Deuteronomy 15:17

Translation
King James Version
Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
Then thou shalt take H3947 an aul H4836, and thrust H5414 it through his ear H241 unto the door H1817, and he shall be thy servant H5650 for ever H5769. And also unto thy maidservant H519 thou shalt do H6213 likewise.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
then take an awl, and pierce his ear through, right into the door; and he will be your slave forever. Do the same with your female slave.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he will become your servant for life. And treat your maidservant the same way.
Ask
American Standard Version
then thou shalt take an awl, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maid-servant thou shalt do likewise.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then shalt thou take a naule, and perce his eare through against the doore, and he shall be thy seruant for euer: and vnto thy maid seruant thou shall doe likewise.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
then thou hast taken the awl, and hast put it through his ear, and through the door, and he hath been to thee a servant age-during; and also to thy handmaid thou dost do so.
Ask
See also
Leviticus 25:39Leviticus 25:421 Samuel 1:22
In the KJVVerse 5,337 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Deuteronomy 15:17 meticulously details the legal and ceremonial procedure for a Hebrew servant who, after fulfilling six years of mandated service, voluntarily chooses to remain permanently with their master's household. This enduring commitment, born of love and contentment, is publicly solemnized by the master piercing the servant's earlobe with an awl against the doorpost of the home, signifying an unbreakable, lifelong bond of service and belonging within that specific family unit. The statute explicitly extends this same provision and opportunity for security and chosen loyalty to female servants, underscoring principles of voluntary commitment, enduring familial integration, and equitable provision within ancient Israelite society.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Deuteronomy 15:17 is an integral part of a broader legislative section in Deuteronomy 15:1-18 that delineates laws concerning the "Year of Release" and the treatment of Hebrew servants. The chapter commences with the divine mandate for the cancellation of debts every seven years, a radical economic provision designed to prevent chronic poverty and promote social equity among the Israelites (Deuteronomy 15:1-6). This foundational principle of economic justice naturally transitions into a call for generous and open-handed compassion towards the poor and needy within the community (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). Verses 12-18 specifically address the regulations for Hebrew servants, mandating their release after six years of service and requiring masters to provide them generously with provisions upon their departure, emphasizing the memory of Israel's own liberation from Egyptian bondage (Deuteronomy 15:12-15). Verse 16 then introduces the unique scenario where a servant might choose not to depart, explicitly stating the motivation: "if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee." Verse 17, our focal point, then prescribes the precise ceremonial and legal procedure for formalizing this voluntary, lifelong commitment, ensuring that the same compassionate provision applies equally to female servants.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: Servitude was a pervasive reality across the ancient Near East, often serving as a means of debt repayment, survival during famine, or as a consequence of war. However, the Mosaic Law's regulations concerning Hebrew servitude, as distinct from the chattel slavery common in surrounding cultures, were remarkably progressive and humane. They were designed to be temporary, limited to six years, and aimed at preventing perpetual bondage, reflecting God's unique covenantal relationship with Israel, who were themselves redeemed from slavery in Egypt. The "Year of Release" (Sabbatical year) was a distinctive socio-economic institution intended to prevent the concentration of wealth and the perpetuation of poverty, fostering a more equitable society rooted in the principles of justice and mercy. While the practice of a servant choosing to remain with a master was known in other cultures, the specific ritual of ear-piercing for a lifelong bond, particularly within the context of a benevolent master-servant relationship, highlights the distinct ethical and theological framework of the Mosaic covenant. The doorpost, an immutable and foundational element of the home, served as a potent public symbol, signifying the servant's chosen, enduring attachment to that specific household and its integral place within the family unit.

  • Key Themes: This passage profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch, revealing the compassionate heart of God for His covenant people. It powerfully underscores the theme of compassion and justice for the vulnerable, particularly the poor, the indebted, and those in servitude, ensuring they are not exploited but are provided with pathways to freedom, dignity, and security. The law highlights the profound importance of voluntary commitment and love as the foundational basis for enduring relationships, transcending mere legal obligation even within a hierarchical social structure. This chosen bond speaks to the theme of covenantal loyalty, not as a forced duty but as a joyful, heartfelt dedication. Furthermore, the statute subtly yet powerfully emphasizes the dignity of labor and the inherent value of human life, even for those in a position of servitude, by offering a path to lifelong security, belonging, and integration through a consensual arrangement. This stands in stark contrast to the often brutal and dehumanizing realities of slavery in surrounding nations, showcasing God's unique and elevated standard for His people, as further elaborated in related laws concerning servants found in Exodus 21:1-11.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Aul (Hebrew, martsêaʻ, H4836): This term (H4836, מַרְצֵעַ) refers to a sharp, pointed tool, specifically an awl or bodkin, used for piercing. Its precise mention signifies a deliberate, ritualistic act, not a casual or violent one. The tool's function is to create a permanent mark, symbolizing an unchangeable and publicly declared decision. In the context of ancient craftsmanship, an awl was commonly used for making holes in materials like leather or wood, implying a skilled and intentional action that results in a lasting impression.
  • Servant for ever (Hebrew, ʻebed ʻôlâm, H5650): This significant phrase (H5650, עֶבֶד; H5769, עוֹלָם) literally translates to "forever servant" or "eternal servant." While the Hebrew word ʻôlâm can denote eternity in some contexts, here it signifies a permanent or lifelong bond within the master's household, distinctly different from the temporary six-year servitude. It implies a commitment that lasts for the duration of the servant's life or the master's life, or until the Jubilee year, depending on specific rabbinic interpretations. The emphasis is squarely on the enduring, non-temporary nature of the chosen relationship, marking a profound transition from a finite, legally mandated obligation to a permanent, familial attachment born of love and contentment.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust [it] through his ear unto the door,": This clause meticulously describes the specific, symbolic ritual that formalizes the servant's voluntary commitment. The master is commanded to use an awl to pierce the servant's earlobe, pressing it against the doorpost of the house. The ear, in ancient cultures, was often associated with hearing, obedience, and receptivity. Piercing it signifies a public and physical declaration of a new, chosen status—a permanent bond of willing hearing and lifelong obedience within that specific household. The doorpost, a fixed, foundational, and publicly visible part of the home, powerfully symbolizes the servant's enduring and integral attachment to the family and dwelling, making the private choice a public covenantal sign.
  • "and he shall be thy servant for ever.": This declarative statement pronounces the legal and social outcome of the ear-piercing ceremony. The servant, having freely and lovingly chosen this path, now formally enters into a lifelong commitment to the master's household. This "forever" status is not one of forced subjugation or perpetual bondage, but rather one of chosen, loving loyalty, providing the servant with security, provision, and a permanent sense of belonging within the family unit, fundamentally distinct from the temporary nature of typical servitude.
  • "And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.": This crucial final clause explicitly extends the identical provision and ceremonial procedure to female servants. This demonstrates the equitable application of the law, ensuring that women in servitude had the same opportunity for a chosen, permanent bond and the security, dignity, and integration it offered. It highlights the comprehensive, just, and compassionate nature of God's law, applying the principles of voluntary commitment and lifelong loyalty equally to both genders within the Israelite community.

Literary Devices

Deuteronomy 15:17 is rich in Symbolism. The core act of piercing the ear with an awl against the doorpost is profoundly symbolic. The ear represents not merely the organ of hearing, but a deeper spiritual receptivity, obedience, and willingness to listen and comply. In this context, it signifies a willing ear, one that has chosen to hear and remain. The awl is the instrument of this permanent mark, a physical manifestation of an internal, unchangeable decision, making the invisible choice visible. The doorpost serves as a potent symbol of the home, stability, security, and belonging; by piercing the ear to it, the servant publicly and indelibly attaches themselves to that specific household, becoming an enduring and integrated part of its fabric. This ritual transforms a temporary, legally mandated relationship into a permanent, chosen bond, making a private decision a public, indelible declaration. The entire scenario functions as a legal metaphor for a profound, voluntary commitment that transcends mere obligation, embodying the ideal of service born out of love and contentment.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Deuteronomy 15:17 encapsulates profound theological truths about the nature of commitment, freedom, and divine provision within the covenant. It powerfully demonstrates that true service, particularly in the context of a covenantal relationship, is most meaningful and enduring when it flows from a place of love, contentment, and voluntary choice, rather than mere obligation or compulsion. This ancient law, while addressing a specific socio-economic reality in ancient Israel, illustrates God's desire for relationships characterized by enduring loyalty and mutual well-being, even within structures of authority. It serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the deeper spiritual truth that our service to God is not meant to be a reluctant duty or a temporary obligation, but rather a joyful, lifelong dedication born out of profound love for our divine Master and gratitude for His redemptive grace.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Deuteronomy 15:17 presents a compelling and tender image of chosen, lifelong commitment rooted in love and contentment, rather than mere legal obligation. For the believer today, this ancient law serves as a profound and evocative metaphor for our relationship with God. We are not coerced into His service but are graciously invited to willingly and joyfully commit our entire lives to Him, not out of fear, guilt, or obligation, but out of overwhelming gratitude for His boundless grace and transformative love. Just as the servant in ancient Israel found ultimate security, provision, and belonging in the master's house through a chosen bond, so too do believers find their deepest security, truest identity, and eternal purpose in being "servants for ever" within God's eternal household. This passage challenges us to deeply examine the depth and authenticity of our devotion to Christ: Is our commitment to Him temporary, conditional, or driven by external pressures? Or is it a permanent, heartfelt bond, publicly declared through our lives, and lived out daily with joy and contentment in His presence and purpose? Are we truly "well" in His house, finding our ultimate well-being and joy in His sovereign will and loving provision?

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific ways does my service to God reflect a "voluntary commitment" born out of love and gratitude, rather than mere duty or religious obligation?
  • What does it truly mean for me to "pierce my ear to the doorpost" of God's house, signifying a permanent, lifelong, and unwavering bond with Him?
  • How does the security, provision, and sense of belonging offered to the lifelong servant in this passage relate to the ultimate security and spiritual provision I find in my relationship with Christ?
  • Are there any areas in my life where I am consciously or unconsciously holding back from a full, unconditional, and lifelong commitment to God, and what might be the underlying reasons for this hesitation?

FAQ

What was the purpose of piercing the ear?

Answer: The piercing of the ear was a deeply symbolic and public act signifying a servant's voluntary and permanent commitment to their master's household. In ancient cultures, the ear was often associated with hearing, obedience, and receptivity, while the doorpost represented the home, stability, and belonging. By piercing the ear against the doorpost, the servant publicly declared their chosen status as a lifelong member of that specific household, willingly binding themselves to its service and finding security and integration within its familial structure. This act transformed a temporary, often debt-based servitude into a permanent, love-based relationship, ensuring the servant's well-being and full integration into the family. It was a solemn legal and social declaration of enduring loyalty, distinct from the temporary servitude outlined in Deuteronomy 15:12.

Does "servant for ever" literally mean eternity?

Answer: While the Hebrew word ʻôlâm (עוֹלָם) can indeed mean eternity or for all time in certain theological contexts, in the specific context of human relationships and legal statutes like Deuteronomy 15:17, it typically signifies a permanent or lifelong bond. This would mean for the duration of the servant's life, the master's life, or until the next Jubilee year, depending on specific rabbinic interpretations. The crucial distinction is that this commitment was not for a limited period, like the six years of regular servitude, but was intended to be enduring and non-temporary, signifying a deep, chosen attachment to the household that would last as long as the parties involved. It speaks to the lasting, covenantal nature of the relationship entered into by free will.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Deuteronomy 15:17, with its poignant imagery of a servant willingly choosing lifelong commitment out of love for their master and contentment in their household, finds its most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. Christ, though eternally God, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:7). His entire earthly life was one of perfect, voluntary obedience and lifelong service to the Father's will, not under compulsion or obligation, but out of perfect, infinite love. The imagery of the pierced ear resonates powerfully with the Messiah's willing sacrifice, as anticipated in Psalm 40:6-8, where the psalmist (and ultimately Christ) declares, "My ears you have opened... I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." This is often interpreted as God "piercing" or "opening" Christ's ear for willing obedience, foreshadowing His body being prepared for ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 10:5-7). Jesus embodies the ultimate "servant for ever," not out of necessity, but out of infinite love for His Father and for humanity, becoming the Lamb of God who willingly laid down His life to redeem us. Through His perfect, voluntary service, He invites us, His redeemed people, to become His "servants for ever," not in bondage, but in the glorious freedom of a love-based, lifelong covenant, finding our ultimate belonging, security, and eternal purpose in His eternal household, where "His servants will serve Him" forever (Revelation 22:3).

Copy as

Commentary on Deuteronomy 15 verses 12–18

Here is, I. A repetition of the law that had been given concerning Hebrew servants who had sold themselves for servants, or were sold by their parents through extreme poverty, or were sold by the court of judgment for some crime committed. The law was, 1. That they should serve but six years, and in the seventh should go out free, Deu 15:12. Compare Exo 21:2. And, if the year of jubilee happened before they served out their time, that would be their discharge. God's Israel were a free people, and must not be compelled to perpetual slavery; thus are God's spiritual Israel called unto liberty. 2. That if, when their six years' service had expired, they had no mind to go out free, but would rather continue in service, as having less care, though taking more pains, than their masters, in this case they must lay themselves under an obligation to serve for ever, that is, for life, by having their ears bored to the door-posts, Deu 15:16, Deu 15:17. Compare Exo 21:6. If hereby a man disgraced himself with some, as of a mean and servile spirit, that had not a due sense of the honour and pleasure of liberty, yet, we may suppose, with others he got reputation, as of a quiet contented spirit, humble, and diligent, and loving, and not given to change.

II. Here is an addition to this law, requiring them to put some small stock into their servants' hands to set up with for themselves, when they sent them out of their service, Deu 15:13, Deu 15:14. It was to be supposed that they had nothing of their own, and that their friends had little or nothing for them, else they else they would have been redeemed before they were discharged by law; they had no wages for their service, and all they got by their labour was their masters', so that their liberty would do them little good, having nothing to begin the world with; therefore their masters are here commanded to furnish them liberally with corn and cattle. No certain measure is prescribed: that is left to the generosity of the master, who probably would have respect to the servant's merit and necessity; but the Jewish writers say, "He could not give less than the value of thirty shekels of silver, but as much more as he pleased" The maid-servants, though they were not to have their ears bored if they were disposed to stay, yet, if they went out free, they were to have a gratuity given them; for to this those words refer, Unto thy maid-servant thou shalt do likewise, Deu 15:17. The reasons for this are taken from the law of gratitude. They must do it, 1. In gratitude to God, who had not only brought them out of Egypt (Deu 15:15), but brought them out greatly enriched with the spoils of the Egyptians. Let them not send their servants out empty, for they were not sent empty out of the house of bondage. God's tender care of us and kindness to us oblige us to be careful of, and kind to, those that have a dependence upon us. Thus we must render according to the benefit done unto us. 2. In gratitude to their servants, Deu 15:18. "Grudge not to give him a little out of thy abundance, for he has been worth a double hired servant unto thee. The days of the hireling at most were but three years (Isa 16:14), but he has served thee six years, and, unlike the hired servant, without any wages." Masters and landlords ought to consider what need they have of, and what ease and advantage they have by, their servants and tenants, and should not only be just but kind to them. To these reasons it is added, as before in this chapter (Deu 15:4, Deu 15:6, Deu 15:10), The Lord they God shall bless thee. Then we may expect family blessings, the springs of family-prosperity, when we make conscience of our duty to our family-relations.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–18. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Deuteronomy 15:17 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.