Exodus 21:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And if the servant {H5650} shall plainly {H559} say {H559}, I love {H157} my master {H113}, my wife {H802}, and my children {H1121}; I will not go out {H3318} free {H2670}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, if the slave declares, 'I love my master, my wife and my children, so I don't want to go free,'

Berean Standard Bible

But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 21:5 presents a profound exception within the Israelite laws concerning Hebrew servants, detailing the scenario where a servant, after completing six years of service, voluntarily chooses to remain with his master. This decision is driven by a deep, declared affection for his master, his wife (who was provided by the master), and their children, valuing these familial and relational bonds above his legal right to freedom. The verse highlights the sanctity of voluntary commitment and the powerful motivation of love and loyalty within the ancient Israelite household, setting the stage for a unique, lifelong bond.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 21:5 is an integral part of the "Book of the Covenant" (`Sefer HaBrit`), a foundational legal code delivered by God to Moses immediately following the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, commencing in [Exodus 20:22](/exodus/20-22 "Exodus 20:22 - The Book of the Covenant Begins"). Specifically, this verse is nestled within the section addressing laws concerning servants, [Exodus 21:1-11](/exodus/21-1-11 "Exodus 21:1-11 - Laws Concerning Servants"), which begins with the default rule that a Hebrew male servant was to be released after six years of service ([Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Six-Year Servitude Rule")). The immediate preceding verse, [Exodus 21:4](/exodus/21-4 "Exodus 21:4 - Master Provides a Wife"), introduces the specific circumstance where a master has provided his servant with a wife and they have had children, stipulating that the wife and children would remain with the master upon the servant's release. Verse 5 then offers the servant a poignant, heartfelt choice in this difficult situation, directly preceding the ceremonial act of lifelong commitment described in [Exodus 21:6](/exodus/21-6 "Exodus 21:6 - The Ear-Piercing Ceremony").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The system of "servitude" in ancient Israel, particularly for Hebrew individuals, was distinct from the chattel slavery prevalent in other ancient Near Eastern societies. Hebrew servitude was primarily a temporary means of debt repayment or a measure for those in extreme poverty, not a permanent loss of personhood. A Hebrew could sell himself or his family into service to survive, but their rights were protected by Mosaic Law, and their service was typically limited to six years, with release in the seventh year ([Deuteronomy 15:12-18](/deuteronomy/15-12-18 "Deuteronomy 15:12-18 - Laws Concerning Servants and Release")). Masters were obligated to treat these servants humanely. In the specific scenario of [Exodus 21:4](/exodus/21-4 "Exodus 21:4 - Master Provides a Wife"), the master's provision of a wife (often a non-Hebrew slave) to his Hebrew servant created a complex familial bond. Children born of this union were legally considered the master's property, securing the master's investment in the household. This legal framework created a profound dilemma for the servant: choose personal freedom and leave his family, or choose to remain in servitude to preserve his family unit. This choice, explicitly stated in [Exodus 21:5](/exodus/21-5 "Exodus 21:5 - The Servant's Choice to Remain"), underscores the high value placed on family continuity and the potential for genuine, affectionate bonds to form even within a hierarchical social structure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. It highlights the **sanctity of covenant and commitment**, demonstrating how genuine love can lead to voluntary, lifelong bonds that transcend legal obligations. It underscores the **value of family unity** within Israelite society, portraying the servant's willingness to sacrifice personal liberty for the sake of his wife and children. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **voluntary servitude born of love**, a concept that will later find profound theological resonance in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ's servanthood and the believer's willing submission to God. The laws concerning servants in [Exodus 21](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - Laws for Israel") as a whole emphasize God's concern for justice and humane treatment, even for the vulnerable, reflecting His character as a compassionate Lawgiver.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** The Hebrew word `עֶבֶד` (`ʻebed`) refers to a bondman or servant. In the context of [Exodus 21](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - Laws for Israel"), it specifically denotes a Hebrew individual who has entered into a temporary, regulated form of service, often due to economic hardship or debt, rather than a chattel slave. This status was not one of absolute dehumanization but a contractual arrangement, with the servant possessing legal rights and a prescribed term of service, typically six years, before release.
* **Love (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** The Hebrew word `אָהַב` (`ʼâhab`) signifies a deep, heartfelt affection, commitment, and loyalty. It is the same foundational word used throughout Scripture to describe God's profound love for His people and the commanded love of Israel for God ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Greatest Commandment")). Here, it expresses a genuine emotional bond that has developed between the servant and his master, and crucially, between the servant and his family, serving as the powerful motivation for his life-altering decision to remain in service.
* **Plainly say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** The KJV phrase "plainly say" translates the Hebrew infinitive absolute construction `אָמֹר יֹאמַר` (`ʼamor yo'mar`), derived from the root `אָמַר` (`ʼâmar`), meaning "to say." This grammatical structure is used in Hebrew to emphasize the certainty, deliberateness, and solemnity of an action or declaration. It implies that the servant's statement is not a casual remark or a fleeting thought, but a clear, unambiguous, and public declaration of his unwavering desire and commitment, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation regarding his voluntary choice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if the servant shall plainly say,"**: This opening clause establishes the condition for the subsequent exception to the general law of release. The emphasis on "plainly say" highlights the absolute voluntariness and clarity required for such a significant declaration. It underscores that this decision must originate from the servant's genuine, expressed will, free from any coercion or assumption. This public and explicit statement is foundational to the legitimacy of his ongoing servitude.
* **"I love my master, my wife, and my children;"**: This is the profound core of the servant's motivation. The explicit declaration of love for three distinct parties reveals the depth and breadth of the bonds formed during his servitude. His love for his master suggests a benevolent relationship that transcended mere employer-employee dynamics. His love for his wife (provided by the master) and their children is the primary catalyst, as his freedom would necessitate separation from them. This phrase powerfully illustrates the high value placed on familial unity and the strength of relational ties within Israelite society.
* **"I will not go out free:"**: This final clause is the decisive statement of the servant's choice. Despite having the legal right to freedom after six years, he willingly foregoes it. This is a conscious act of self-limitation driven by relational commitment. He chooses the security and continuity of his family and household over personal liberty, embracing a lifelong bond with his master and family, demonstrating that love can be a more compelling force than the pursuit of individual autonomy.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central to the narrative, highlighting the stark choice between legal freedom and chosen servitude. The servant's declaration stands in direct opposition to the default expectation of release, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of his decision. There is an element of **Paradox** in the servant's choice: by choosing to remain in service, he arguably finds a deeper form of "freedom"—the freedom of security, belonging, and familial unity—that he would lose by pursuing legal independence. The phrase "plainly say" utilizes **Emphasis** through its Hebrew grammatical construction (the infinitive absolute), underscoring the sincerity, deliberateness, and solemnity of the servant's declaration. Furthermore, the entire scenario functions as **Symbolism**, where the servant's willingness to sacrifice personal liberty for love and loyalty foreshadows deeper spiritual truths about voluntary commitment and service, particularly within a covenant relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 21:5 offers profound theological insights into the nature of love, commitment, and service. It demonstrates that true loyalty can transcend mere legal obligation, arising from genuine affection and a deep desire for relational continuity. The servant's choice to sacrifice his legal freedom for the sake of his family and the bond with his master reflects a higher value placed on covenantal relationships and the well-being of the collective over individual autonomy. This passage subtly introduces the concept of voluntary, lifelong commitment born out of love, setting a precedent for understanding deeper spiritual bonds, including humanity's relationship with God, and foreshadowing the ultimate act of loving servitude in Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 15:16-17](/deuteronomy/15-16-17 "The Law of the Bondservant's Choice")
* [Psalm 40:6-8](/psalms/40-6-8 "Delight in Doing God's Will")
* [Romans 6:16-18](/romans/6-16-18 "Slaves to Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 21:5, though describing an ancient practice, resonates deeply with timeless principles of human relationship and commitment. It challenges us to consider what we truly value: is it absolute independence, or the profound security and joy found in loving, committed relationships? The servant's choice to forego personal liberty for the sake of family unity and loyalty to his master serves as a powerful metaphor for the voluntary commitments we make in our own lives—in marriage, in family, in friendships, and in our spiritual walk. True commitment, born out of love rather than obligation, is often the most meaningful and enduring. This passage encourages us to embrace the paradox that sometimes, in choosing to serve and bind ourselves to others out of love, we discover a deeper, more fulfilling freedom than that offered by unbridled autonomy. It calls us to reflect on the sacrifices we are willing to make for the people and purposes we genuinely love, reminding us that the deepest joy can be found not in self-assertion, but in self-giving for the sake of beloved others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What relationships in your life are you willing to "sacrifice" for, choosing commitment over personal convenience or individual gain?**
* **How does the concept of "voluntary commitment" out of love, as seen in this verse, challenge modern notions of absolute individual freedom?**
* **In what ways can serving others out of love, rather than obligation or coercion, paradoxically lead to a greater sense of purpose or "freedom"?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the value of family and the importance of preserving its unity, even at significant personal cost?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "servant" is being described in Exodus 21:5, and how is it different from common understandings of slavery?**

Answer: The "servant" (`ʻebed`) in [Exodus 21:5](/exodus/21-5 "Exodus 21:5 - The Servant's Choice to Remain") refers specifically to a Hebrew individual who has entered into a temporary, regulated form of servitude, typically due to debt or extreme poverty. This was fundamentally different from the chattel slavery practiced in other ancient cultures, where individuals were considered property with no rights. A Hebrew servant's term of service was limited to six years, with release in the seventh year ([Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Six-Year Servitude Rule") and [Deuteronomy 15:12](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12 - Release in the Seventh Year")). They had legal protections, and their masters were commanded to treat them humanely. The scenario in [Exodus 21:5](/exodus/21-5 "Exodus 21:5 - The Servant's Choice to Remain") is unique because it describes a servant *choosing* to remain in service beyond the six years, motivated by love for his family and master, rather than being forced.

**Why is it important that the servant "plainly say" his desire to remain, and what does this signify?**

Answer: The phrase "plainly say" translates a Hebrew grammatical construction (`ʼamor yo'mar`) that emphasizes the certainty, deliberateness, and public nature of the servant's declaration. It is crucial because it underscores that the servant's decision to forgo his legal right to freedom is entirely voluntary and unambiguous. This prevents any future claims of coercion or misunderstanding. It signifies a profound, heartfelt commitment born out of genuine love and loyalty, not obligation or duress. This public, clear statement is essential before the ceremonial act of ear-piercing described in [Exodus 21:6](/exodus/21-6 "Exodus 21:6 - The Ear-Piercing Ceremony"), which formally marks his lifelong bond to the household and solidifies his choice before God and the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 21:5, with its depiction of a servant's voluntary, love-motivated commitment, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate servanthood of Jesus Christ. Just as the Hebrew servant willingly chose to remain in service out of profound love for his master, wife, and children, so too did Christ, though eternally free and sovereign God, willingly humble Himself and take on the very nature of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility and Servanthood")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by a profound, declared love for His Father and for humanity, His "bride" the Church ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ Loves the Church")). He did not "go out free" from His divine mission to redeem humanity, but rather chose to remain in perfect obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Voluntarily")). The servant's sacrifice of personal liberty for the sake of beloved relationships beautifully foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, where He willingly laid down His life to secure eternal freedom and family for those He loves, making us "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Citizens with the Saints")). He is the true bondservant who, out of perfect love, chose not to be released from His mission, but to serve eternally for our salvation, forever bearing the marks of His devotion for us ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

2 Corinthians 5:15

And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Deuteronomy 15:16

And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;

Deuteronomy 15:17

Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust [it] through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.

Isaiah 26:13

O LORD our God, [other] lords beside thee have had dominion over us: [but] by thee only will we make mention of thy name.