The Hebrew phrasing for "plainly say" emphasizes that this isn't just a casual remark, but a deep, declared intention of the heart. This highlights that the choice to remain a slave isn't about coercion, but a genuine, stated affection for his master and his family, even in servitude.
But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his slave forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage addresses the specific situation of a Hebrew slave who has served for six years and is due for release. It considers the possibility that such a slave, having perhaps formed deep attachments to his master, his wife, and children (who may have been bought by the master or were slaves themselves), might choose to remain in servitude. This choice is presented as an alternative to leaving them behind when his freedom day arrives.
Imagine a world where freedom isn't always the ultimate goal. This verse presents a surprising scenario where deep affection leads a person to choose lifelong servitude.
The Heart of the Matter: Affection and Choice
This passage from Exodus introduces a unique provision for Hebrew slaves. While the general rule was freedom after six years of service (Exodus 21:2), there was an exception:
This wasn't about coercion or desperation. The emphasis is on the slave's own words – 'plainly say' – indicating a clear, willing, and deliberate choice. The reasons given are powerful:
This choice highlights that in ancient Israelite society, family ties and personal attachments could outweigh the desire for personal freedom, especially within the context of a (relatively) humane system of servitude.
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What does it mean to be 'marked' for life? This verse sets the stage for a ritual that physically binds a slave to their master's home, signifying a permanent belonging.
A Ritual of Belonging
The choice to remain a slave for life wasn't just a verbal agreement. The subsequent verse (Exodus 21:6) describes a public ceremony:
This act was deeply symbolic:
Understand the original words
ahavti · Hebrew Verb
A deep, committed affection that involves loyalty and self-sacrifice. It is the central command of the law (to love God and neighbor) and the primary characteristic of God’s nature.
elohim · Hebrew Noun
In this context, likely refers to the judges or the sanctuary of God, representing the authority of the covenantal judicial system established by God.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A condition of perpetual service or bond-service, often used in Scripture to describe a person's relationship to God or another human; here it denotes a lifelong commitment of labor.
This passage directly parallels Exodus 21:5, explaining the same scenario and highlighting that the master's love for the slave and the slave's contentment are the reasons for this permanent servitude.
1 Corinthians 7:21This New Testament passage speaks to remaining in one's 'called' condition, echoing the voluntary choice in Exodus 21:5 to embrace a life of service out of love and contentment rather than seeking a change in status.
Philippians 2:5-7Paul urges believers to have the same 'mind' as Christ, who, though free, did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant. This reflects the self-emptying choice of the slave in Exodus 21 who chooses service over freedom.
Jeremiah 34:11-16This passage recounts how the people of Judah failed to uphold the covenant of releasing their slaves, directly contrasting with the just provision made in Exodus 21 and showing the consequences when such laws are ignored or abused.
pulpitExodus 21:5: "And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:"
Verses 5, 6. - I love my master, etc. Affection might grow up between the slave and the master, if he were well treated. The Hebrew form of slavery was altogether of a mild kind. Masters are admonished to treat their slaves "not as bond-servants, but as hired servants or sojourners," and again "not to rule over them with rigour" (Leviticus 25:39, 40, 43). Even among the heath…
calvinExodus 21:1-6: "Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them."
- Now these are the judgments. Both passages contain the same appointment, viz., that as to the Hebrews slavery must end at the seventh year; for God would have the children of Abraham, although obliged to sell themselves, to differ from heathen and ordinary slaves. Their enfranchisement is, therefore, enjoined, but with an exception, which Moses expresses in the first passage but omits in the latter, i e., that if…
The Hebrew phrasing for "plainly say" emphasizes that this isn't just a casual remark, but a deep, declared intention of the heart. This highlights that the choice to remain a slave isn't about coercion, but a genuine, stated affection for his master and his family, even in servitude.
This passage addresses the specific situation of a Hebrew slave who has served for six years and is due for release. It considers the possibility that such a slave, having perhaps formed deep attachments to his master, his wife, and children (who may have been bought by the master or were slaves themselves), might choose to remain in servitude. This choice is presented as an alternative to leaving them behind when his freedom day arrives.
This passage addresses the specific situation of a Hebrew slave who has served for six years and is due for release. It considers the possibility that such a slave, having perhaps formed deep attachments to his master, his wife, and children (who may have been bought by the master or were slaves themselves), might choose to remain in servitude. This choice is presented as an alternative to leaving them behind when his freedom day arrives.
"But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with…" — The Hebrew phrasing for "plainly say" emphasizes that this isn't just a casual remark, but a deep, declared intention of the heart. This highlights that the choice to remain a slave isn't about coerc…
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Last reviewed October 2026
