Does Exodus 21:20–21 Support Beating Slaves?

Does Exodus 21:20–21 Support Beating Slaves?

Few Bible verses are more misunderstood—and more frequently weaponized—than Exodus 21:20–21. Critics often point to this passage to claim that the Bible endorses violence against slaves. But is that what the passage is really saying?

The Passage in Question

Exodus 21:20–21 (ESV)

“When a man strikes his slave, male or female, with a rod and the slave dies under his hand, he shall be avenged. But if the slave survives a day or two, he is not to be avenged, for the slave is his money.”

At face value, this might seem to imply that it’s acceptable to beat a slave—as long as they don’t die immediately. But is that truly what’s being taught?

1. This Passage Is Descriptive, Not Prescriptive

This portion of Exodus is part of case law, or casuistic law—a form of legal instruction common in the ancient Near East. These were not moral endorsements, but rather descriptions of legal consequences in specific situations.

Just because a law describes what happens if someone commits an act doesn’t mean it encourages or permits it.

Think of it like this: if a modern law states, “If a person is caught speeding 30 mph over the limit, they will be fined $500,” it doesn’t mean the government is saying, “Speeding is good or permissible.” It’s setting boundaries and consequences for what people might do—even wrongful things. Exodus 21:20–21 is not permission. It’s regulation.

2. The Slave Owner Is Held Accountable

The first part of the law is clear:

“If the slave dies under his hand, he shall be avenged.”

The word “avenged” (Hebrew: nāqam) implies legal retribution, often interpreted as the death penalty (cf. Genesis 9:6). This is significant. Unlike other ancient law codes—like the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi, which often treated slaves as disposable—the Mosaic Law imposes punishment on the master for killing a slave.

This was radical in the ancient world. It elevated the value of a servant’s life by placing legal weight on their death. The Israelite legal system did not treat slaves as mere property, but as people with protection under the law.

3. “If the Slave Survives a Day or Two…” Doesn’t Mean It’s Okay to Beat Them

The second part of the passage is where the confusion usually lies:

“But if the slave survives a day or two, he is not to be avenged, for the slave is his money.”

This has often been misread to mean: “If you beat your slave and they survive for a bit, you’re off the hook.” But this interpretation misses two things:

a. The phrase "not to be avenged" refers to capital punishment, not all consequences.

It simply means the master is not to be executed—not that he is free from all accountability. There could still be discipline, restitution, or moral guilt.

b. This was about determining intent and premeditation.

In the ancient world, laws distinguished between intentional and unintentional harm. If someone dies immediately, it’s more likely premeditated violence. If they die days later, it could have been unintended, though still wrong.

So this law is wrestling with questions of justice and due process, not endorsing cruelty. It’s asking: What happens if someone does something evil, but we’re not sure it was intended to kill? The answer: punishment is still possible—but not execution, unless death is immediate and deliberate.

4. Slavery in the Bible Was Not Racial or Permanent Chattel Slavery

When people hear “slave,” they often imagine the brutal race-based slavery of 18th–19th century America. But biblical servitude in ancient Israel was vastly different:

It was often temporary (see Exodus 21:2 – “six years of service”).

It could be voluntary (to pay off debt or avoid poverty).

It came with legal protections.

Beating a servant to the point of death was punishable.

If you injured a servant (even causing loss of a tooth or eye), you had to set them free (Exodus 21:26–27). So while it was still a form of servitude, it was regulated, humane, and designed for social justice in an agrarian society.

5. Jesus and the Apostles Transform These Laws Completely

Jesus fulfills and transcends the old covenant system. He reveals God’s heart more fully. The old laws were shadows, pointing toward a kingdom of justice and dignity that Christ would inaugurate. By 70 AD, when the old covenant system was fully judged and removed, the kingdom of God had already begun transforming hearts and social structures from within.

Conclusion

Exodus 21:20–21 does not give permission to beat slaves. It describes a legal case—recognizing the sad reality of violence—and sets boundaries of justice to restrain and punish wrongdoing.