Exodus 21:3
If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יָבֹ֖א
If he came in
H935
יָבֹ֖א
If he came in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְיָֽצְאָ֥ה
he shall go out
H3318
וְיָֽצְאָ֥ה
he shall go out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 12
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בַּ֤עַל
if he were married
H1167
בַּ֤עַל
if he were married
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
7 of 12
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33) is Israel's foundational legal code, predating later expansions in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It addresses civil, criminal, and ceremonial matters.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.
This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.