Are All People Truly Equal?
In this article, you will learn how Exodus 21:21 contradicts Genesis 1:27, Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 22:39, Galatians 3:28 and James 2:8-9. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible, a rich tapestry of teachings, sometimes seems to offer contrasting messages about how humans should treat one another. One such area of tension lies between the seemingly hierarchical structures in some verses and the overarching exhortation to love and equality found throughout Christian scripture.
Take Exodus 21:21, for instance, which discusses a scenario where a master inflicts harm on a servant. If the servant recovers within a couple of days, the master is not punished because the servant is considered the master’s property. This verse can be seen as part of a set of rules from ancient times, focusing on property rights over equitable human rights. It’s like saying if you accidentally damage your own car, you don’t face legal consequences—only here, the “property” in question is a human being.
Now, compare this with Genesis 1:27, which proclaims that all humans are created in the image of God, emphasizing equal intrinsic worth. Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 7:12, and Matthew 22:39 urge love for neighbors and treating others as you wish to be treated, suggesting a baseline of mutual respect and empathy that seems absent in the hierarchical view of Exodus 21:21.
Further still, Galatians 3:28 famously declares, "There is neither slave nor free," dismantling societal hierarchies and affirming oneness in Christ. James 2:8-9 echoes this by advocating love for one’s neighbor and warns against partiality, questioning unequal treatment.
Imagine humans as a family; treating some members as less valuable is unthinkable. These New Testament verses challenge the view in Exodus, pushing for a paradigm where love and equality outweigh historical customs. Thus, the question arises: How do we reconcile ancient laws with timeless moral principles that advocate for universal love and equality? Each believer must navigate these complexities to understand how best to embody their faith in contemporary times.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Exodus 21:21 | Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he [is] his money. |
| 2. | Genesis 1:27 | So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. |
| 3. | Leviticus 19:18 | Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD. |
| 4. | Matthew 7:12 | Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. |
| 5. | Matthew 22:39 | On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. |
| 6. | Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. |
| 7. | James 2:8-9 | If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: |