Exodus 21:16

21:16 “Whoever kidnaps someone ¹  and sells him, ²  or is caught still holding him, ³  must surely be put to death.

Exodus 22:7

22:7 “If a man gives his neighbor money or articles ⁴  for safekeeping, ⁵  and it is stolen from the man’s house, if the thief is caught, ⁶  he must repay double.

[21:16]  ¹ tn Heb “a stealer of a man,” thus “anyone stealing a man.”

[21:16]  ² 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.

[21:16]  ³ tn Literally “and he is found in his hand” (KJV and ASV both similar), being not yet sold.

[22:7]  ⁴ tn The word usually means “vessels” but can have the sense of household goods and articles. It could be anything from jewels and ornaments to weapons or pottery.

[22:7]  ⁵ tn Heb “to keep.” Here “safekeeping,” that is, to keep something secure on behalf of a third party, is intended.

[22:7]  ⁶ tn Heb “found.”