Bible Strands
Exodus 21:6
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The text addresses the Israelite community through Moses regarding the legal procedure for a Hebrew servant who voluntarily chooses permanent servitude over release in the seventh year. The master must present the servant before the judges to formalize this irreversible commitment.
The words — The Hebrew term אֱלֹהִים (Elohim), literally "God," functions here as a legal reference to human judges or magistrates. The verb הִגִּישׁ (higgish), meaning "he will bring near," describes the act of presenting the servant for official adjudication.
The thread — This ritual of ear-piercing at the doorpost repeats in Deuteronomy 15:17 as the identical covenantal marker for voluntary lifelong servitude. The legal framework for dispute resolution and judicial presence before God also echoes in Deuteronomy 19:17.
Why it lands — The passage requires the reader to recognize that voluntary, permanent service demands public judicial oversight and a physical sign of binding commitment. It establishes that such a choice permanently alters the servant’s legal status under Israelite law.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 15:17 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.
- Leviticus 25:40 Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee.
- Deuteronomy 19:17 both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time.
- 1 Samuel 28:2 David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”
- Exodus 12:12 On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.
- Exodus 18:21 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
- Exodus 21:22 If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows.
- Exodus 22:8 If the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges to determine whether he has taken his neighbor’s property.
- Exodus 22:28 You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
- Leviticus 25:23 The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and residents with Me.