3 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.
3 If he came in by himself,
3 If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him.
3 If he came in single he leaves single. If he came in married he leaves with his wife.
3 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.
3 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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 21:3
Commentary on Exodus 21:1-11
(Read Exodus 21:1-11)
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was an emblem of that state of bondage to sin, Satan, and the law, which man is brought into by robbing God of his glory, by the transgression of his precepts. Likewise in being made free, he was an emblem of that liberty wherewith Christ, the Son of God, makes free from bondage his people, who are free indeed; and made so freely, without money and without price, of free grace.