Exodus 21:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 21:5
5 And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:
Chapter Context
Exodus 21 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, wisdom, hope. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 21:5
5 And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:
Analysis
And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:
Love can voluntarily extend servitude—'I love' (אָהַבְתִּי, ahavti) my master, wife, children. The servant may prefer security with a good master over freedom with poverty. This provision protects servants' choice—freedom isn't forced. The ear-piercing ritual (v. 6) marks permanent voluntary service. The New Testament applies this to Christ-service: we're bought, freed, then voluntarily bond ourselves to Christ as love-slaves (Romans 1:1, doulos). We serve not from compulsion but love. Christ is the good Master; we willingly say 'I love my Master and will serve Him forever.'
Historical Context
Voluntary permanent servitude (recorded by piercing the ear at the doorpost) was rare but provided. It protected servants who thrived under good masters. The doorpost ritual symbolized belonging to the household permanently.
Reflection
- What does voluntary servitude based on love teach about Christian service to Christ?
- How does the servant's choice ('I love my master') illustrate true freedom versus mere autonomy?
Word Studies
- Love: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed) H157 - Love / Loyal-love