Exodus 21:5

plainly say -Plainly" should be omitted. It is an attempt to represent in English the idiomatic use of the Hebrew inf. abs., which emphasizes the verb to which it is attached, and is often used in the expression of a condition (G.-K. § 113o). -Plainly," however, does not give the correct emphasis.

I love my master A slave was no doubt often well treated, and would then naturally -prefer slavery with comfort to freedom with destitution" (EB.iv. 4656).

my wife, and my children The case is supposed to be the one provided for in v.4, in which the slave's wife and children would not accompany him into freedom.