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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 21:3 If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/21-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/02_Exo_21_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 21:3 - Laws for Servants" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/21-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/21-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/21-2.htm" title="Exodus 21:2">◄</a> Exodus 21:3 <a href="/exodus/21-4.htm" title="Exodus 21:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he <i>comes in</i> married, then his wife shall go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If he comes alone, he shall leave alone; if he is the husband of a wife, then his wife shall leave with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If he comes alone, he shall go out alone; if he is the husband of a wife, then his wife shall go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“If he comes alone, he shall go out alone; if he is the husband of a wife, then his wife shall go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If he comes alone, he shall go out alone; if he is the husband of a wife, then his wife shall go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If he came [to you] alone, he shall leave alone; if he came married, then his wife shall leave with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If he arrives alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrives with a wife, his wife is to leave with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If he arrives alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrives with a wife, his wife is to leave with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If he come in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he be married, then his wife shall go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If he was single at the time you bought him, he alone must be set free. But if he was married at the time, both he and his wife must be given their freedom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If he come in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he be married, then his wife shall go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If he comes to you by himself, he must leave by himself. If he comes as a married man, his wife may leave with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If he was unmarried when he became your slave, he is not to take a wife with him when he leaves; but if he was married when he became your slave, he may take his wife with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If he came in by himself, he is to go out by himself. If he was married, his wife is to go out with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If he came in by himself he will go out by himself; if he had a wife when he came in, then his wife will go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself. If he is married, then his wife shall go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If he came in by himself, he shall depart by himself: if he was married, then his wife shall depart with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself. If he is married, then his wife shall go out with him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />if he comes in by himself, he goes out by himself; if he [is] owner of a wife, then his wife has gone out with him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> if by himself he cometh in, by himself he goeth out; if he is owner of a wife, then his wife hath gone out with him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If he shall come in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he possessed a wife, and his wife shall go forth with him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />With what raiment he came in, with the like let him go out: if having a wife, his wife also shall go out with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />With whatever clothing he arrived, with the like let him depart. If he has a wife, his wife also shall depart, at the same time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If he comes into service alone, he shall leave alone; if he comes with a wife, his wife shall leave with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If he came in single, he shall go out single; if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if he alone will come in, he alone will go forth, and if he is a husband of a wife, his wife will go out with him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If he come in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he be married, then his wife shall go out with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If he should have come in alone, he shall also go forth alone; and if his wife should have gone in together with him, his wife also shall go out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/21-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5164" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm">Laws for Servants</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: yā·ḇō (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">he arrived alone,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1610.htm" title="1610: bə·ḡap·pōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Body, self, height, elevation. From an unused root meaning to arch; the back; by extensive the body or self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">he is to leave alone;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1610.htm" title="1610: bə·ḡap·pōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Body, self, height, elevation. From an unused root meaning to arch; the back; by extensive the body or self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·‘al (N-msc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·šāh (N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">arrived with a wife,</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">she</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: wə·yā·ṣə·’āh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">is to leave</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-41</a></span><br />If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12-15</a></span><br />If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/34-14.htm">Jeremiah 34:14</a></span><br />Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-23</a></span><br />Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. / You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Galatians 4:1-7</a></span><br />What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. / He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father. / So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-9</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-25</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1-2</a></span><br />All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philemon/1-15.htm">Philemon 1:15-16</a></span><br />For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— / no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-13.htm">Genesis 15:13-14</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. / But I will judge the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will depart with many possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Genesis 29:18-20</a></span><br />Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Genesis 31:41</a></span><br />Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a></span><br />Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5</a></span><br />We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6</a></span><br />Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.</p><p class="hdg">by himself.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/18-18.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Free</a> <a href="/exodus/4-26.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/exodus/20-14.htm">Married</a> <a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/exodus/12-46.htm">Single</a> <a href="/exodus/20-17.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/21-4.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/exodus/21-4.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/exodus/21-4.htm">Free</a> <a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/exodus/21-8.htm">Married</a> <a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/exodus/23-29.htm">Single</a> <a href="/exodus/21-4.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-1.htm">Laws for men servants</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">For the servant whose ear is bored</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-7.htm">For women servants</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">For manslaughter</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">For kidnappers</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-17.htm">For cursers of parents</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">For smiters</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">For a hurt by chance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">For an ox that gores</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">For him who is an occasion of harm</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If he arrived alone,</b><br>This phrase refers to the Hebrew servant who enters into servitude. In the context of ancient Israel, servitude was often a means of paying off debt or poverty. The law provided that a Hebrew servant would serve for six years and be released in the seventh year (<a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2</a>). The emphasis on arriving alone underscores the personal nature of the servitude agreement. It highlights the principle of individual responsibility and the preservation of personal rights and status upon entering and exiting servitude. This reflects the broader biblical theme of justice and fairness in social and economic relationships.<p><b>he is to leave alone;</b><br>The stipulation that the servant leaves alone if he arrived alone ensures that his personal status and possessions remain unchanged by his period of servitude. This provision protects the servant from losing personal relationships or property due to his temporary economic condition. It also reflects the biblical principle of restoration and redemption, where individuals are restored to their original state after a period of trial or service. This can be seen as a type of the ultimate redemption found in Christ, who restores believers to their intended state before God.<p><b>if he arrived with a wife,</b><br>The mention of a wife indicates that the servant's family status is recognized and respected. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, family units were integral to social and economic life. The law acknowledges the servant's marital status and ensures that his family is not disrupted by his servitude. This reflects the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and the family unit, as seen in <a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a>, where a man and woman become one flesh.<p><b>she is to leave with him.</b><br>This provision ensures that the servant's wife, who may have shared in his economic hardship, is also released with him. It underscores the protection of family integrity and unity, even in situations of economic distress. This reflects the biblical theme of covenant faithfulness, where God remains faithful to His people and their families. The protection of the family unit can also be seen as a type of the Church, the bride of Christ, who is united with Him and shares in His redemption and inheritance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/hebrew_servant.htm">Hebrew Servant</a></b><br>The subject of the law in <a href="/exodus/21-3.htm">Exodus 21:3</a>, referring to a Hebrew man who has sold himself into servitude, typically due to debt or poverty.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wife.htm">Wife</a></b><br>The wife of the Hebrew servant, who is mentioned in the context of the servant's release.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who received and communicated God's laws, including those in <a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm">Exodus 21</a>, to the people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The place where Moses received the laws from God, including the laws concerning servants.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people to whom these laws were given, forming the context of the covenant community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_servitude_in_ancient_israel.htm">Understanding Servitude in Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The servitude described in <a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm">Exodus 21</a> was not akin to modern understandings of slavery but was often a means of survival and debt repayment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_marriage.htm">The Sanctity of Marriage</a></b><br>The law acknowledges the bond of marriage, ensuring that a servant's marital status is respected and preserved upon his release.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_compassion.htm">God's Justice and Compassion</a></b><br>These laws reflect God's concern for justice and compassion, ensuring that even those in servitude are treated with dignity and fairness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_freedom.htm">The Principle of Freedom</a></b><br>The release of servants after a period of service points to a broader biblical theme of freedom and redemption, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/application_to_modern_life.htm">Application to Modern Life</a></b><br>While the cultural context has changed, the principles of justice, compassion, and respect for family relationships remain relevant today.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_zipporah_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Zipporah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_oral_sex.htm">What is the Bible's stance on oral sex?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_jael_and_what_did_she_do.htm">Who was Jael and what did she do?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_slavery_in_exodus.htm">The Old Testament allows slavery (Exodus 21:2-11); why would a moral God condone it?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">His wife shall go out with him.</span>--The privilege of the married Hebrew slave was to attach also to his wife, if he was married when he became a slave. It further, no <span class= "bld">doubt, </span>attached to his children.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If he came in by himself</span>, etc.. The first clause of this verse is further explained in the next; the second secured to the wife who went into slavery with her husband a participation in his privilege of release at the end of the sixth year. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/21-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he arrived alone,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָבֹ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he is to leave alone;</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵצֵ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(yê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֔וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">arrived with a wife,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִשָּׁה֙</span> <span class="translit">(’iš·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[she]</span><br /><span class="heb">אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’iš·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is to leave</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיָצְאָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·ṣə·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with him.</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/21-3.htm">Exodus 21:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/21-3.htm">Exodus 21:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/21-3.htm">Exodus 21:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/21-3.htm">Exodus 21:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/21-3.htm">Exodus 21:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/21-3.htm">Exodus 21:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/21-3.htm">Exodus 21:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/21-3.htm">Exodus 21:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/21-3.htm">Exodus 21:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/21-3.htm">Exodus 21:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/21-3.htm">OT Law: Exodus 21:3 If he comes in by himself he (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/21-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 21:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 21:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/21-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 21:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 21:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>