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◄ Exodus 21:6►

New International Version
then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.

New Living Translation
If he does this, his master must present him before God. Then his master must take him to the door or doorpost and publicly pierce his ear with an awl. After that, the slave will serve his master for life.

English Standard Version
then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his slave forever.

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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever.

New American Standard Bible
then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently.

NASB 1995
then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently.

NASB 1977
then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently.

Legacy Standard Bible
then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. Then his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently.

Amplified Bible
then his master shall bring him to God [that is, to the judges who act in God’s name], then he shall bring him to the door or doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl (strong needle); and he shall serve him for life.

Christian Standard Bible
his master is to bring him to the judges and then bring him to the door or doorpost. His master will pierce his ear with an awl, and he will serve his master for life.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
his master is to bring him to the judges and then bring him to the door or doorpost. His master must pierce his ear with an awl, and he will 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.

Contemporary English Version
Then he must stand beside either the door or the doorpost at the place of worship, while his owner punches a small hole through one of his ears with a sharp metal rod. This makes him a slave for life.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
then his master must bring him to God. The master must bring him to the door or the doorframe and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his slave for life.

Good News Translation
then his master shall take him to the place of worship. There he is to make him stand against the door or the doorpost and put a hole through his ear. Then he will be his slave for life.

International Standard Version
then his master is to bring him before the judges and he is to bring him to the door or to the doorpost. His master is to pierce his ear with an awl, and he is to serve him permanently.

NET Bible
then his master must bring him to the judges, and he will bring him to the door or the doorposts, and his master will pierce his ear with an awl, and he shall serve him forever.

New Heart English Bible
then his master shall bring him to God, and shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him for ever.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then his master shall bring him to the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or to the door-post: and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever.

Majority Text Translations

Majority 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.

World English Bible
then his master shall bring him to God, and shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him forever.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
then his lord has brought him near to God, and has brought him near to the door, or to the doorpost, and his lord has bored his ear with an awl, and he has served him for all time.

Young's Literal Translation
then hath his lord brought him nigh unto God, and hath brought him nigh unto the door, or unto the side-post, and his lord hath bored his ear with an awl, and he hath served him -- to the age.

Smith's Literal Translation
And his lord brought him near to God, and he brought him near to the door, or to the door-post, and his lord pierced his ear with an awl; and he served him forever.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
His master shall bring him to the gods, and he shall be set to the door and the posts, and he shall bore his ear through with an awl: and he shall be his servant for ever.

Catholic Public Domain Version
then his lord shall make an offering for him to the heavens, and it shall be applied to the door and the posts, and he will pierce his ear with an awl. And he shall be his servant in perpetuity.

New American Bible
his master shall bring him to God and there, at the door or doorpost, he shall pierce his ear with an awl, thus keeping him as his slave forever.

New Revised Standard Version
then his master shall bring him before God. He shall be brought to the door or the doorpost; and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him for life.

Translations from Aramaic

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

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
His Master shall bring him to the Judges and they shall bring him to the door or to the door post and his Master shall bore his ear with an awl and he will be his, doing service for life.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
his master shall bring him to the judgment-seat of God, and then shall he bring him to the door, - to the door-post, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him for ever.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Laws for Servants
…5But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’6then 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.7And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Deuteronomy 15:16-17
But if your servant says to you, ‘I do not want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your household and is well off with you, / 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 25:39-42
If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ...

Psalm 40:6
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require.

Psalm 116:16
Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds.

1 Samuel 1:11
And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”

Isaiah 50:5
The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back.

Jeremiah 34:9-10
that each man should free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female, and no one should hold his fellow Jew in bondage. / So all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them,

Nehemiah 5:5
We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.”

Job 41:4
Will he make a covenant with you to take him as a slave for life?

1 Corinthians 7:21-23
Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. / You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Romans 6:16-18
Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? / But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. / You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Galatians 4:7
So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

Philippians 2:7
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Ephesians 6:5-8
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...

Colossians 3:22-24
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Treasury of Scripture

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

the judges

Exodus 21:22
If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit departfrom her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judgesdetermine.

Exodus 12:12
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: Iam the LORD.

Exodus 18:21-26
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and placesuch over them,to be rulers of thousands,and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: …

bore his ear.

Psalm 40:6-8
Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required…

for every

Leviticus 25:23,40
The land shall not be sold for ever: for the landis mine; for yeare strangers and sojourners with me…

Deuteronomy 15:17
Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrustit through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.

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, andthen I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.

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Exodus 21

1.Laws for men servants
5.For the servant whose ear is bored
7.For women servants
12.For manslaughter
16.For kidnappers
17.For cursers of parents
18.For smiters
22.For a hurt by chance
28.For an ox that gores
33.For him who is an occasion of harm

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

then his master is to bring him before the judges.
In ancient Israel, the term "judges" refers to the appointed leaders or elders who were responsible for maintaining justice and order within the community. This process ensured that the decision for a servant to remain with his master was made publicly and legally, preventing any coercion or abuse. The judges acted as representatives of God's law, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency. This practice reflects the broader biblical principle of justice and fairness, as seen inDeuteronomy 16:18-20, where judges are instructed to judge the people with righteous judgment.

And he shall take him to the door or doorpost
The door or doorpost holds significant symbolic meaning in biblical times. It represents the threshold of a household, a place of transition and covenant. InExodus 12:7, the Israelites marked their doorposts with the blood of the Passover lamb, signifying protection and deliverance. Similarly, the act of bringing the servant to the doorpost symbolizes a covenantal commitment, marking a transition from temporary servitude to a lifelong bond. This act also serves as a public declaration of the servant's voluntary choice to remain with his master.

and pierce his ear with an awl.
Piercing the ear with an awl was a physical sign of the servant's permanent commitment to his master. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, ear piercing was a common practice to signify belonging or allegiance. This act of piercing is reminiscent of the bond-servant relationship, where the servant willingly chooses to serve out of love and loyalty. The pierced ear becomes a visible mark of identity and dedication, much like the marks of ownership or allegiance found in other ancient cultures. This act can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, inPhilippians 2:7, took on the form of a servant, demonstrating ultimate obedience and submission.

Then he shall serve his master for life.
The lifelong service of the servant is a profound commitment, reflecting a deep bond between the servant and the master. This relationship is not merely transactional but is based on mutual respect and love. The concept of lifelong service can be paralleled with the New Testament teachings on servanthood and discipleship, where believers are called to serve Christ wholeheartedly and eternally. InRomans 6:22, Paul speaks of becoming slaves to God, resulting in sanctification and eternal life. This lifelong service is a picture of the believer's eternal commitment to Christ, who is the ultimate Master.

Persons / Places / Events

1.The Master
The individual who owns the servant and is responsible for bringing him to God and performing the ear-piercing ritual.

2.The Servant
A Hebrew servant who, after serving six years, chooses to remain with his master permanently.

3.God
The divine authority before whom the servant's decision is affirmed.

4.The Door or Doorpost
The physical location where the servant's ear is pierced, symbolizing his permanent commitment.

5.The Awl
A tool used to pierce the servant's ear, marking his lifelong service.

Teaching Points

Voluntary Servitude as a Model of Commitment
The servant's choice to remain with his master is a powerful example of voluntary commitment and loyalty. In our spiritual lives, we are called to willingly commit ourselves to God, serving Him out of love rather than obligation.

Symbolism of the Doorpost
The doorpost, where the servant's ear is pierced, is significant. It represents a threshold or transition point. In our faith journey, we often encounter moments where we must make a definitive choice to follow God wholeheartedly.

The Role of Rituals in Faith
The act of piercing the ear is a ritual that signifies a deeper spiritual truth. Similarly, Christian practices like baptism and communion are outward expressions of inward commitments.

Eternal Service to God
Just as the servant commits to lifelong service, Christians are called to serve God eternally. This service is not burdensome but a joyful response to God's love and grace.

The Importance of Witnesses
The presence of God as a witness to the servant's decision underscores the importance of accountability in our spiritual commitments. In the Christian community, we support and hold each other accountable in our walk with Christ.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Exodus 21:6?

2.How does Exodus 21:6 illustrate the concept of lifelong commitment to service?

3.What significance does the ear-piercing ceremony hold in Exodus 21:6?

4.How does Exodus 21:6 connect to New Testament teachings on servanthood?

5.In what ways can we apply Exodus 21:6 to modern Christian service?

6.How does Exodus 21:6 reflect God's view on voluntary servitude and obedience?

7.Why does Exodus 21:6 endorse lifelong servitude for a Hebrew servant?

8.How does Exodus 21:6 align with the concept of free will?

9.What historical context explains the ear-piercing ritual in Exodus 21:6?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21?

11.What archaeological or historical records support or refute the idea of multiple divine beings implied in Psalm 82?

12.How can a “divine council” (Psalm 82:1) fit with passages claiming there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)?

13.In Psalm 45:6, why is a human king seemingly addressed as “God,” and how do we reconcile this with monotheistic beliefs?

14.Why does Psalm 82:1 refer to “gods” in what is supposed to be a monotheistic text?

What Does Exodus 21:6 Mean

Then his master is to bring him before the judges

“Then his master shall bring him to the judges” (Exodus 21:6).

• This step safeguards the servant’s choice. Public officials (“judges,”Exodus 18:25-26) confirm that the decision is voluntary, echoing God’s concern for justice (Deuteronomy 16:18-20).

• The scene recalls Ruth’s redemption at the city gate (Ruth 4:1-11) where witnesses validated a covenant.

• By involving authorities, Scripture shows that freedom is the default (Exodus 21:2), and perpetual service must never be coerced (Leviticus 25:39-43).

And he shall take him to the door or doorpost

The doorway symbolizes the household’s threshold.

• Just as Israel marked doorposts with Passover blood (Exodus 12:7, 22-23), the servant now identifies with this family under its protection.

•Deuteronomy 6:9 speaks of writing God’s commands on doorframes—places of continual reminder. The servant’s act becomes a living memorial of covenant love.

• A doorway also marks transition: from temporary hireling to permanent member of the master’s household (compareJohn 10:7 where Jesus calls Himself “the door” for His flock).

Pierce his ear with an awl

“And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl” (Exodus 21:6).

• The ear, linked to hearing and obedience (Isaiah 50:5), is symbolically opened to lifelong faithfulness.Psalm 40:6 echoes, “My ears You have opened,” a willing submission to God’s will.

• Blood is shed—pointing forward to covenantal sacrifice (Hebrews 9:22), foreshadowing Christ’s pierced body validating our eternal redemption (John 19:34-37).

• Unlike pagan branding, this mark is neither shameful nor violent exploitation; it celebrates chosen devotion (Romans 12:1).

Then he shall serve his master for life

“Then he shall serve him forever” (Exodus 21:6).

• A bond-servant by free choice mirrors our relationship with Christ—freed from sin yet gladly enslaved to righteousness (Romans 6:17-18, 22).

• The master assumes lifelong responsibility for provision and protection (Ephesians 6:9 instructs masters to mirror God’s fairness).

•Deuteronomy 15:16-17 restates this law, emphasizing love as the motive: “because he loves you and your household.” Love, not compulsion, defines true service (Galatians 5:13).

summary

Exodus 21:6 presents a servant who, having tasted freedom, willingly binds himself to a beloved master. Witnessed by judges, sealed at the doorway, and marked by a pierced ear, the act transforms employment into covenant loyalty. It showcases God’s heart for voluntary devotion, prefigures Christ’s redemptive sacrifice, and invites believers to serve the Lord forever out of love, not obligation.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6)His master shall bring him unto the judges.--A formal act was necessary. The State must sanction the passing of a citizen into the slave condition, and so the "judges" were called in. The change was to be made by a significant ceremony. In order to mark that henceforth the volunteer bondman became attached to the household, he was to be physically attached to the house by having an awl forced through his ear, and then driven into the door or door-post. Hence "opening the ear" became a synonym for assigning a man to the slave condition in perpetuity (Psalm 40:6). The word used for "judges" isha-Elohim,"the gods," or "the exalted ones," which has the same sense inExodus 22:8-9.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

then his master
אֲדֹנָיו֙(’ă·ḏō·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 113:Sovereign, controller

is to bring
וְהִגִּישׁ֤וֹ(wə·hig·gî·šōw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5066:To draw near, approach

him before
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

the judges.
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

And he shall take him
וְהִגִּישׁוֹ֙(wə·hig·gî·šōw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5066:To draw near, approach

to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

the door
הַדֶּ֔לֶת(had·de·leṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1817:Something swinging, the valve of a, door

or
א֖וֹ(’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176:Desire, if

doorpost
הַמְּזוּזָ֑ה(ham·mə·zū·zāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4201:A doorpost, gatepost

and pierce
וְרָצַ֨ע(wə·rā·ṣa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7527:To bore, pierce

his ear
אָזְנוֹ֙(’ā·zə·nōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 241:Broadness, the ear

with an awl.
בַּמַּרְצֵ֔עַ(bam·mar·ṣê·a‘)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4836:A boring instrument, awl

Then he shall serve his master
וַעֲבָד֖וֹ(wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏōw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5647:To work, to serve, till, enslave

for life.
לְעֹלָֽם׃(lə·‘ō·lām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769:Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always

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OT Law: Exodus 21:6 Then his master shall bring him (Exo. Ex)