Deuteronomy 15:17

KJV

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/deuteronomy/15-1-18 "Deuteronomy 15:1-18 - Laws of Release and Servants") 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](/deuteronomy/15-1-6 "Deuteronomy 15:1-6 - The Year of Release")). 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](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Generosity to the Poor")). 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](/deuteronomy/15-12-15 "Deuteronomy 15:12-15 - Release of Hebrew Servants")). 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](/exodus/21-1-11 "Exodus 21:1-11 - Laws Concerning Servants").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aul (Hebrew, _martsêaʻ_):** 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_):** 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.

* [Exodus 21:5-6](/exodus/21-5-6 "The Law of the Permanent Servant")
* [Psalm 40:6-8](/psalms/40-6-8 "The Messiah's Willing Obedience")
* [1 Samuel 1:22](/1_samuel/1-22 "Hannah's Vow of Lifelong Service")

### 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](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Release of Hebrew Servants").

**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](/deuteronomy/15-17 "The Lifelong Servant"), 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](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humility"), being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humility")). 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](/psalms/40-6-8 "The Messiah's Willing Obedience"), 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](/hebrews/10-5-7 "Christ's Obedient Sacrifice")). 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](/john/1-29 "Jesus, 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](/revelation/22-3 "God's Servants Serve Him")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 25:39

¶ And if thy brother [that dwelleth] by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:

Leviticus 25:42

For they [are] my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.

1 Samuel 1:22

But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, [I will not go up] until the child be weaned, and [then] I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.