Exodus 21:10

If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.

Exodus 21:10 (KJV)

Context

Exodus records Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the making of God’s covenant at Mount Sinai. This verse belongs to the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a collection of case laws given to the newly formed nation. These laws addressed real social situations, including the treatment of servants and family members. They show that God cares about daily life and relationships, not only worship.

Meaning

The verse begins with a situation: a man takes another wife. In the Old Testament, polygamy was permitted, though it was not God’s original design for marriage. This law does not approve or condemn the practice. Instead, it protects the first wife. The husband must not diminish her food, her clothing, or her duty of marriage. The Hebrew word for “duty of marriage” (onah) is debated, but it most likely means conjugal rights or the marriage debt. The command is clear: adding another wife does not reduce the husband’s obligations to the first. The law ensures that the first wife is not neglected or deprived of her basic needs and marital privileges.

Biblical connections

This law reflects God’s care for the vulnerable. The first wife could easily be neglected when a new wife entered the home. By commanding provision and marital rights, God ensured that she was not treated as disposable. This principle connects to the New Testament standard for husbands. Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, a love that gives fully and never withholds. The Old Testament law set a baseline of fairness; the New Testament raises it to self-sacrificial love. The same God who protected the first wife in ancient Israel also calls husbands today to honor their wives in every way.

Application

For Christian marriage today, the heart of this verse remains vital. A husband is to provide for his wife’s material needs and honor the intimate bond of marriage. Neglect in any of these areas breaks the marriage covenant. The principle also extends beyond marriage. Believers are called to care for dependents and to protect those who are vulnerable in family relationships. Fairness, equity, and respect are not optional; they are commands rooted in God’s character. This verse calls us to examine how we treat those who depend on us, ensuring that we do not withhold what is rightfully theirs.

Reflection

This verse challenges readers to examine their own commitments. Do we honor our promises even when circumstances change? Do we guard the well-being of those who depend on us? The law given to Israel was not merely a rule; it was a safeguard for human dignity. It reminds us that God sees the needs of every person, especially those who might be overlooked. In marriage, in family, and in all relationships, God calls us to faithful, generous care. He is a God of justice and compassion, and He expects His people to reflect that character in their daily actions.