Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Exodus 21:11 mean when it says a maidservant 'shall go out free without money'?
A: This verse refers to the laws of a Hebrew maidservant (אמה עבריה). If her master does not provide her with three basic necessities (food, clothing, and marital rights as explained in the previous verse), she is entitled to go free without having to pay any redemption money. Rashi explains this emphasizes the Torah's concern for the dignity and rights of servants.
Q: What are the 'three things' mentioned in Exodus 21:11 that a master must provide?
A: The three obligations are derived from the previous verse (Exodus 21:10): 1) Providing proper food, 2) Providing adequate clothing, and 3) Not withholding conjugal rights if he took her as a wife (either for himself or his son). The Talmud (Kiddushin 20a) discusses these requirements in detail.
Q: Why is Exodus 21:11 important in Jewish law?
A: This verse establishes important principles about workers' rights and humane treatment. The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 3:12) derives from here that Jewish law requires fair treatment of all servants, showing how the Torah elevates moral standards above the norms of ancient societies.
Q: How does Exodus 21:11 apply to modern life?
A: While we no longer have Hebrew maidservants today, the principles remain relevant: 1) Employers must provide fair compensation (food/salary) 2) Ensure proper working conditions (clothing/safety) 3) Respect human dignity. The Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 42) explains these eternal ethical lessons.
Q: What does 'free without money' mean in Exodus 21:11?
A: Normally, a Hebrew servant would have to work six years or be redeemed with money (Exodus 21:2). Here, if the master neglects his obligations, the Torah gives her immediate freedom without requiring payment. The Mechilta explains this shows how violating basic rights nullifies the work agreement entirely.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Shemot/Exodus 21:11) discusses the laws pertaining to an eved Ivri (Hebrew indentured servant) who is sold into servitude due to financial hardship or theft. Specifically, it addresses the case of a master who acquires a Hebrew maidservant (amah Ivriyah) with the intention of marrying her or betrothing her to his son. The verse outlines three obligations the master must fulfill; if he neglects them, she is entitled to go free without any monetary compensation.
The Three Obligations
According to Rashi (based on Mechilta and Talmud Kiddushin 19b), the "three" obligations referred to in the verse are:
Interpretation of "She Shall Go Out Free Without Money"
The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 4:2) explains that if the master fails to fulfill even one of these three obligations, the maidservant is immediately freed without requiring any redemption payment (kesef). This emphasizes the Torah's sensitivity to the dignity and rights of the servant, ensuring she is not exploited.
Halachic Implications
The Talmud (Kiddushin 20a) derives from this verse that if the master does not fulfill his obligations, the maidservant is released even before the standard six-year term of servitude ends. This teaches that the Torah prioritizes ethical treatment over contractual agreements when basic human needs are neglected.
Moral Lessons
The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 30:9) highlights that this law underscores the importance of treating even those in servitude with compassion and fairness. The Sages emphasize that the Torah's laws of servitude are designed to rehabilitate, not oppress, ensuring that all individuals retain their inherent dignity.