When a Master Blinds His Slave's Eye

Mekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben Yochai 21:26

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And if a man smites the eye of his slave" (Exodus 21:26). Might Scripture be speaking of a Hebrew manservant and maidservant? Scripture teaches "manservant and maidservant" — a manservant and maidservant whose law is the same for one another, excluding the Hebrew manservant and maidservant whose law is not the same for one another. "And if a man smites" — I know only of a man; from where do I learn of a woman? Scripture teaches "he shall send him free" — whether man or woman. Then what does "a man" teach? To exclude a minor. "His slave" — only if he intends to strike him. "The eye" — might it be that as soon as he struck him on his eye he goes free? Scripture teaches "and destroys it," excluding one who did not destroy it. Might it be that even if he struck him opposite his eye and he cannot see, or opposite his ear and he cannot hear? Scripture teaches "the eye" — only if he strikes him upon his eye.

Themes

LawEthicsDivine Justice

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