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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 21:1–11. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The first verse is the general title of the laws contained in this and the two following chapters, some of them relating to the religious worship of God, but most of them relating to matters between man and man. Their government being purely a Theocracy, that which in other states is to be settled by human prudence was directed among them by a divine appointment, so that the constitution of their government was peculiarly adapted to make them happy. These laws are called judgments, because they are framed in infinite wisdom and equity, and because their magistrates were to give judgment according to the people. In the doubtful cases that had hitherto occurred, Moses had particularly enquired of God for them, as appeared, Exo 18:15; but now God gave him statutes in general by which to determine particular cases, which likewise he must apply to other like cases that might happen, which, falling under the same reason, fell under the same rule. He begins with the laws concerning servants, commanding mercy and moderation towards them. The Israelites had lately been servants themselves; and now that they had become, not only their own masters, but masters of servants too, lest they should abuse their servants, as they themselves had been abused and ruled with rigour by the Egyptian task-masters, provision was made by these laws for the mild and gentle usage of servants. Note, If those who have had power over us have been injurious to us this will not in the least excuse us if we be in like manner injurious to those who are under our power, but will rather aggravate our crime, because, in that case, we may the more easily put our souls into their soul's stead. Here is,
I.A law concerning men-servants, sold, either by themselves or their parents, through poverty, or by the judges, for their crimes; even those of the latter sort (if Hebrews) were to continue in slavery but seven years at the most, in which time it was taken for granted that they would sufficiently have smarted for their folly or offence. At the seven years' end the servant should either go out free (Exo 21:2, Exo 21:3), or his servitude should thenceforward be his choice, Exo 21:5, Exo 21:6. If he had a wife given him by his master, and children, he might either leave them and go out free himself, or, if he had such a kindness for them that he would rather tarry with them in bondage than go out at liberty without them, he was to have his ear bored through to the doorpost and serve till the death of his master, or the year of jubilee.
1.By this law God taught,
(1.)The Hebrew servants generosity, and a noble love of liberty, for they were the Lord's freemen; a mark of disgrace must be put upon him who refused liberty when he might have it, though he refused it upon considerations otherwise laudable enough. Thus Christians, being bought with a price, and called unto liberty, must not be the servants of men, nor of the lusts of men, Co1 7:23. There is a free and princely spirit that much helps to uphold a Christian, Psa 51:12. He likewise taught,
(2.)The Hebrew masters not to trample upon their poor servants, knowing, not only that they had been by birth upon a level with them, but that, in a few years, they would be so again. Thus Christian masters must look with respect on believing servants, Plm 1:16.
2.This law will be further useful to us,
(1.)To illustrate the right God has to the children of believing parents, as such, and the place they have in his church. They are by baptism enrolled among his servants, because they are born in his house, for they are therefore born unto him, Eze 16:20. David owns himself God's servant, as he was the son of his handmaid (Psa 116:16), and therefore entitled to protection, Psa 86:16.
(2.)To explain the obligation which the great Redeemer laid upon himself to prosecute the work of our salvation, for he says (Psa 40:6), My ears hast thou opened, which seems to allude to this law. He loved his Father, and his captive spouse, and the children that were given him, and would not go out free from his undertaking, but engaged to serve in it for ever, Isa 42:1, Isa 42:4. Much more reason have we thus to engage ourselves to serve God for ever; we have all the reason in the world to love our Master and his work, and to have our ears bored to his door-posts, as those who desire not to go out free from his service, but to be found more and more free to it, and in it, Psa 84:10.
Concerning maid-servants, whom their parents, through extreme poverty, had sold, when they were very young, to such as they hoped would marry them when they grew up; if they did not, yet they must not sell them to strangers, but rather study how to make them amends for the disappointment; if they did, they must maintain them handsomely, Exo 21:7-11. Thus did God provide for the comfort and reputation of the daughters of Israel, and has taught husbands to give honour to their wives (be their extraction ever so mean) as to the weaker vessels, Pe1 3:7.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
To the gods: Elohim. That is, to the judges, or magistrates, authorized by God.
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Summary
Exodus 21:6 meticulously details a legal provision within the "Book of the Covenant" for a Hebrew servant who, after completing six years of service, voluntarily chooses to remain permanently with his master and household. This statute outlines a solemn, public ceremony where the servant is brought before designated authorities, his ear is pierced with an awl at the doorpost of the home, signifying an indelible, lifelong commitment born out of love and loyalty, thereby transforming a temporary bond into an enduring relationship of belonging and service within the master's family.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 21:6 is embedded within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a foundational collection of civil and social laws delivered by God to Moses at Mount Sinai immediately following the Ten Commandments. This specific section, beginning in Exodus 21:2, addresses the rights and regulations concerning Hebrew servants. The preceding verses establish the general rule of release after six years of service (Exodus 21:2), and address complex scenarios involving the servant's family (Exodus 21:3-4). Crucially, Exodus 21:5 sets the stage for verse 6 by presenting the servant's explicit, voluntary declaration: "I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free." This progression underscores that the lifelong commitment described in verse 6 is not forced, but a profound choice rooted in affection and loyalty.
Historical & Cultural Context
Servitude in ancient Israel, as regulated by the Mosaic Law, fundamentally differed from the chattel slavery prevalent in surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures. Hebrew servitude was typically a temporary arrangement, often a means of managing debt, poverty, or restitution for a crime, with a mandated release after six years. The laws in Exodus 21 provided significant protections for servants, emphasizing their humanity and rights, a stark contrast to the often brutal systems of other nations. The act of bringing the servant "unto the judges" (Hebrew: ʾĕlōhîym, often interpreted as local magistrates or elders acting as God's representatives, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:17) underscored the solemnity, legal validity, and public nature of this lifelong commitment, ensuring it was a recognized and binding act within Israelite society. The doorpost, as the threshold of the home, symbolized belonging, permanence, and entry into the intimate sphere of the household.
Key Themes
Exodus 21:6 contributes to several key themes within the broader book and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Justice and Compassion in Law, demonstrating God's concern for even the most vulnerable members of society and His establishment of equitable legal frameworks that distinguish Israel from its neighbors. It also highlights the theme of Voluntary Covenant and Commitment, where a relationship, initially based on necessity, can transform into a lifelong bond of love and loyalty. This mirrors God's desire for a willing, rather than coerced, relationship with His people, as seen in the broader covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19). Furthermore, the passage touches on Belonging and Identity, as the ear-boring ritual signifies the servant's permanent identification with a specific household, becoming an integral part of its fabric and future. This concept of belonging to a "household" or "family" is a recurring motif throughout the biblical narrative, culminating in the idea of God's people as His chosen family.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From an unused root meaning "to rule," this term refers to a sovereign, controller, or owner. In this context, it denotes the head of the household who possesses authority over the servant. The servant's voluntary commitment is made to this specific individual, acknowledging his lordship within the domestic sphere.
While often referring to God, in this legal context, ʾĕlôhîym is applied by way of deference to magistrates or those who administer divine law. This indicates that the ceremony was not a private agreement but a public, legally sanctioned act, carrying the weight of divine approval and oversight, ensuring the servant's choice was genuine and the master's commitment was legally binding.
This term refers to a door-post, specifically as a prominent part of the entrance. Its selection as the location for the ear-boring ceremony is highly symbolic, representing the threshold of the home. 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.
A primitive root meaning "to pierce." This verb describes the physical action performed by the master on the servant's ear. The act of piercing creates a permanent, visible mark, signifying an indelible, public declaration of lifelong commitment and identification with the master's household.
Derived from a root meaning "broadness," referring to the physical organ of hearing. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the ear was often associated with obedience and attentiveness. The piercing of the ear symbolizes a lifelong commitment to listening to, obeying, and serving the master, making the servant's willing submission visible and permanent.
This noun refers to a sharp, pointed instrument used for piercing. It is the specific tool employed to create the permanent mark on the servant's ear. The awl, as the instrument of the indelible mark, underscores the permanence and seriousness of the voluntary commitment.
A primitive root meaning "to work" in any sense, by implication, "to serve" or "to enslave." In this verse, it denotes the ongoing, lifelong labor and devotion of the servant to the master. Crucially, this service is not forced but is the result of a profound, voluntary choice rooted in love and loyalty.
Properly meaning "concealed" or "the vanishing point," this term generally refers to "time out of mind," past or future, and practically means "eternity" or "always." In this specific legal context, it signifies a permanent commitment for the remainder of the servant's life, distinguishing this voluntary bond from temporary forms of servitude.
Verse Breakdown
"Then his master shall bring him unto the judges;"
This initial clause establishes the formal, legal, and public nature of the servant's momentous decision. The act is not a private agreement but a solemn declaration made before those representing divine authority, ensuring its legitimacy and binding nature within the community. This step underscores the gravity and public recognition of the servant's voluntary commitment.
"he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post;"
The chosen location for the ceremony is profoundly symbolic. The "door" or "doorpost" represents the threshold of the home, the very entrance to the master's household and the intimate space of the family. 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, creating a permanent, visible mark. The piercing of the ear with an awl 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 to heed the master's voice.
"and he shall serve him for ever."
This concluding clause states the enduring outcome of the ceremony. The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: lĕʿôlām) signifies a lifelong commitment, lasting for the duration of the servant's natural life. This service is not coerced but is the direct result of a profound, voluntary choice rooted in love and loyalty, thereby transforming the servant's status from temporary to permanent within the household structure.
Literary Devices
Exodus 21:6 is rich with significant literary devices. Symbolism is central, with the "ear" representing obedience, hearing, and identification, and the "doorpost" symbolizing the household, belonging, and permanence. The "aul" itself is a concrete symbol of the indelible mark of commitment and the enduring nature of the bond. The entire passage describes a Ritual, a prescribed, public ceremony with specific actions, participants, and a designated location, designed to formalize and solemnize a profound change in status from temporary servant to permanent member of the household. This ritualistic aspect lends immense 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." This clear, unambiguous phrasing establishes a binding statute and procedure for the Israelite community, leaving no doubt about the enduring nature of this unique agreement.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This ancient law, while specific to its historical context, powerfully illustrates profound theological principles that transcend its original setting. At its heart lies the theme of voluntary commitment born out of love and loyalty, rather than compulsion or mere obligation. The servant's choice to remain "for ever" transforms a legal obligation into a deeply relational bond, highlighting that true service and belonging are most meaningful and enduring when freely chosen from a place of affection. 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 permanent 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 and the indelible nature of His covenant with His chosen people.
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 deeply consider the nature of our own commitment to God. Is our service to Christ a grudging obligation, a temporary arrangement we fulfill out of duty, or a joyful, voluntary dedication born out of profound love for our Master and His household, the Church? The servant's decision to remain was rooted in affection and a deep sense of belonging, transforming a temporary status into a lifelong identity. Similarly, our discipleship is not merely about following rules or performing religious acts 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, purpose, and belonging in His eternal household.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was this practice cruel or inhumane?
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 or punitive mutilation. 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), chose to remain with his master out of love and attachment to the household (as explicitly stated in Exodus 21:5). It was a public, legally sanctioned ritual, not a punishment. 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, a mark of honor for a loyal servant.
Did "for ever" truly mean forever, or was there an end?
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 a theological sense, 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) would have released such a servant. However, given the unique, voluntary, and love-motivated nature of this specific commitment, many scholars conclude that it was indeed 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?
The doorpost held profound 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. It was also the place where the Passover blood was applied (Exodus 12:7), signifying protection and belonging. 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. It was a public affirmation of an internal, heartfelt commitment to that specific domestic community.
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 powerfully articulated in Philippians 2:7), emptying Himself for our sake. He was not compelled but, out of perfect love for the Father and for lost 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, often interpreted messianically and quoted in Hebrews 10:5), signifying Christ's perfect willingness to hear and obey God's will, even unto death on the cross (Hebrews 10:7). He is the ultimate "bondservant" of the Father, whose commitment was not marked by an awl on a doorpost, but by His incarnate life, perfect obedience, and sacrificial death, sealing an eternal covenant of redemption. As believers, we are called to emulate this voluntary commitment. Having been "bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 7:23), we are no longer slaves to sin but are now "slaves of righteousness" (Romans 6:18) and "slaves of Christ" (1 Corinthians 7:22), 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 (Ephesians 1:13-14), signifying our permanent adoption into God's household and our joyful, lifelong service to our loving Master, Jesus Christ.