Exodus 21 in the early church

141 passages quote, allude to, or echo Exodus 21, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 5 · 6 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 · 16 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 23 · 24 · 25 · 26 · 28 · 31 · 33 · 34

Exodus 21:1

“These are the ordinances that you are to set before them:

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:1Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 293 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Exod 21:1PG 12:1585 (Ps 118 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Exod 21:1Homilies on Exodus 10.1 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:1Exposition of Psalm 118 2.29.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Exod 21:1–13Exodus, lines 789–817 · Cyprianus Gallusallusion, high confidenceearly 5th cent.

Exodus 21:2

If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:2Miscellanies 2.18.91 · Clement of Alexandriaallusion, medium confidenceca. 198–203
Exod 21:2Against Marcion 2.17 · Tertullianallusion, high confidence207/208 (third edition, completed later)
Exod 21:2Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 293 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Exod 21:2PG 12:1585 (Ps 118 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Exod 21:2On Prayer 27.14 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 233–234
Exod 21:2Homilies on Joshua 10.3 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:2Against Celsus 5.43 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 248
Exod 21:2Preparation for the Gospel 12.37.1 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324
Exod 21:2Letter 260 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 357–378
Exod 21:2Tractates on the Psalms 118.1.12 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, low confidenceca. 360–367
Exod 21:2Tractates on the Psalms 118.2.11 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, high confidenceca. 360–367
Exod 21:2Tractates on the Psalms 118.4.5 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, high confidenceca. 360–367
Exod 21:2Tractates on the Psalms 118.5.6 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, high confidenceca. 360–367
Exod 21:2–6Tractates on the Psalms 118.16.11 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, high confidenceca. 360–367
Exod 21:2Tractates on the Psalms 118.20.6 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, high confidenceca. 360–367
Exod 21:2Tractates on the Psalms 118.21.4 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, high confidenceca. 360–367
Exod 21:2Exposition of Psalm 118 2.29.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Exod 21:2Exposition of Psalm 118 3.27.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Exod 21:2Exposition of Psalm 118 5.10.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Exod 21:2–6Against Jovinianus 2.25 · Jeromeallusion, high confidence393
Exod 21:2Part 2, chapter 1 · Quodvultdeus of Carthageallusion, high confidenceca. 445-450

Exodus 21:5

But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:5Commentary on Romans 6.5 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Exod 21:5Letter 78.1 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419

Exodus 21:6

then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:6Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 293 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Exod 21:6Homilies on Joshua 10.3 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:6Commentary on Romans 6.5 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Exod 21:6Letter 78.1 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Exod 21:6Exposition of Psalm 118 13.6.3 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397

Exodus 21:12

Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:12Preparation for the Gospel 13.21.11 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324
Exod 21:12Panarion (Adversus Haereses), Haer. 1-64 33.5.6 · Epiphanius of Salamisallusion, medium confidence374-377
Exod 21:12–22Exodus, lines 818–842 · Cyprianus Gallusallusion, high confidenceearly 5th cent.

Exodus 21:13

If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:13Preparation for the Gospel 13.21.11 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324
Exod 21:13On Cain and Abel 2.15 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 375-378

Exodus 21:14

But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:14Preparation for the Gospel 13.21.11 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324

Exodus 21:15

Whoever strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:15Commentary on Matthew 11.9 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 246–248
Exod 21:15Commentary on Romans 5.1 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Exod 21:15Commentary on Romans 6.8 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Exod 21:15Preparation for the Gospel 13.21.11 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324

Exodus 21:16

Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:16Preparation for the Gospel 8.7.2 · Eusebius of Caesareaallusion, medium confidenceca. 313–324

Exodus 21:17

Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:17Against Heresies 4.9.3 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190
Exod 21:17Commentary on Matthew 11.9 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 246–248
Exod 21:17Commentary on Romans 5.1 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Exod 21:17Commentary on Romans 6.8 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Exod 21:17Preparation for the Gospel 8.7.2 · Eusebius of Caesareaallusion, medium confidenceca. 313–324
Exod 21:17Book 3, lines 125–149 · Juvencusallusion, high confidenceca. 330
Exod 21:17 (21:16 LXX)Catechetical Lecture 7.15 · Cyril of Jerusalemquotation, high confidenceca. 350
Exod 21:17Defence of His Flight 2 · Athanasius of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 357
Exod 21:17On the Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia 14 · Athanasius of Alexandriaallusion, medium confidence359 (additions 361)
Exod 21:17Tractates on the Psalms 118.15.2 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, high confidenceca. 360–367
Exod 21:17Oration 37.6 · Gregory of Nazianzusquotation, high confidenceca. 362–383
Exod 21:17Question 16, section 2 · Ambrosiasterquotation, high confidenceca. 370–384
Exod 21:17Letter 121.10 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Exod 21:17Panarion (Adversus Haereses), Haer. 1-64 33.5.7 · Epiphanius of Salamisquotation, high confidence374-377
Exod 21:17Apostolic Constitutions 2.33.1 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Exod 21:17Homilies on Matthew 51.1 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Exod 21:17Homilies on Matthew 51.2 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Exod 21:17Against Faustus the Manichaean 16.24 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 398–400

Exodus 21:18

If men are quarreling and one strikes the other with a stone or a fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:18Preparation for the Gospel 13.21.11 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324

Exodus 21:19

then the one who struck him shall go unpunished, as long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff. Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work and see that he is completely healed.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:19Preparation for the Gospel 13.21.11 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324
Exod 21:19Letters 188, 189 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 357–378

Exodus 21:20

If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:20Preparation for the Gospel 13.21.11 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324

Exodus 21:21

However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:21Preparation for the Gospel 13.21.11 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324

Exodus 21:22

If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:22–25On the Soul 37 · Tertullianallusion, high confidenceca. 210
Exod 21:22Homilies on Exodus 10.1 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:22Homilies on Exodus 10.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:22Homilies on Exodus 10.3 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:22–25On Saint Athanasius 2.5 · Lucifer of Cagliariquotation, high confidenceca. 356–361
Exod 21:22–23Question 23, section 2 · Ambrosiasterquotation, high confidenceca. 370–384
Exod 21:22–23Apostolic Constitutions 7.3.2 · Anonymousecho, low confidenceca. 380
Exod 21:22–24Part 2, chapter 1 · Quodvultdeus of Carthageallusion, high confidenceca. 445-450

Exodus 21:23

But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life—

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:23Miscellanies 8.9.30 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Exod 21:23Homilies on Exodus 10.1 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:23Homilies on Exodus 10.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:23Homilies on Exodus 10.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:23–25Apostolic Constitutions 2.48.2 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidenceca. 380
Exod 21:23–30Exodus, lines 843–865 · Cyprianus Gallusallusion, high confidenceearly 5th cent.
Exod 21:23–25Commonitorium 1.241–270 · Orientius of Auchquotation, high confidenceca. 420-450

Exodus 21:24

eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:24Miscellanies 3.4.37 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Exod 21:24Miscellanies 8.9.30 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Exod 21:24Against the Jews 3 · Tertullianallusion, high confidenceca. 197–207
Exod 21:24On Patience 6 · Tertullianallusion, medium confidenceca. 198–206
Exod 21:24Arabic Pentateuch fragment XXIV (on Deut 19–23) · Hippolytus of Romequotation, high confidenceunknown (transmitted in a medieval Arabic catena)
Exod 21:24Exhortation to Chastity 6 · Tertullianquotation, high confidenceca. 208
Exod 21:24Against Marcion 2.18 · Tertullianquotation, high confidence207/208 (third edition, completed later)
Exod 21:24Against Marcion 2.28 · Tertullianallusion, high confidence207/208 (third edition, completed later)
Exod 21:24Against Marcion 4.16 · Tertullianallusion, high confidence207/208 (third edition, completed later)
Exod 21:24Homilies on Exodus 10.1 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:24Homilies on Exodus 10.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:24Homilies on Exodus 10.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:24Against Celsus 7.25 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 248
Exod 21:24Acta Archelai (Latin) 44 · Hegemoniusquotation, high confidenceearly to mid 4th century (Greek original)
Exod 21:24Acta Archelai (Latin) 47 · Hegemoniusquotation, high confidenceearly to mid 4th century (Greek original)
Exod 21:24Demonstration of the Gospel 1.6.69 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 314–324
Exod 21:24Book 1, lines 546–570 · Juvencusallusion, medium confidenceca. 330
Exod 21:24Commentary on Matthew 4 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, high confidenceca. 353–355
Exod 21:24Tractates on the Psalms 118.14.13 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, medium confidenceca. 360–367
Exod 21:24Three Letters to Sympronianus 3.20 · Pacian of Barcelonaallusion, high confidenceca. 360-390
Exod 21:24Question 69, section 4 · Ambrosiasterquotation, high confidenceca. 370–384
Exod 21:24Letter 21.2 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Exod 21:24Letter 121.5 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Exod 21:24Panarion (Adversus Haereses), Haer. 1-64 33.5.4 · Epiphanius of Salamisallusion, high confidence374-377
Exod 21:24Panarion (Adversus Haereses), Haer. 1-64 33.10.6 · Epiphanius of Salamisquotation, high confidence374-377
Exod 21:24Panarion (Adversus Haereses), Haer. 1-64 33.10.8 · Epiphanius of Salamisquotation, high confidence374-377
Exod 21:24Panarion (Adversus Haereses), Haer. 1-64 33.11.6 · Epiphanius of Salamisquotation, high confidence374-377
Exod 21:24On Paradise 58 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 375-378
Exod 21:24On the Duties of the Clergy 1.48 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386–390
Exod 21:24Exposition of Psalm 118 10.42.1 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-397
Exod 21:24Homilies on Matthew 16.6 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Exod 21:24Homilies on Matthew 18.1 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Exod 21:24Homilies on Matthew 79.4 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Exod 21:24Tractates on Matthew 11.1 · Chromatius of Aquileiaallusion, high confidenceca. 388–407
Exod 21:24Tractates on Matthew 12.1 · Chromatius of Aquileiaquotation, high confidenceca. 388–407
Exod 21:24The Lord's Sermon on the Mount 1.19 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 393–396
Exod 21:24Against Adimantus, a Disciple of Mani 8 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 394
Exod 21:24Against Faustus the Manichaean 19.25 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 398–400
Exod 21:24Against Faustus the Manichaean 21.16 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 398–400
Exod 21:24Questions and Answers to the Orthodox 97 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence5th century (disputed)
Exod 21:24City of God 21.11 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426
Exod 21:24Sermon 38 · Peter Chrysologusallusion, high confidenceca. 425-450
Exod 21:24The Conferences 8.24 · John Cassianallusion, high confidenceca. 426–429
Exod 21:24The Conferences 21.4 · John Cassianallusion, medium confidenceca. 426–429
Exod 21:24The Conferences 21.32 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Exod 21:24The Conferences 21.33 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Exodus 21:25

burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:25Against Marcion 2.18 · Tertullianquotation, high confidence207/208 (third edition, completed later)
Exod 21:25Homilies on Exodus 10.1 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:25Homilies on Exodus 10.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 21:25Homilies on Exodus 10.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)

Exodus 21:26

If a man strikes and blinds the eye of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the eye.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:26Preparation for the Gospel 13.21.11 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324

Exodus 21:28

If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the ox shall not be held responsible.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:28On First Principles 1.8.4 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220–230 (Rufinus's translation 398)
Exod 21:28Fragments on Genesis, column 107 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Exod 21:28Preparation for the Gospel 12.42.1 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324
Exod 21:28Letter 78.1 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419

Exodus 21:31

If the ox gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:31–36Exodus, lines 866–888 · Cyprianus Gallusallusion, high confidenceearly 5th cent.

Exodus 21:33

If a man opens or digs a pit and fails to cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:33Miscellanies 5.8.53 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Exod 21:33Miscellanies 5.8.54 · Clement of Alexandriaallusion, high confidenceca. 198–203

Exodus 21:34

the owner of the pit shall make restitution; he must pay its owner, and the dead animal will be his.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 21:34Miscellanies 5.8.53 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203