Exodus 21:16

Amharic New Standard Translation (አማርኛ አዲሱ መደበኛ ትርጉም) 2005

“ሊሸጠው ወይም ባርያ አድርጎ ሊገዛው አስቦ ሰውን አፍኖ የሚወስድ ሁሉ በሞት ይቀጣ።

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Exodus states that anyone who kidnaps a person and sells them into slavery will be put to death. It's a severe penalty for a serious crime, emphasizing the value of human life and freedom.

Explained for Children

Imagine if someone took your favorite toy without asking and tried to sell it. That would be really mean, right? Well, this rule is like that, but way more serious. It says that if someone takes a person and tries to sell them like they're a toy, they'll get the biggest punishment possible.

Historical Background

Exodus, written by Moses around 1446 B.C., was part of the covenant between God and the Israelites. This verse reflects the moral and legal standards of that time, highlighting the severe consequences for serious crimes like kidnapping.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can see this principle in our legal systems where kidnapping is a serious crime. It reminds us of the value of human life and the importance of protecting each other from harm and exploitation.

Topics

• justice
• freedom
• punishment
• human rights
• morality
• laws

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 24:7
• Jeremiah 34:17
• 1 Timothy 1:9
• 1 Peter 2:14
• Revelation 21:8

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the context of kidnapping in ancient times?

In ancient times, kidnapping often led to slavery or forced labor. This verse underscores the severity of the act and protects the rights of individuals against such exploitation.

How does Exodus 21:16 apply to today's society?

It applies by reinforcing laws against human trafficking and kidnapping, emphasizing the value of human life and the importance of protecting individual freedoms.

What are the cross-references for Exodus 21:16?

Cross-references include Deuteronomy 24:7, Jeremiah 34:17, 1 Timothy 1:9, 1 Peter 2:14, and Revelation 21:8, which all touch on similar themes of justice and human rights.

How did this law reflect the Israelites' society?

This law reflected the Israelites' society by establishing a strong moral and legal framework that valued human life and freedom, setting clear boundaries against exploitation and abuse.