Exodus 21:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him.

NIV: If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him.

NASB: If he comes alone, he shall leave alone; if he is the husband of a wife, then his wife shall leave with him.

CSB: If he arrives alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrives with a wife, his wife is to leave with him.

NLT: If he was single when he became your slave, he shall leave single. But if he was married before he became a slave, then his wife must be freed with him.

KJV: If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.

NKJV: If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him.

Exodus 21:1–11 covers the Mosaic covenant's general approach to servants. The passage uses a Hebrew word covering a wide range of positions, from contracted workers to involuntary slaves. The covenant establishes rights for servants and places limits on their terms of service. These rules can be challenging for modern readers; at the same time, the laws refute critics' unreasonable claims about the Bible's stance.

The Ten Commandments form the basis of Israel's other laws. In this chapter, God provides guidelines and penalties for various issues. These include homicide, assault, and injury. Laws also control harm done to or by animals. Included in these are protections for pregnant women and unborn children. Servants are guarded from abuse. Kidnapping people into slavery is punishable by death.

Chapter 20 began recording the laws of God's covenant with Israel. This started with the Ten Commandments. In this chapter, the Lord provides rules on subjects such as penalties for violent crime and negligence regarding animals. Chapters 22 and 23 continue to provide details about Israel's legal code. Chapter 24 records a confirmation of the covenant. Chapter 25 begins describing the construction of the tabernacle.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/4/2025 1:27:49 PM