Exodus 21:6

KJV

Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then his master {H113} shall bring {H5066} him unto the judges {H430}; he shall also bring {H5066} him to the door {H1817}, or unto the door post {H4201}; and his master {H113} shall bore {H7527} his ear {H241} through with an aul {H4836}; and he shall serve {H5647} him for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then his master is to bring him before God; and there at the door or doorpost, his master is to pierce his ear with an awl; and the man will be his slave for life.

Berean Standard Bible

then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life.

American Standard Version

then his master shall bring him unto God, and shall bring him to the door, or unto the door-post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 21:6 details a specific legal provision within ancient Israelite society for a Hebrew servant who, after six years of service, voluntarily chooses to remain permanently with his master and household. This statute outlines a public ceremony where the servant is brought before judges, his ear is pierced with an aul at the doorpost of the home, signifying a lifelong, willing commitment to his master and the household, transforming a temporary bond into an enduring relationship of belonging and service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 21:6 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a collection of civil and social laws given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai immediately following the Ten Commandments. This section begins with laws concerning servants, specifically Hebrew servants. [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Law for Hebrew Servants") establishes the general rule that a Hebrew male servant was to be set free after six years of service. [Exodus 21:3-4](/exodus/21-3 "Exodus 21:3-4 - Provisions for Servants' Wives and Children") address scenarios involving the servant's wife and children. [Exodus 21:5](/exodus/21-5 "Exodus 21:5 - The Servant's Voluntary Choice") then introduces the pivotal condition for verse 6: if the servant genuinely declares, "I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free," then the process of permanent commitment described in verse 6 is enacted. This progression highlights a system that, while involving servitude, also provides for a pathway to voluntary, lifelong belonging based on affection and loyalty.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Servitude in ancient Israel, as regulated by the Mosaic Law, differed significantly from chattel slavery prevalent in other ancient Near Eastern cultures. Hebrew servitude was often a temporary arrangement, usually for six years, stemming from debt, poverty, or as a form of restitution. The laws in Exodus 21 provided protections for servants, emphasizing their humanity and rights, unlike the more oppressive systems of surrounding nations. The act of bringing the servant "unto the judges" (often interpreted as meaning before God, or before those authorized to represent divine law, such as local elders or priests, as seen in [Deuteronomy 19:17](/deuteronomy/19-17 "Deuteronomy 19:17 - Appearance Before the Lord and Priests/Judges")) underscored the seriousness and legal validity of this lifetime commitment, ensuring it was a recognized and binding act within Israelite society. The doorpost represented the threshold of the home, symbolizing belonging and permanence within that particular household.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judges (Hebrew, _ʾĕlōhîm'_):** The Hebrew word אֱלֹהִים (_ʾĕlōhîm_) here is plural but often refers to God. In legal contexts like this, it is frequently interpreted as "judges" or "magistrates" who act as God's representatives, administering divine law. This indicates that the ceremony was not merely a private affair but a public, legally sanctioned act, carrying the weight of divine approval and oversight. It ensured the servant's choice was genuine and the master's commitment was legally binding.
* **Aul (Hebrew, _martseaʿ'_):** The Hebrew word מַרְצֵעַ (_martseaʿ_) refers to a sharp, pointed instrument, similar to a bodkin or an awl. This tool was used to pierce the servant's ear, creating a permanent mark. The act was symbolic, signifying an indelible, public declaration of lifelong commitment and identification with the master's household. The ear, being the organ of hearing, traditionally symbolized obedience and attentiveness to commands.
* **For ever (Hebrew, _lĕʿôlām'_):** The Hebrew phrase לְעוֹלָם (_lĕʿôlām_) can mean "eternally" or "for a long duration." In this specific legal context, it signifies a permanent commitment for the remainder of the servant's life. While some scholars debate its interaction with the Jubilee year (where all land and some debts were reset), the prevailing understanding for this particular type of servant is that the commitment was indeed lifelong, as it was a voluntary act of love and loyalty, distinct from a temporary debt-bondage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then his master shall bring him unto the judges;":** This clause emphasizes the formal, legal, and public nature of the servant's decision. It was not a private agreement but a solemn declaration made before those who represented divine authority, ensuring its legitimacy and binding nature within the community. This step underscores the gravity of the servant's voluntary commitment.
* **"he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post;":** The location of the ceremony is highly symbolic. The "door" or "doorpost" represents the threshold of the home, the very entrance to the master's household. Performing the act here publicly signifies the servant's permanent entry into and identification with that specific family unit, becoming an enduring part of its fabric and belonging.
* **"and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul;":** This is the central, physical act of the ceremony. The piercing of the ear with an aul creates a permanent, visible mark. The ear, as the organ of hearing, symbolizes a lifelong commitment to listening to, obeying, and serving the master. It is an indelible sign of identification and willing submission, marking the servant as one who has chosen to belong permanently.
* **"and he shall serve him for ever.":** This final clause states the outcome of the ceremony. The "for ever" signifies a lifelong commitment. This service is not forced but is the result of a profound, voluntary choice, rooted in love and loyalty, transforming the servant's status from temporary to permanent within the household structure.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 21:6 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "ear" representing obedience, hearing, and identification, and the "doorpost" symbolizing the household, belonging, and permanence. The "aul" itself is a symbol of the indelible mark of commitment. The entire passage describes a **Ritual**, a prescribed, public ceremony with specific actions and locations, designed to formalize and solemnize a profound change in status. This ritualistic aspect lends weight and authority to the servant's voluntary decision. Furthermore, the precise and prescriptive language used ("shall bring," "shall bore," "shall serve") exemplifies **Legal Language**, characteristic of the "Book of the Covenant," which establishes clear statutes and procedures for the Israelite community, leaving no ambiguity about the binding nature of this unique agreement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This ancient law, while specific to its historical context, powerfully illustrates profound theological principles. At its heart lies the theme of voluntary commitment born out of love and loyalty, rather than compulsion. The servant's choice to remain "for ever" transforms a legal obligation into a relational bond, highlighting that true service and belonging are most meaningful when freely chosen. This concept resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of covenant, where God invites His people into a relationship of willing obedience and devotion, not forced servitude. The mark on the ear signifies an enduring identification and a lifelong dedication to the household, mirroring the spiritual marks of belonging to God's family.

* [Deuteronomy 15:16-17](/deuteronomy/15-16 "Deuteronomy 15:16-17 - Law of the Permanent Servant")
* [Psalm 40:6-8](/psalms/40-6 "Psalm 40:6-8 - Sacrifice and Obedience")
* [1 Corinthians 7:22-23](/1_corinthians/7-22 "1 Corinthians 7:22-23 - Slaves of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient practice described in Exodus 21:6, though no longer literally observed, offers profound spiritual insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the nature of our own commitment to God. Is our service to Christ a grudging obligation, or a joyful, voluntary dedication born out of love for our Master and His household, the Church? The servant's decision to remain was rooted in affection and a sense of belonging, transforming a temporary status into a lifelong identity. Similarly, our discipleship is not merely about following rules but about a profound, chosen relationship with Jesus Christ, where we willingly submit our lives to His Lordship. The "mark" of this commitment for us is not on the ear, but on the heart, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, signifying our permanent adoption into God's family and our lifelong devotion to His will. This passage calls us to embrace our identity as willing servants of Christ, finding our truest freedom and purpose in His eternal household.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the voluntary nature of the servant's commitment in Exodus 21:6 challenge our understanding of "freedom" in Christ, where true liberty is found in willing submission?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, publicly and permanently declare our allegiance to Christ, akin to the ear-boring ceremony, in our daily lives and within the community of faith?**
* **What does it truly mean to "serve him for ever" in the context of our spiritual walk, our eternal destiny, and our commitment to God's kingdom here on earth?**

### FAQ
**Was this practice cruel or inhumane?**

Answer: No, this practice was not considered cruel or inhumane within its historical and legal context. It is crucial to distinguish this specific provision from forced slavery. The ear-boring ceremony was a *voluntary* act for a Hebrew servant who, after fulfilling his term of service (typically six years, as per [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Law for Hebrew Servants")), *chose* to remain with his master out of love and attachment to the household (as stated in [Exodus 21:5](/exodus/21-5 "Exodus 21:5 - The Servant's Voluntary Choice")). It was a public, legally sanctioned ritual, not a punishment or a forced mutilation. The Mosaic Law provided significant protections for servants, distinguishing Israelite practices from the often brutal chattel slavery of surrounding nations. This act signified a privileged and chosen status of permanent belonging.

**Did "for ever" truly mean forever, or was there an end?**

Answer: In the context of Exodus 21:6, the phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: _lĕʿôlām_) primarily signifies a permanent commitment for the duration of the servant's life. While _lĕʿôlām_ can sometimes mean "eternally," in legal and social contexts, it often refers to a lifelong duration. There is scholarly debate about whether the Jubilee year (every 50 years, as described in [Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Jubilee Year")) would have released such a servant. However, given the voluntary and love-motivated nature of this specific commitment, many scholars conclude that it was intended to be a lifelong bond, enduring until the death of either the master or the servant, as it was a unique agreement based on mutual affection and choice, distinct from ordinary debt-bondage.

**What was the significance of the doorpost in this ceremony?**

Answer: The doorpost held significant symbolic meaning in ancient Israelite culture. It represented the threshold of the home, the boundary between the outside world and the private, intimate space of the family. By performing the ear-boring ceremony at the doorpost, the act became a public declaration of the servant's permanent identification with and belonging to that specific household. It signified that the servant was no longer merely an employee or a temporary resident but had become an enduring, integral part of the master's family and home, choosing to remain within its protective and relational bounds for life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 21:6 stands as a profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ and the nature of our relationship with Him. Jesus, though God, willingly took on the form of a servant (as described in [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He was not compelled but out of perfect love for the Father and for humanity, chose to enter into a lifelong, indeed eternal, commitment of obedience. The psalmist prophetically declares, "My ears you have pierced" or "opened" (as in [Psalm 40:6](/psalms/40-6 "Psalm 40:6 - Sacrifice and Obedience"), often interpreted messianically), signifying Christ's perfect willingness to hear and obey God's will, even unto death on the cross ([Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")). He is the ultimate "bondservant" of the Father, whose commitment was not marked by an aul on a doorpost, but by His incarnate life, perfect obedience, and sacrificial death, sealing an eternal covenant. As believers, we are called to emulate this voluntary commitment. Having been "bought with a price" ([1 Corinthians 7:23](/1_corinthians/7-23 "1 Corinthians 7:23 - Bought with a Price")), we are no longer slaves to sin but are now "slaves of Christ" ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Slaves of Righteousness")), finding true freedom and eternal belonging in our willing submission to Him. Our "mark" is not on the ear, but on the heart, by the indwelling Spirit, signifying our permanent adoption into God's household and our joyful, lifelong service to our loving Master.

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.