King James Version
What Does Exodus 21:5 Mean?
“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”
Context
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.
7
And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **And if.**—Better, *But if.*
**I love my master.**—Under every system of slavery affection grows up between the slaves and a master who is indulgent to them. At Rome it was common for slaves to endure the severest torture rather than betray or accuse their owners. If a man has no rights, he is thankful for small mercies, and responds with warm feeling to those who treat him kindly. As the Hebrew form of slavery was of a mild type, masters being admonished to treat their slaves “not as bondservants, but as hired servants” (Leviticus 25:39-40), and, again, “not to rule over them with rigour” (Leviticus 25:46), there would naturally be frequent cases where the slave would not wish to “go out.” He might actually “love his master;” or he might value the security from want which attaches to the slave condition; or he might be unwilling to break up the family which, by his master’s favour, he had been allowed to create. For such cases some provision was necessary. It was made by the law here formulated (Exodus 21:5-6), which allowed the Hebrew slave, if he liked, to forfeit all claim to freedom, and take upon him permanently the condition of a bondman.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 21:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Exodus 21:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge