Exodus 21:27 -- And if he knocks out the tooth of a manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free to compensate for the tooth.
2007-09-27 18:33:52 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think it means that if you do a minor misdeed it takes a major good deed to make up for it. In this case, letting the servant go free.
2007-09-27 18:36:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No it means if you knock out a SERVANT'S tooth that you aren't responsible enough to have a servant so you must let them go. If they are a slave then you probably have to let them free. Of course that doesn't cover beating them half to death so I guess that is still acceptable behavior, at least according to the bible.
The don't call a "biblical punishment" a light one now do they? Usually, it means something as strong as execution. But, then that is the way those religious folk thought back then. The problem is the bible is almost 2,000 years out of date (Exodus is even older) so verses like that don't have a lot of relevance to modern society. If you knocked out a manservent's tooth in modern times then you would be looking at a nasty law suit and probably criminal charges as well.
2007-09-27 18:39:46 · answer #2 · answered by Dan S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The meaning has nothing to do with the condition of the teeth. It was meant to show that you treat male servants and female servants the same. The fact that freedom was recommended was only a feeble attempt to sway the minority vote in the upcoming election.
2007-09-27 19:01:30 · answer #3 · answered by PILL 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It also means that it's fine to keep slaves.
The teeth are good for things like jewelry or primitive combs. That's why we call the tines on combs teeth, see?
Anyhow, teeth should not be knocked out carelessly, but pried out slowly lest one damages the valuable tooth.
2007-09-27 18:40:12 · answer #4 · answered by urukorcs 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't say slave. It says "servant".
These were indentured servants working off a debt. Slavery is outlawed in the Bible (see the scripture where it says if you kidnap a man to make him your slave, you are to recieve the death penalty!). But people who owe you money could work off the debt. You were to let them go after 7 years, but if you mistreated them in any way, they were to be compensated, so if they lost a toothe, yes...you forgave their debt and let them go.
2007-09-27 18:37:04 · answer #5 · answered by hrgirl1701 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
oh hey look guys a christian just posted yet another loving scripture.
what a peaceful and loving guy that sky-fairy is. lets beat the **** out someone-anyone-dont spare the women either.
oh yes and if you HAPPEN to knock out one of their teeth the only proper thing to do is let him leave. nevermind the tooth.(teeth) or attempted medical care. as undeveloped as it may be.
you guys are just THAT blind towards the absurdity in it all?
2007-09-27 18:46:13 · answer #6 · answered by Sheriff of R&S 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Heeeeey...maybe that means my dentist should give me free dental work!
I've heard and read that a slave was worth more if they had all their teeth and the teeth were in good condition...maybe that has something to do with it.
2007-09-27 18:36:21 · answer #7 · answered by Smeather 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it means he has to let him free for beating the crap out of him...
2007-09-27 18:37:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aaron Carter has good teeth too
2007-09-27 18:36:09 · answer #9 · answered by Gotnothingtodo! 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm pretty sure it's like, if you do something bad, do something REALLY great to make up for it!
2007-09-27 18:37:56 · answer #10 · answered by oremus_fratres 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋