Exodus 21:4
If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 17
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לַֽאדֹנֶ֔יהָ
If his master
H113
לַֽאדֹנֶ֔יהָ
If his master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
2 of 17
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
יִתֶּן
have given
H5414
יִתֶּן
have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וְיָֽלְדָה
and she have born
H3205
וְיָֽלְדָה
and she have born
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
6 of 17
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
בָנִ֖ים
him sons
H1121
בָנִ֖ים
him sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
א֣וֹ
H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
9 of 17
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
בָנ֑וֹת
or daughters
H1323
בָנ֑וֹת
or daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
10 of 17
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וִֽילָדֶ֗יהָ
and her children
H3206
וִֽילָדֶ֗יהָ
and her children
Strong's:
H3206
Word #:
12 of 17
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
תִּֽהְיֶה֙
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
13 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לַֽאדֹנֶ֔יהָ
If his master
H113
לַֽאדֹנֶ֔יהָ
If his master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
14 of 17
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְה֖וּא
H1931
וְה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
15 of 17
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 his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
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.