Exodus 21:10 kjv

If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.

Exodus 21:10 nkjv

If he takes another wife, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marriage rights.

Exodus 21:10 niv

If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights.

Exodus 21:10 esv

If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights.

Exodus 21:10 nlt

"If a man who has married a slave wife takes another wife for himself, he must not neglect the rights of the first wife to food, clothing, and sexual intimacy.

Exodus 21 verses

Exodus 21 10 Meaning

Exodus 21:10 establishes a divine mandate concerning a man's responsibilities towards a woman, particularly if he acquires another wife. This verse decrees that the existing wife's fundamental rights – her sustenance (food), clothing, and marital intimacy – must not be diminished or withheld. It ensures the ongoing provision and dignity of the initial wife within a household that expands through polygyny, safeguarding her from neglect or ill-treatment.

Exodus 21 10 Context

Exodus 21:10 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exo 20:22–23:33), which elaborates on the Ten Commandments and provides detailed civil and social laws for the newly formed nation of Israel. Chapter 21 specifically addresses the rights and responsibilities of masters towards their servants, laws concerning personal injuries, and property damage. Verse 10 appears within a section (21:7-11) dealing with the treatment of a female servant who has been sold and becomes a concubine or wife, emphasizing that her foundational rights must be upheld even if the man takes an additional partner. This law reflects the societal context of ancient Israel, a patriarchal society where polygyny was practiced but was not God's ideal (Gen 2:24; Matt 19:4-6). However, the Law here works to mitigate the potential abuses and hardships that might arise from such practices, ensuring protection for the woman and upholding principles of dignity and care even in culturally permitted, though divinely regulated, situations.

Exodus 21 10 Word analysis

• If he takes (יִקַּח - yiqqach): The Hebrew verb means "to take," indicating a choice or acquisition. In the preceding verses (21:7-9), it refers to a man's taking a female servant (daughter sold by her father) for himself as a concubine or for his son. This verse extends to scenarios where he might add another partner after such an arrangement, or generally in a polygynous context.
• another (אַחֶרֶת - 'achereth): This feminine singular adjective means "other" or "another one," referring specifically to a female individual. It emphasizes that this is an addition to an existing partnership, highlighting the potential for the existing partner to be neglected.
• wife (אִשָּׁה - 'ishah): While sometimes translated as "wife," the term 'ishah broadly refers to "woman." In this context, within the family and relationship framework, it strongly implies a marital or conjugal partner, rather than just a female servant.
• he shall not diminish (לֹא יִגְרַע - lo' yigra'): A strong prohibition using the negative particle "lo'" ("not") and the verb "yigra'," meaning "to cut off," "to subtract," "to lessen," or "to deprive." It signifies a strict command against reducing the provision or rights already due to her.
• her food (שְׁאֵרָהּ - sh'erah): This word (sh'er) refers to "flesh" or "meat," and by extension, basic "sustenance," "food," or "provision." It points to the fundamental need for nourishment and physical well-being.
• her clothing (כְּסוּתָהּ - k'suthah): Means "her covering" or "her raiment/clothing." This signifies the provision for her physical covering, warmth, and dignity, as proper attire was essential for social standing and respect.
• or her marital rights (עֹנָתָהּ - 'onatah): This is perhaps the most significant and debated term. Derived from a root related to "to answer," "to respond," or "to meet with," or possibly "time" or "season." In this context, strong scholarly consensus and ancient Jewish interpretation (e.g., Targum Onkelos, Rashi) point to it meaning "her conjugal rights" or "sexual dues/intimacy." It signifies the husband's responsibility to provide regular physical intimacy and companionship to his wife, crucial for her emotional and social well-being in the marital covenant. Less commonly, it has been interpreted as "her dwelling" or general "care," but conjugal rights align best with the Hebrew nuance and the overall purpose of ensuring comprehensive care and dignity.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "If he takes another wife": This phrase establishes the specific circumstance. It implies that polygyny was permitted but not mandated. The law focuses on regulating its practice to prevent harm to existing family members, reflecting God's order even within cultural realities.
• "he shall not diminish": This phrase highlights the force of the commandment. It's an active prohibition against lessening her standard of living or standing. It stresses divine care for the marginalized or potentially neglected, irrespective of their social acquisition status.
• "her food, her clothing, or her marital rights": This triple-list constitutes the non-negotiable entitlements of the woman. It covers her physical sustenance ("food"), personal dignity and covering ("clothing"), and the fundamental intimate aspect of her marital relationship ("marital rights"). This holistic provision demonstrates a comprehensive concern for the woman's material, social, and emotional-physical well-being within the covenantal framework of the household. It speaks to a commitment to her as a whole person, not merely a functional addition.

Exodus 21 10 Bonus section

• Progressive Law: While set within a patriarchal and polygamous context, this law demonstrates a "progressive" quality, characteristic of God's legislation for Israel. It introduces regulations that safeguard the dignity and basic rights of the woman in a way that often exceeded the norms of contemporary cultures. God, through His law, always moves humanity towards greater justice and care, even when dealing with cultural practices that fall short of His ultimate ideal (like monogamy established in Genesis 2:24 and reaffirmed by Jesus in Matthew 19:4-6).
• Theological Implication: The details of this seemingly secular civil law reveal God's character. His meticulous concern for basic human rights and welfare, even for those in potentially vulnerable positions, underscores His nature as a God of justice, compassion, and order. It shows that godly living is not only about spiritual rites but also about how people treat one another in their daily lives and domestic arrangements.

Exodus 21 10 Commentary

Exodus 21:10, nestled within the civil laws of the Book of the Covenant, reveals God's enduring concern for justice and the dignity of individuals, especially the vulnerable. In a society that permitted polygyny, this law did not abolish the practice but regulated it severely to protect the existing wife from neglect and marginalization. The command "he shall not diminish" highlights that the husband’s responsibility to his primary wife is non-negotiable. This speaks powerfully against exploitation and neglect.

The three enumerated provisions – food, clothing, and marital rights (most plausibly conjugal intimacy) – cover the comprehensive well-being of the woman. "Food" and "clothing" are basic necessities, ensuring her physical sustenance and dignity in daily life. "Marital rights" or "conjugal duty" ('onatah) underscores the unique emotional and physical bond within marriage. For the Mosaic Law to include intimate relations as a right for the wife, rather than merely a privilege for the husband, was a progressive and profoundly ethical statement for its time. It ensures that the husband's adding another wife does not lead to the emotional, physical, or social abandonment of the first. This provision protects her full place within the marital bond, recognizing her need for intimacy and connection.

This law distinguishes itself from surrounding Ancient Near Eastern law codes, where women, particularly secondary wives or concubines, often had far fewer enshrined protections. It reflects a core biblical principle that even when societal practices were tolerated, God's standards introduced a framework of ethical treatment and protection, pushing against potential abuses of power. It implicitly reveals God's ideal for a caring, committed relationship within the household, even when the form of the household might be culturally complex. Ultimately, it prefigures the New Testament emphasis on mutual love, honor, and care within marriage (Eph 5:25, 28-29; 1 Cor 7:3-5), extending a spirit of love and responsibility beyond mere obligation.