Exodus 21:16 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Anyone who kidnaps a person and sells them as a slave, or is caught holding them captive, must be put to death.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse declares that kidnapping people to sell them into slavery is such a serious crime that it deserves the death penalty.

📚 Historical Context

This law was given to the Israelites during their time in the wilderness after being freed from slavery in Egypt. Having experienced the horrors of forced bondage themselves, God established strict laws protecting human freedom and dignity. In the ancient world, kidnapping people to sell into slavery was unfortunately common, but God's law treated it as one of the most serious crimes possible.

Explore Similar Verses

Nahum 3:10

But even she was dragged away and taken captive. Her little kids were killed brutally right there in the streets for everyone to see. They gambled over who would get her important leaders, and every single one of her powerful men ended up in chains.

Nahum 2:7

The queen will be dragged away as a prisoner, stripped of everything she once had. Her servants will follow behind her, crying softly like doves and beating their chests in grief.

Genesis 34:29

They took all their wealth, all their children, and their wives as captives, and carried off everything that was in their houses.

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📚 Historical Context

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