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 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](/exodus/20-22-23-33 "Exodus 20:22-23:33 - The Book of the Covenant")), 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](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Law for Hebrew Servants"), 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](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Release of Hebrew Servants")), and address complex scenarios involving the servant's family ([Exodus 21:3-4](/exodus/21-3-4 "Exodus 21:3-4 - Provisions for Servants' Wives and Children")). Crucially, [Exodus 21:5](/exodus/21-5 "Exodus 21:5 - The Servant's Voluntary Choice") 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](/deuteronomy/19-17 "Deuteronomy 19:17 - Appearance Before the Lord and Priests/Judges")) 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](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai")). 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
* **master (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** 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.
* **judges (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** 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.
* **door post (Hebrew, _mᵉzûwzâh'_):** 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.
* **bore (Hebrew, _râtsaʻ'_):** 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.
* **ear (Hebrew, _ʼôzen'_):** 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.
* **aul (Hebrew, _martsêaʻ'_):** 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.
* **serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** 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.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** 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.

* [Deuteronomy 15:16-17](/deuteronomy/15-16-17 "Deuteronomy 15:16-17 - Law of the Permanent Servant")
* [Psalm 40:6-8](/psalms/40-6-8 "Psalm 40:6-8 - Sacrifice and Obedience")
* [1 Corinthians 7:22-23](/1_corinthians/7-22-23 "1 Corinthians 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 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
* **How does the voluntary nature of the servant's commitment in [Exodus 21:6](/exodus/21-6 "Exodus 21:6 - The Permanent Servant") challenge our understanding of "freedom" in Christ, where true liberty is paradoxically found in willing submission to His Lordship?**
* **In what tangible 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 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](/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 explicitly 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. 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?**

Answer: In the context of [Exodus 21:6](/exodus/21-6 "Exodus 21:6 - The Permanent Servant"), 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](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Jubilee Year")) 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?**

Answer: 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](/exodus/12-7 "Exodus 12:7 - Passover Blood on Doorposts")), 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](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), 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](/psalms/40-6 "Psalm 40:6 - Sacrifice and Obedience"), often interpreted messianically and quoted in [Hebrews 10:5](/hebrews/10-5 "Hebrews 10:5 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")), signifying Christ's perfect willingness to hear and obey God's will, even unto death on the cross ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Obedience")). 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](/1_corinthians/7-23 "1 Corinthians 7:23 - Bought with a Price")), we are no longer slaves to sin but are now "slaves of righteousness" ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Slaves of Righteousness")) and "slaves of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 7:22](/1_corinthians/7-22 "1 Corinthians 7:22 - Slaves of Christ")), 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](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")), signifying our permanent adoption into God's household and our joyful, lifelong service to our loving Master, Jesus Christ.

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

Deuteronomy 15:17

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.

Leviticus 25:40

[But] as an hired servant, [and] as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, [and] shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:

Deuteronomy 19:17

Then both the men, between whom the controversy [is], shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;

Deuteronomy 19:18

And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, [if] the witness [be] a false witness, [and] hath testified falsely against his brother;

1 Samuel 28:2

And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.

Exodus 22:8

If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, [to see] whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.

Exodus 22:9

For all manner of trespass, [whether it be] for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, [or] for any manner of lost thing, which [another] challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; [and] whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.