the Old Testament, and what does this tell us about the value of human life?

4. How can Christians today actively participate in upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable in their communities?

5. What are some modern-day examples of "kidnapping" or similar violations of personal freedom, and how should the church respond to these issues?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 24:7
Reinforces the law against kidnapping, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the need for justice.

1 Timothy 1:9-10
Lists kidnapping among other sins, showing its continued recognition as a grave offense in the New Testament.

Genesis 37:28
The account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, illustrating the personal and familial devastation caused by such acts.

Matthew 7:12
The Golden Rule, which underscores the ethical treatment of others, contrasting with the act of kidnapping.

Proverbs 6:16-19
Lists things the Lord hates, including shedding innocent blood, which can be related to the violence inherent in kidnapping.
Sermons
About KidnappingM. M. Kalisch, P h. D.Exodus 21:16
Unrighteousness of Slave HoldingJ. Swinton.Exodus 21:16
Capital OffencesD. Young Exodus 21:12-17
Murder and Related Capital OffencesJ. Orr Exodus 21:12-18
People
Moses
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Act, Anyone, Caught, Certainly, Death, Either, Gets, Kidnaps, Order, Possession, Power, Price, Selleth, Sells, Sold, Someone, Stealeth, Steals, Surely, Whether
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 21:16

     5365   kidnapping
     5555   stealing

Exodus 21:12-17

     9021   death, natural

Exodus 21:12-20

     5214   attack

Exodus 21:15-17

     5731   parents
     7346   death penalty

Exodus 21:15-25

     6206   offence

Library
The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Kinsman Redeemer
'After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.'--LEV. xxv. 48. There are several of the institutions and precepts of the Mosaic legislation which, though not prophetic, nor typical, have yet remarkable correspondences with lofty Christian truth. They may be used as symbols, if only we remember that we are diverting them from their original purpose. How singularly these words lend themselves to the statement of the very central truths of Christianity--a slavery …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Non-Resistance
'Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.'--MATT. v. 38-42. The old law …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of the House of God; with Counsels and Directions to the Inhabitants Thereof.
BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. 'Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.'--Psalm 26:8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Beautiful in its simplicity is this treatise on the Church of Christ, by John Bunyan. He opens, with profound knowledge and eminent skill, all those portions of sacred writ which illustrate the nature, excellency, and government of the house of God, with the personal and relative duties of its inhabitants. It was originally published in …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to …
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching.
It was probably on one of those mountain-ranges, which stretch to the north of Capernaum, that Jesus had spent the night of lonely prayer, which preceded the designation of the twelve to the Apostolate. As the soft spring morning broke, He called up those who had learned to follow Him, and from among them chose the twelve, who were to be His Ambassadors and Representatives. [2500] [2501] But already the early light had guided the eager multitude which, from all parts, had come to the broad level …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines.
APART from the repulsively carnal form which it had taken, there is something absolutely sublime in the continuance and intensity of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. It outlived not only the delay of long centuries, but the persecutions and scattering of the people; it continued under the disappointment of the Maccabees, the rule of a Herod, the administration of a corrupt and contemptible Priesthood, and, finally, the government of Rome as represented by a Pilate; nay, it grew in intensity …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls.
But the preacher should know how to avoid drawing the mind of his hearer beyond its strength, lest, so to speak, the string of the soul, when stretched more than it can bear, should be broken. For all deep things should be covered up before a multitude of hearers, and scarcely opened to a few. For hence the Truth in person says, Who, thinkest thou, is the faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his household, to give them their measure of wheat in due season? (Luke xii. 42). …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
Part I. History of the Councils. Reason why two Councils were called. Inconsistency and folly of calling any; and of the style of the Arian formularies; occasion of the Nicene Council; proceedings at Ariminum; Letter of the Council to Constantius; its decree. Proceedings at Seleucia; reflections on the conduct of the Arians. 1. Perhaps news has reached even yourselves concerning the Council, which is at this time the subject of general conversation; for letters both from the Emperor and the Prefects …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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