Exodus 21:5
Exodus 21:5 in Multiple Translations
But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’
And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:
But if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:
But if the servant says clearly, My master and my wife and children are dear to me; I have no desire to be free:
However, if the slave formally states, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to be freed,’
But if the seruant saye thus, I loue my master, my wife and my children, I will not goe out free,
'And if the servant really say: I have loved my lord, my wife, and my sons — I do not go out free;
But if the servant shall plainly say, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children. I will not go out free;’
And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not depart free:
And if the servant shall say: I love my master and my wife and children, I will not go out free:
But when it is time for the slave to be set free, if the slave says, ‘I love my master and my wife and my children, and I do not want to be set free,’
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:5
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 21:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
אָמֹ֤ר
יֹאמַר֙
הָ/עֶ֔בֶד
אָהַ֨בְתִּי֙
אֶת
אֲדֹנִ֔/י
אֶת
אִשְׁתִּ֖/י
וְ/אֶת
בָּנָ֑/י
לֹ֥א
אֵצֵ֖א
חָפְשִֽׁי
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
אָמֹ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Ptc
יֹאמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הָ/עֶ֔בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Art | N-ms
אָהַ֨בְתִּי֙
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲדֹנִ֔/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אִשְׁתִּ֖/י
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בָּנָ֑/י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֵצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
חָפְשִֽׁי
chophshîy
H2670
free
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:5
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | 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.
אָמֹ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יֹאמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הָ/עֶ֔בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אָהַ֨בְתִּי֙
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲדֹנִ֔/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אִשְׁתִּ֖/י
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.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בָּנָ֑/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֵצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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.
חָפְשִֽׁי
chophshîy
H2670
"free"
Adj
In the Bible, being free means being exempt from slavery, taxes, or other obligations, as seen in the book of Exodus. This concept is central to the Israelites' journey. Freedom is a gift from God.
Definition: 1) free 1a) free (from slavery) 1b) free (from taxes or obligations)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: free, liberty. See also: Exodus 21:2; Job 3:19; Psalms 88:6.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Hebrew Servants
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,’
6then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life. 7And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 | For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 15:16–17 | But if your servant says to you, ‘I do not want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your household and is well off with you, then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he will become your servant for life. And treat your maidservant the same way. |
| 3 | Isaiah 26:13 | O LORD our God, other lords besides You have had dominion, but Your name alone do we confess. |
Exodus 21:5 Summary
In Exodus 21:5, a servant is given the choice to go free, but instead, they declare their love for their master and family, and choose to stay with them. This verse shows that sometimes, our relationships and commitments are more important to us than our personal freedom. Just like the servant, we may need to make choices that prioritize the people and things that are important to us, even if it means sacrificing some of our own desires (as seen in John 15:13, where Jesus teaches that the greatest love is to lay down one's life for others). By examining this verse, we can learn more about the value of love, loyalty, and commitment in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the servant to declare their love for their master and family in Exodus 21:5?
This declaration signifies the servant's commitment to their master and family, demonstrating a deep affection and loyalty, similar to the love and devotion expressed in Ruth 1:16-17, where Ruth pledges her loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel.
Why would a servant choose not to go free as described in Exodus 21:5?
The servant may choose to remain with their master due to the strong bonds of love and loyalty, as well as the potential benefits of continued service, such as protection and provision, as seen in the relationship between Abraham and his servant Eliezer in Genesis 15:2-3.
How does this verse relate to the concept of freedom and servitude in the Bible?
Exodus 21:5 highlights the complexities of freedom and servitude, where a servant may choose to remain in a state of servitude due to personal relationships and commitments, contrasting with the idea of freedom as described in Galatians 5:1, where believers are called to stand firm in their liberty in Christ.
What can we learn from the servant's decision to stay with their master in Exodus 21:5?
The servant's choice demonstrates the importance of prioritizing relationships and commitments, even when it means sacrificing personal freedom, as seen in the example of Jesus Christ, who willingly took on the form of a servant and humbled Himself, as described in Philippians 2:5-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am choosing to 'stay' with something or someone, even when I have the freedom to leave, and what are the motivations behind these choices?
- How can I demonstrate my love and loyalty to God and others, just as the servant in Exodus 21:5 declares their love for their master and family?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationships and commitments, just as the servant prioritizes their relationships with their master and family, and how can I balance these priorities with my own personal desires and needs?
- What can I learn from the servant's willingness to sacrifice their personal freedom for the sake of their loved ones, and how can I apply this principle to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:5
And if the servant shall plainly say,.... Or, "in saying shall say" (i) shall express himself in plain and full terms, and repeat his words, and abide by them, signifying it as his last will and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:5
And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: If the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:5
Exodus 21:5 And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:Ver. 5. I love my master.] A little better than he in Plautus, that said, Ego non servio libenter; herus meus me non habet libenter, tamen utitur me ut lippis oculis.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:5
(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.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:5
2–11. The law of slavery. Cf. Deuteronomy 15:12-18, Leviticus 25:39-55 (H and P), where there are other regulations on the same subject, in some respects differing remarkably from those of Ex., and springing evidently out of a different and more advanced stage of society. The present law deals only with Hebrew slaves: the case of foreign slaves is dealt with in Leviticus 25:44-46. The conditions of society in ancient Israel were such that slavery could not be abolished: but it was regulated, and restrictions were imposed on the power of a master over his slave (see also vv. 20 f., 26 f.). An Israelite might fall into slavery from different causes: (1) he might be sold by his parents, a case of particularly common occurrence with daughters; (2) he might be sold for theft (Exodus 22:3) or insolvency (2 Kings 4:1, Amos 2:6); (3) he might be obliged by poverty to sell himself (Leviticus 25:39). Of course, also, he might be born a slave. The later legislation of Lev 25:39-46 sought to limit slavery to foreigners.
Sermons on Exodus 21:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Threefold Obedience by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the high price paid on Calvary to conquer and cover all sin. He urges listeners to open their hearts to God's standards and accept His offer |
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This Business of Evangelism by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church being God's representative and spreading the gospel to this generation. He refers to the book of Exodus, specif |
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Lookout mtn.conference 1973-01 Philippians by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being connected to Christ and serving Him. He highlights the security and acceptance that believers have in Christ, as well |
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Early Lessons for Christ's Disciples by Raymond Golsworthy | Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the lessons from Mark 1:16-45, focusing on the events that followed Christ's call to His first disciples. The sermon highlights seven vital spiritual |
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The Pierced Ear of the Servant by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound connection between love, servanthood, and the voluntary resignation of rights in his sermon 'The Pierced Ear of the Servant.' He illustrate |
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The Willing Servant by Henry Law | Henry Law delves into the story of the Hebrew slave who willingly chooses to remain in servitude out of love for his master, wife, and children, drawing parallels to Christ's sacri |
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Exodus 21:5 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the concept of slavery in relation to spiritual bondage, emphasizing that all men are born into sin and under the lordship of Satan. He discusses the condition |