Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 21:4 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 21:4 is a verse from the Old Testament that addresses the rights of Hebrew slaves, particularly focusing on the scenario in which a servant’s freedom and property are involved. The verse forms part of the Book of the Covenant, a collection of laws given by God to the Israelites that detailed their responsibilities to one another and to God, establishing a moral and just society. Understanding Exodus 21:4 involves interpreting it within the context of the ancient Israelite system of servitude, considering its meaning in the broader biblical framework, and applying its principles to modern life.
In this article, we will explore the context of Exodus 21:4, its meaning, practical applications, comparisons with other biblical texts, and its relevance today. We will also provide a commentary on the verse to clarify its theological implications.
The Context of Exodus 21:4 (KJV)
The Book of Exodus and the Law Code
The Book of Exodus provides the narrative of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and their covenant with God at Mount Sinai. It is here that the Israelites receive the Law of Moses, which comprises commandments and statutes governing every aspect of their life as God’s chosen people. Exodus 21 begins a section known as the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 21–23), which contains detailed laws that regulate social, civil, and religious life in Israel.
Exodus 21:1–11 specifically addresses the issue of Hebrew servitude, offering a distinct contrast to the forms of slavery practiced in other ancient cultures. While slavery existed in Israel, the law was intended to mitigate its harshness, ensuring that slaves were treated humanely and could eventually be freed. Exodus 21:4 provides further elaboration on this system, specifically focusing on the rights of a Hebrew slave and their family when the servant’s service ends.
Exodus 21:4 (KJV) Text
The verse reads as follows:
“If his master have given him a wife, and she have borne him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself.” (Exodus 21:4, KJV)
This passage speaks directly to the situation where a Hebrew slave marries during his period of service and has children. The law here regulates what happens to the wife and children when the servant is released after his six years of service, as per the conditions set out earlier in Exodus 21:2.
The Meaning of Exodus 21:4
Family and Property Rights in Ancient Israel
Exodus 21:4 reflects the legal and social structures in ancient Israel that governed servitude and the associated family dynamics. In this case, a Hebrew servant is given a wife by his master, and the couple has children. However, upon the servant’s release after six years of service, the law stipulates that the wife and children are to remain the property of the master.
This legal provision is grounded in the assumption that the master “gave” the wife to the servant, meaning that she was, in essence, acquired as part of the servant’s service agreement. Therefore, the wife and children, being part of the master’s household, remain with the master when the servant is freed. This law reflects the broader socio-economic norms of the time, where a servant’s family and property were often considered the master’s to control.
However, the law does allow the man to leave on his own after his six years of service, even if it means leaving behind his wife and children. This provision underscores the notion of servitude as a temporary condition and emphasizes the servant’s right to return to freedom, even at the cost of his family ties.
The Cultural Context of Marriage and Servitude
In ancient Israel, marriage arrangements were often influenced by economic and social structures. A servant’s marriage to a woman during his period of service was likely arranged through his master, and the children born to the union were considered part of the master’s household. While this may seem harsh by modern standards, it was a practical solution to the realities of ancient Israel’s economy, where servitude was a means of addressing debt and poverty.
The law reflects a recognition of the servant’s right to be freed after his six years of labor, but it also acknowledges that the master has certain rights over the servant’s family during that time. The provision in Exodus 21:4 is one of many laws that illustrate the tension between personal freedom and societal obligations, which was a common feature in ancient legal systems.
Exodus 21:4 Application in Life
Understanding Property and Family in the Biblical Context
While Exodus 21:4 may not directly apply to contemporary situations, it offers valuable lessons about the concept of ownership, family, and personal freedom. In today’s society, where individual rights and personal freedom are central tenets of modern law, this passage challenges us to reconsider how we understand the interconnectedness of family and personal liberty.
One key application is the idea of familial responsibility. In a biblical sense, the servant’s relationship with his wife and children is not solely one of personal choice or desire but is influenced by his societal and economic context. This can serve as a reminder for Christians to consider the broader implications of their actions, especially in contexts where economic and societal pressures affect personal decisions, such as marriage, family, and economic independence.
The Cost of Freedom
Exodus 21:4 also raises the issue of the cost of freedom. The servant’s release after six years of service is a form of liberation, but it comes with personal sacrifice—his family remains with the master. This can serve as a metaphor for the cost of freedom in the Christian life. Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament emphasize that true freedom in Christ may require sacrifice and separation from the things of the world (Matthew 10:37-39). Just as the Hebrew servant sacrifices his family to gain his freedom, Christians are often called to sacrifice worldly attachments to live fully for Christ.
Applying Justice in Social Systems
In modern life, Exodus 21:4 can prompt reflection on the justice and fairness of social systems that impact families, particularly in situations where people face economic hardship. Whether in systems of modern labor, welfare, or even in the realm of immigration and refugee status, the application of justice should be such that it seeks the well-being of the individual and the family unit. The Bible’s consistent emphasis on justice and mercy calls Christians today to advocate for systems that support the vulnerable and oppressed while ensuring fairness and dignity for all.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Leviticus 25:39-43
Leviticus 25:39-43 offers a similar law regarding Hebrew servitude, emphasizing the humane treatment of servants. In contrast to Exodus 21:4, Leviticus 25 allows the servant to be treated as a hired laborer rather than as a piece of property. It stresses that no Israelite should be subjected to harsh or perpetual servitude, and that the jubilee year (every 50th year) would restore freedom to all who were in servitude, returning them to their land and families.
“If thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee, thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: But as an hired servant and as a sojourner he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubilee.” (Leviticus 25:39-40, KJV)
This passage underscores the importance of freedom and release, emphasizing that the servant’s treatment should reflect God’s justice and mercy. Unlike Exodus 21:4, where the servant’s family is separated from him, Leviticus 25 focuses on the restoration of the individual and their family unit.
Deuteronomy 15:12-15
Deuteronomy 15:12-15 highlights the practice of releasing Hebrew slaves after six years and also stresses the importance of generosity toward the released servant. These verses include a requirement for the master to provide the servant with gifts to help them establish themselves upon release.
“And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress.” (Deuteronomy 15:13, KJV)
While Exodus 21:4 does not provide such provisions for the servant’s release, it reflects a similar emphasis on freedom. Both passages highlight the importance of treating servants with dignity, and Deuteronomy 15 adds a layer of generosity upon release, reflecting God’s heart of compassion.
1 Corinthians 7:21-23
In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 7:21-23 offers a Christian perspective on servitude and freedom, saying that believers should remain in the condition in which they were called, whether as slaves or free people. However, Paul emphasizes that freedom in Christ is more important than any earthly condition, and that believers should view their relationship with Christ as their true freedom.
“Art thou called being a servant? Care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman.” (1 Corinthians 7:21-22, KJV)
This passage echoes the liberation theme in Exodus 21, where freedom is ultimately about redemption—both physical and spiritual. The release of the Hebrew slave after six years mirrors the release of Christians from sin through Christ, highlighting the value of spiritual freedom over earthly bonds.
Modern-Day Relevance
Addressing Social Injustice
Exodus 21:4 and its related laws can still inspire reflection on modern social injustices, particularly in how workers and families are treated in economic systems. In many parts of the world, people still face forms of economic exploitation, where they are bound to systems that restrict their freedoms. Christians can draw from the principles in Exodus 21 to advocate for ethical treatment of workers, support for families, and the abolition of modern slavery.
Family and Sacrifice
The principle of family separation in Exodus 21:4 challenges modern Christians to consider how economic and social pressures affect families today. From migrant laborers who must leave their families to find work, to policies that separate families in immigration contexts, the passage calls for compassionate solutions that prioritize human dignity and family unity.
Conclusion
Exodus 21:4 is a thought-provoking verse that reflects the complexities of servitude, freedom, and family dynamics in ancient Israel. While the law may seem restrictive from a modern perspective, its deeper principles highlight the importance of justice, dignity, and liberation. For Christians today, Exodus 21:4 challenges us to consider the cost of freedom, the value of family, and the need for justice in all aspects of life. As we seek to apply these lessons in our modern context, may we strive to reflect God’s heart for compassion, mercy, and restoration in our relationships and societal systems.
Exodus 21:4 Commentary
Many biblical scholars view Exodus 21:4 as a reflection of God’s concern for order and justice in ancient Israelite society. While the law allows for certain restrictions on a servant’s freedom, it also emphasizes the principle of limited servitude and the eventual restoration of liberty. This verse must be understood in its cultural and historical context, where servitude functioned as an economic necessity rather than as an exploitative system.
Theologically, the passage points to a deeper spiritual truth about God’s desire for justice and restoration. Just as the Hebrew servant could eventually achieve freedom, Christians believe that Christ offers ultimate freedom from sin and bondage. Exodus 21:4 serves as a reminder of the cost of that freedom and the sacrifices involved in pursuing it.
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