21:20 “If a man strikes his male servant or his female servant with a staff so that he or she 2 dies as a result of the blow, 3 he will surely be punished. 4
1 tn The word עָרְמָה (’ormah) is problematic. It could mean with prior intent, which would be connected with the word in Prov 8:5, 12 which means “understanding” (or “prudence” – fully aware of the way things are). It could be connected also to an Arabic word for “enemy” which would indicate this was done with malice or evil intentions (U. Cassuto, Exodus, 270). The use here seems parallel to the one in Josh 9:4, an instance involving intentionality and clever deception.
2 tn Heb “so that he”; the words “or she” have been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
3 tn Heb “under his hand.”
4 tn Heb “will be avenged” (how is not specified).
5 tn The Hophal perfect has the idea of “attested, testified against.”
6 tn Heb “he was not keeping it” or perhaps guarding or watching it (referring to the ox).