Book of Exodus - Chapter 21 - Verse 21

In this verse, the meaning of 'Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money' is that if a slave is injured by his master but doesn't die immediately, the master will not be punished. The reasoning behind this is because the slave is considered the master's property, referred to as "his money." This concept reflects the societal norms and laws of the time, where slaves were seen as possessions rather than individuals with inherent rights. This verse highlights how different the understanding of ownership and human value was in ancient times compared to today. It serves as a reminder of how far our views on human rights and dignity have evolved over the centuries. While this verse may seem harsh and unjust by modern standards, it provides insight into the historical context of the time and the attitudes towards slavery and ownership.

In this verse, the phrase "he shall not be punished: for he is his money" has raised various theological interpretations and word studies. Some scholars suggest that this particular phrase refers to a situation where a slave is unintentionally injured by their owner. The verse recognizes that the slave is valuable property, hence the owner should not be punished if the slave recovers within a short period. The term "his money" implies the high value placed on the slave as a possession, which was a common practice in ancient societies. This interpretation sheds light on the societal norms and attitudes towards slavery during that time, providing insights into the culture and ethics of the era. It also prompts reflection on the moral implications of treating individuals as property, pointing towards the importance of valuing all human beings as equals despite societal constructs.