Albert Barnes Commentary Exodus 21:15-16

"And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death." — Exodus 21:15-16 (ASV)

The following offenses were to be punished with death:

• Striking a parent .
• Cursing a parent (Compare the marginal references).
• Kidnapping, whether to retain the stolen person or to sell them (Compare the marginal references).