Exodus 21:3If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself. If he is married, then his wife shall go out with him.
The setting
Mount Sinai, Egypt, ~1450 BC. God details family protection laws within servant regulations. These laws safeguard marriage bonds even in economic distress.
The emotion here: protective care for family bonds
The original word
ishshah (אִשָּׁה) — wife, emphasizing the covenant relationship that transcends economic circumstances
Why it matters
Ancient Near Eastern law typically broke up families when debts were paid — Israel's law preserved family unity
Read with care
What most readers miss in Exodus 21:3
This protected existing marriages from being destroyed by economic servitude
Common misconceptionModern readers see this as cold legal procedure, but it was actually revolutionary family protection — most ancient cultures separated families permanently during debt slavery.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Exodus 21:3
Bible Genome reading
Exodus 21:3 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Exodus 21:3 comes from the book of Exodus, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include marital fairness, family unity. Notable phrases: comes in by himself; wife shall go out. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Exodus 21:3 mean to you, today?
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