Exodus 21:3
Exodus 21:3 in Multiple Translations
If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him.
If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.
If he come in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he be married, then his wife shall go out with him.
If he comes to you by himself, let him go away by himself: if he is married, let his wife go away with him.
If he was single when he came, he is to leave single. If he had a wife when he came, she is to leave with him.
If he came himselfe alone, he shall goe out himselfe alone: if hee were married, then his wife shall go out with him.
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;
If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself. If he is married, then his wife shall go out with him.
If he came in by himself, he shall depart by himself: if he was married, then his wife shall depart with him.
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.
If he was not married before he became your slave, and if he marries someone while he is your slave, his wife is not to be set free with him. But if he was married before he became your slave, you must free both him and his wife.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 21:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
בְּ/גַפּ֥/וֹ
יָבֹ֖א
בְּ/גַפּ֣/וֹ
יֵצֵ֑א
אִם
בַּ֤עַל
אִשָּׁה֙
ה֔וּא
וְ/יָצְאָ֥ה
אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
עִמּֽ/וֹ
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
בְּ/גַפּ֥/וֹ
gaph
H1610
single/height
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יָבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/גַפּ֣/וֹ
gaph
H1610
single/height
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יֵצֵ֑א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
בַּ֤עַל
baʻal
H1167
master
N-ms
אִשָּׁה֙
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וְ/יָצְאָ֥ה
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs | Suff
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:3
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בְּ/גַפּ֥/וֹ
gaph
H1610
"single/height"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Gaph refers to the back or body of a person, or a high place. It is used in phrases like by himself or the highest places.
Definition: 1) body, self (only in phrase, eg by himself) 2) height, elevation
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] highest places, himself. See also: Exodus 21:3; Exodus 21:4; Proverbs 9:3.
יָבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בְּ/גַפּ֣/וֹ
gaph
H1610
"single/height"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Gaph refers to the back or body of a person, or a high place. It is used in phrases like by himself or the highest places.
Definition: 1) body, self (only in phrase, eg by himself) 2) height, elevation
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] highest places, himself. See also: Exodus 21:3; Exodus 21:4; Proverbs 9:3.
יֵצֵ֑א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בַּ֤עַל
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-ms
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
אִשָּׁה֙
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/יָצְאָ֥ה
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 21:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:3
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:3
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 21:3
- Sermons on Exodus 21:3
Context — Hebrew Servants
1“These are the ordinances that you are to set before them:
2If 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.
3If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him.
4If 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. 5But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 15:12–14 | 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. |
Exodus 21:3 Summary
Exodus 21:3 is talking about a servant who has been working for six years and is now free to go, as stated in Exodus 21:2. If this servant was married when he started working, his wife is also free to leave with him. This shows that God cares about families and wants to keep them together, just like He wants husbands and wives to love and care for each other, as seen in Ephesians 5:25 and 1 Peter 3:7. It's a reminder that God is a God of justice and compassion, and He wants us to treat others with kindness and respect, as also emphasized in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Exodus 21:3 and how does it relate to the surrounding verses?
Exodus 21:3 is part of a section in the book of Exodus that outlines the ordinances for the treatment of Hebrew servants, as seen in Exodus 21:1-6, and is specifically addressing the situation of a servant who is to be released after six years of service, as stated in Exodus 21:2.
Does Exodus 21:3 imply that the servant's wife is also a servant?
The verse does not explicitly state that the wife is a servant, but rather that if the servant arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him, suggesting that her status is tied to his, as also seen in the principles of marriage and family in Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Peter 3:1-7.
How does this verse relate to the concept of marriage and family in the Bible?
Exodus 21:3 acknowledges the importance of the family unit, as also emphasized in Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4-6, by ensuring that the servant's family is not separated from him upon his release.
What does this verse reveal about God's heart for justice and compassion?
This verse demonstrates God's concern for the well-being and dignity of all individuals, including servants, as seen in Exodus 21:1-11 and Deuteronomy 15:12-18, highlighting His desire for justice and compassion in all relationships.
Reflection Questions
- How does the concept of family unity, as seen in Exodus 21:3, apply to my own life and relationships?
- What can I learn from the way God values and protects the family unit in this verse and throughout Scripture?
- In what ways can I demonstrate God's heart for justice and compassion in my interactions with others, especially those in positions of service or need?
- How does the principle of releasing servants after six years of service, as stated in Exodus 21:2, relate to the concept of rest and Sabbath in the Bible, such as in Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:3
If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself,.... That is, if he came into his servitude "alone", as the Septuagint version has it, he should go out of it in like manner; the word for "by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:3
If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him. If he came in by himself , [ bªgapow (H1610)] - with his body [Septuagint, monos].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:3
By himself, i.e. with his own person only, not with a wife, as the opposite branch showeth.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:3
Exodus 21:3 If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.Ver. 3. If he came in by himself,] Without a second-self, a yoke fellow, standing on even ground with himself, though drawing on the left side.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:3
(3) His wife shall go out with him.—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 doubt, attached to his children.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:3
Verse 3. If he came in by himself] If he and his wife came in together, they were to go out together: in all respects as he entered, so should he go out. This consideration seems to have induced St. Jerome to translate the passage thus: Cum quali veste intraverat, cum tali exeat. "He shall have the same coat in going out, as he had when he came in," i.e., if he came in with a new one, he shall go out with a new one, which was perfectly just, as the former coat must have been worn out in his master's service, and not his own.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:3
3. First and second of the special cases, viz. the cases (1) of an unmarried slave, and (2) of one married before he became a slave. There is no counterpart to this and the following verse in Dt. by himself (twice)] lit. with his back or body, and with nothing else, i.e. alone, without wife or child. A peculiar expression, found only here and v. 4. married] Heb. the possessor of a woman (or wife); so v. 22; ba‘al, ‘possessor,’ also, in the sense of ‘husband,’ Genesis 20:3, Deuteronomy 24:4 al. The woman, being the possession of her husband, naturally shared his fortunes, and both entered into servitude, and left it, with him.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 21:3
If a married man became a bondman, his rights in regard to his wife were respected: but if a single bondman accepted at the hand of his master a bondwoman as his wife, the master did not lose his
Sermons on Exodus 21:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Dedication Defined by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of the basics of dedication to God. He explains that when God extends mercy to us, it is like |
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Rev. John Newton - an Example of Amazing Grace (Famous Saints #6) by Stephen Hamilton | In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of John Newton, a man who experienced a powerful dream that made a great impression on him. However, he soon forgot the impact of the |
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The Ear for the Lord Alone by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of the ear in spiritual life, illustrating how the act of listening can lead to either spiritual downfall or redemption. He discusses |