What is the meaning of Exodus 21:4? if his master gives him a wife “If his master gives him a wife…” (Exodus 21:4a) • In Israel’s servanthood system, a Hebrew man could enter service for up to six years and then go free (Exodus 21:2). • During that term his master had authority not only over his labor but, at times, over major life arrangements—marriage included (compare Genesis 24:34–40 where masters acted decisively for servants). • The wife in view was usually a female servant already owned by the master (Exodus 21:7), highlighting that this arrangement concerned people under the same household authority, not random matchmaking. • Such provision protected the woman from poverty and gave the man companionship, paralleling God’s declaration that “it is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Cross references in context: Exodus 21:2–3; Leviticus 25:39–41; Deuteronomy 15:12–14. and she bears him sons or daughters “…and she bears him sons or daughters…” (Exodus 21:4b) • Children signified blessing and legacy in Israel (Psalm 127:3–5). • Their arrival during the servant’s term indicated that real family bonds formed, yet within a legal framework still governed by the master. • Scripture consistently treats children as under the authority of the household head (Ephesians 6:1), so the master’s claim over the woman naturally extended to her offspring. Cross references in context: Genesis 33:5; Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Colossians 3:20. the woman and her children shall belong to her master “…the woman and her children shall belong to her master…” (Exodus 21:4c) • Because the master had provided the wife, he retained legal rights over her and the children, just as property accrued during service reverted to the master (compare Leviticus 25:45–46). • This clause prevented a departing servant from depleting the master’s household labor force, balancing mercy toward the servant with justice toward the master who sustained them (Proverbs 11:1). • The provision also preserved familial integrity for the woman; remaining with her children under a familiar roof protected her from abandonment or destitution (Deuteronomy 24:14–15). Cross references in context: Nehemiah 5:5; 2 Kings 4:1; Job 31:13. and only the man shall go free “…and only the man shall go free.” (Exodus 21:4d) • At the end of six years the male servant gained liberty without ransom (Exodus 21:2), picturing God’s concern for personal freedom (Jeremiah 34:14). • Yet he faced a choice: leave alone or voluntarily remain with his family by becoming a bond-servant for life (Exodus 21:5–6). – This ceremony at the doorpost symbolized permanent loyalty and mirrored our own call to serve Christ willingly (Romans 6:18; Galatians 5:13). • The law thus guarded genuine freedom while honoring covenant commitments already in place within the master’s household. Cross references in context: Deuteronomy 15:16–17; Psalm 40:6–8; 1 Peter 2:16. summary Exodus 21:4 teaches that when a Hebrew servant received a wife from his master, legal responsibility for the woman and their children remained with the master. Upon the servant’s release after six years, only he automatically gained freedom; the family did not. This safeguarded both parties: the servant retained the right to liberty, while the master’s household remained intact. The provision also set up a gracious option—lifelong service driven by love—pointing ahead to the believer’s willing devotion to the Lord who redeems and adopts us into His own household. |
    |