8th Commandment and Exodus 21:16

[BiblicalLiteralist]

8th Commadment - Thou shall not steal. We see an example of this for kidnapping cited in Exodus 21:16. Translations vary on who this specifically applies to (man, woman, person). The specific word used translates directly to man. Does this mean only the taking of a man is punishable by death, not women or children?

 

[Mark C]

In Hebrew, the generic ('man' often 'ish') can and often does include all people. You will see many commandments where Scripture is specific, to include women, or children, where that is the intent.

 

[MeganC]

8th Commadment - Thou shall not steal. We see an example of this for kidnapping cited in Exodus 21:16. Translations vary on who this specifically applies to (man, woman, person). The specific word used translates directly to man. Does this mean only the taking of a man is punishable by death, not women or children?

I suspect if someone kidnaps children their odds of meeting Jesus that day will be higher than usual.

 

[MemeFan]

8th Commadment - Thou shall not steal. We see an example of this for kidnapping cited in Exodus 21:16. Translations vary on who this specifically applies to (man, woman, person). The specific word used translates directly to man. Does this mean only the taking of a man is punishable by death, not women or children?

I doesn't make sense that kidnapping husband isn't OK, while kindnapping his wife and children is OK. So it appplies to all.

 

[BiblicalLiteralist]

Just to clarify, the question is whether or not scripturaly, death penalty is only justifiable for the kidnapping of a man vs a woman or child. Not whether either is ok.

 

[steve]

I am going to go with the answer that @Mark C provided, that it probably includes all kidnapping gets the same penalty.

What would be the purpose of assuming otherwise?

 

[BiblicalLiteralist]

We see differenentiation in other areas of Torah between the men, women, and children. For example tzitzits is sometimes interpreted as a men only thing, as are the appearances for the feasts.

 

[steve]

Again, what would be the purpose of deciding that Yah only had a death penalty for kidnapping men?

 

[BiblicalLiteralist]

Just to establish knowledge and alignment in the scriptures. Sometime last year I came across the information that the 8th commandment was originally understood as though shall not kidnap. Anything with death as a punishment should be understood fully and completly.

1 Cor 6:3
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?


PS edit* Reflecting on the initial muderous intent of Josephs brothers and it warranting the death penalty, they decided to kidnap and sell him instead thinking it was a lesser thing however this also carrys the same death penalty.

 

[Mark C]

Just to establish knowledge and alignment in the scriptures. Sometime last year I came across the information that the 8th commandment was originally understood as though shall not kidnap...

This is still, say the best Hebrew scholars I know, the case for the original language:

Thou shalt not steal [people.]

There is already a commandment against stealing (or even "coveting" - it follows) other stuff.