Exodus 21:3
ESV
If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him.
NIV
If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him.
NASB
If he comes alone, he shall leave alone; if he is the husband of a wife, then his wife shall leave with him.
CSB
If he arrives alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrives with a wife, his wife is to leave with him.
NLT
If he was single when he became your slave, he shall leave single. But if he was married before he became a slave, then his wife must be freed with him.
KJV
If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.
NKJV
If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him.
What does Exodus 21:3 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 21; verse-level content coming soon!Exodus 21:1–11 covers the Mosaic covenant's general approach to servants. The passage uses a Hebrew word covering a wide range of positions, from contracted workers to involuntary slaves. The covenant establishes rights for servants and places limits on their terms of service. These rules can be challenging for modern readers; at the same time, the laws refute critics' unreasonable claims about the Bible's stance.
The Ten Commandments form the basis of Israel's other laws. In this chapter, God provides guidelines and penalties for various issues. These include homicide, assault, and injury. Laws also control harm done to or by animals. Included in these are protections for pregnant women and unborn children. Servants are guarded from abuse. Kidnapping people into slavery is punishable by death.