Exodus 21:4 - If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself.
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What does "Exodus 21:4" mean?
This verse from Exodus 21:4 outlines a specific condition within the laws concerning Hebrew slaves. Let's break it down:
"If his master gives him a wife...": This refers to a Hebrew slave whose master provided him with a wife during his servitude. This wife was likely another slave.
"...and she bears him sons or daughters...": If the wife, provided by the master, has children during the slave's term,
"...the wife and her children shall be her master’s...": Here's the core of the verse. The wife, because she was given to the slave by the master and likely was the master's property already, and any children born from that union, remain the property of the master. They are considered part of the master's household and assets.
"...and he shall go out by himself.": This is the consequence. At the end of the slave's term of service (typically six years according to Exodus 21:2), he is released. However, he leaves alone. His wife and children remain with the master, as they are the master's property.
Interpretation and Significance:
This verse highlights the complex and often harsh realities of slavery in the ancient world. It shows that the Hebrew slave laws, while having provisions for release after a period of servitude, also dealt with the property rights associated with slaves.
Property Rights: The wife and children are treated as the master's property, illustrating that slaves were considered assets.
Separation of Families: The most poignant aspect is the potential for family separation. The slave is given his freedom, but at the cost of leaving his wife and children behind.
Indication of different classes of slaves: It indicates that there were different classes of slaves with varying degrees of freedom and ownership.
Option to remain: Other verses in Exodus 21 provide the slave with the option to remain in servitude voluntarily if he loves his master, his wife, and his children. This scenario would mean that he values his family over his freedom and is willing to continue as a slave for their sake.
Ethical Considerations:
Modern readers often find this verse morally troubling, as it reflects a system that treated human beings as property and allowed for the separation of families. While understanding the historical context is important, it's also crucial to acknowledge the ethical challenges presented by such laws. It's crucial to note that modern interpretations of the bible differ, and this interpretation must be seen in the context of the time.
Exodus 21:4 - If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself.
What does "Exodus 21:4" mean?
This verse from Exodus 21:4 outlines a specific condition within the laws concerning Hebrew slaves. Let's break it down:
"If his master gives him a wife...": This refers to a Hebrew slave whose master provided him with a wife during his servitude. This wife was likely another slave.
"...and she bears him sons or daughters...": If the wife, provided by the master, has children during the slave's term,
"...the wife and her children shall be her master’s...": Here's the core of the verse. The wife, because she was given to the slave by the master and likely was the master's property already, and any children born from that union, remain the property of the master. They are considered part of the master's household and assets.
"...and he shall go out by himself.": This is the consequence. At the end of the slave's term of service (typically six years according to Exodus 21:2), he is released. However, he leaves alone. His wife and children remain with the master, as they are the master's property.
Interpretation and Significance:
This verse highlights the complex and often harsh realities of slavery in the ancient world. It shows that the Hebrew slave laws, while having provisions for release after a period of servitude, also dealt with the property rights associated with slaves.
Property Rights: The wife and children are treated as the master's property, illustrating that slaves were considered assets.
Separation of Families: The most poignant aspect is the potential for family separation. The slave is given his freedom, but at the cost of leaving his wife and children behind.
Indication of different classes of slaves: It indicates that there were different classes of slaves with varying degrees of freedom and ownership.
Option to remain: Other verses in Exodus 21 provide the slave with the option to remain in servitude voluntarily if he loves his master, his wife, and his children. This scenario would mean that he values his family over his freedom and is willing to continue as a slave for their sake.
Ethical Considerations:
Modern readers often find this verse morally troubling, as it reflects a system that treated human beings as property and allowed for the separation of families. While understanding the historical context is important, it's also crucial to acknowledge the ethical challenges presented by such laws. It's crucial to note that modern interpretations of the bible differ, and this interpretation must be seen in the context of the time.