Exodus 21:10 - If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marital rights.
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What does "Exodus 21:10" mean?
Exodus 21:10 outlines the rights of a female slave who has been taken as a secondary wife. It provides legal protection for her, ensuring that even though her husband takes another wife, he must continue to provide for her basic needs. Let's break down what each part means:
"If he takes another wife to himself...": This establishes the scenario where a man who already has a secondary wife (a slave woman he has taken as a wife) decides to marry another woman. This could be a free woman or another slave woman.
"...he shall not diminish her food...": This means the husband is obligated to continue providing her with an adequate and consistent supply of food, as he did before taking another wife. This ensures she won't go hungry or be deprived of sustenance.
"...her clothing...": The husband is also required to continue providing her with appropriate clothing. This includes not just basic coverings but also garments suitable for her position and the climate.
"...and her marital rights.": This is the most complex and debated part. "Marital rights" (Hebrew: onatah) generally refers to sexual relations. Some interpretations extend this to include other aspects of the marital relationship, such as emotional care and attention.
In essence, this verse mandates that a man's addition of another wife cannot negatively impact the basic welfare and established marital entitlements of his existing secondary wife. It aims to provide a measure of protection for vulnerable women in a patriarchal society.
Here's a summary of the key implications:
Protection for a Vulnerable Group: This verse addresses the situation of female slaves who were taken as secondary wives. They were in a particularly vulnerable position as they lacked the full rights and protections of free women.
Limiting Male Authority: While it does not prohibit polygamy, it does limit the husband's power and provides a legal framework to prevent abuse and neglect.
Preserving Basic Dignity: Even in a situation of servitude, the law recognizes and protects certain fundamental rights, ensuring that a woman's basic needs and marital expectations are met.
It's important to remember that this verse is part of a larger legal and cultural context of ancient Israel. It should be interpreted within that historical framework. Also, modern views on slavery, polygamy, and women's rights are significantly different. However, understanding the intent of the verse, which is to provide some measure of protection for vulnerable women, can be valuable.
Exodus 21:10 - If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marital rights.
What does "Exodus 21:10" mean?
Exodus 21:10 outlines the rights of a female slave who has been taken as a secondary wife. It provides legal protection for her, ensuring that even though her husband takes another wife, he must continue to provide for her basic needs. Let's break down what each part means:
"If he takes another wife to himself...": This establishes the scenario where a man who already has a secondary wife (a slave woman he has taken as a wife) decides to marry another woman. This could be a free woman or another slave woman.
"...he shall not diminish her food...": This means the husband is obligated to continue providing her with an adequate and consistent supply of food, as he did before taking another wife. This ensures she won't go hungry or be deprived of sustenance.
"...her clothing...": The husband is also required to continue providing her with appropriate clothing. This includes not just basic coverings but also garments suitable for her position and the climate.
"...and her marital rights.": This is the most complex and debated part. "Marital rights" (Hebrew: onatah) generally refers to sexual relations. Some interpretations extend this to include other aspects of the marital relationship, such as emotional care and attention.
In essence, this verse mandates that a man's addition of another wife cannot negatively impact the basic welfare and established marital entitlements of his existing secondary wife. It aims to provide a measure of protection for vulnerable women in a patriarchal society.
Here's a summary of the key implications:
Protection for a Vulnerable Group: This verse addresses the situation of female slaves who were taken as secondary wives. They were in a particularly vulnerable position as they lacked the full rights and protections of free women.
Limiting Male Authority: While it does not prohibit polygamy, it does limit the husband's power and provides a legal framework to prevent abuse and neglect.
Preserving Basic Dignity: Even in a situation of servitude, the law recognizes and protects certain fundamental rights, ensuring that a woman's basic needs and marital expectations are met.
It's important to remember that this verse is part of a larger legal and cultural context of ancient Israel. It should be interpreted within that historical framework. Also, modern views on slavery, polygamy, and women's rights are significantly different. However, understanding the intent of the verse, which is to provide some measure of protection for vulnerable women, can be valuable.