King James Version

What Does Exodus 21:4 Mean?

Exodus 21:4 in the King James Version says “If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her mas... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.

Exodus 21:4 · KJV


Context

2

If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

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. by himself: Heb. with his body

4

If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.

5

And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: shall: Heb. saying shall say

6

Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33) is Israel's foundational legal code, predating later expansions in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It addresses civil, criminal, and ceremonial matters.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
  2. What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אִם1 of 17
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לַֽאדֹנֶ֔יהָ2 of 17

If his master

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

יִתֶּן3 of 17

have given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֣וֹ4 of 17
H0
הָֽאִשָּׁ֣ה5 of 17

him a wife

H802

a woman

וְיָֽלְדָה6 of 17

and she have born

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ל֥וֹ7 of 17
H0
בָנִ֖ים8 of 17

him sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

א֣וֹ9 of 17
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בָנ֑וֹת10 of 17

or daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֣ה11 of 17

him a wife

H802

a woman

וִֽילָדֶ֗יהָ12 of 17

and her children

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

תִּֽהְיֶה֙13 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לַֽאדֹנֶ֔יהָ14 of 17

If his master

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

וְה֖וּא15 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יֵצֵ֥א16 of 17

and he shall go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בְגַפּֽוֹ׃17 of 17

by himself

H1610

the back; by extension the body or self


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 21:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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