But if, literally “and if,” now uses the word ʾim for the fifth time for an alternative to verse 4. Plainly says is literally “saying he says,” a Hebrew form that strengthens the force of the verb. So Good News Translation and others have “if the slave declares.” Durham has “says earnestly.” I love my master uses the common word for love that can apply to wife and children, and so Contemporary English Version has “But suppose the slave loves his wife and children so much.” Revised English Bible and New American Bible prefer to use “I am devoted to.” If a language has a number of words for love, the idea of “devotion” or “attachment” should be used in this context.

I will not go out free is not a demand but a choice. Since he has no claim over his wife and children, it may be better to say “I do not wish to go free” (New International Version, Revised English Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “I do not wish to be released” (Translator’s Old Testament). This is still an incomplete sentence that continues with the next verse.

An alternative translation model is the following:

• But if the slave declares, “I am devoted to you, my wife [or, woman], and my children. I don’t want you to set me free,” ….

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .