Exodus 21:16

21:16 “Whoever kidnaps someone and sells him, or is caught still holding him, must surely be put to death.


tn Heb “a stealer of a man,” thus “anyone stealing a man.”

sn The implication is that it would be an Israelite citizen who was kidnapped and sold to a foreign tribe or country (like Joseph). There was always a market for slaves. The crime would be in forcibly taking the individual away from his home and religion and putting him into bondage or death.

tn Literally “and he is found in his hand” (KJV and ASV both similar), being not yet sold.