Exodus 21:3 Meaning and Explanation
“If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A servant's release applies to their whole household—if married, they leave together as a family unit.
The Context of Exodus 21:3
Family unity is preserved during release from servitude
What Does Exodus 21:3 Mean?
The law acknowledges that people do not exist in isolation; family bonds matter. If a man entered servitude alone, he leaves alone; but if he was married when he became a servant, his wife is released alongside him, keeping the family intact.
This provision prevents the tragedy of forced family separation and shows that God's laws consider the relational dimensions of human life, not just individual legal status.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 21:3
What does Exodus 21:3 mean?
A servant's release applies to their whole household—if married, they leave together as a family unit.
What is the context of Exodus 21:3?
Family unity is preserved during release from servitude