Exodus 21:14-16

New English Translation

¹⁴But if a man willfully attacks his neighbor to kill him cunningly,^[a] you will take him even from my altar that he may die.

¹⁵“Whoever strikes^[b] his father or his mother must surely be put to death.

¹⁶“Whoever kidnaps someone^[c] and sells him,^[d] or is caught still holding him,^[e] must surely be put to death.

Exodus 21:14 tn The word עָרְמָה (ʿormah) is problematic. It could mean with prior intent, which would be connected with the word in Prov 8:5, 12 which means “understanding” (or “prudence”—fully aware of the way things are). It could be connected also to an Arabic word for “enemy” which would indicate this was done with malice or evil intentions (U. Cassuto, Exodus, 270). The use here seems parallel to the one in Josh 9:4, an instance involving intentionality and clever deception.
Exodus 21:15 sn This is the same construction that was used in v. 12, but here there is no mention of the parents’ death. This attack, then, does not lead to their death—if he killed one of them then v. 12 would be the law. S. R. Driver says that the severity of the penalty was in accord with the high view of parents (Exodus, 216).
Exodus 21:16 tn Heb “a stealer of a man,” thus “anyone stealing a man.”
Exodus 21:16 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.
Exodus 21:16 tn Literally “and he is found in his hand” (KJV and ASV both similar), being not yet sold.

New English Translation (NET)