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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. <a href="/nlt/exodus/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/exodus/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/exodus/21.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/21.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nasb/exodus/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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. <a href="/lsb/exodus/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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. <a href="/amp/exodus/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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. <a href="/csb/exodus/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> 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.&#8221 <a href="/asv/exodus/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/exodus/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> 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. <a href="/erv/exodus/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/exodus/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> 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. <a href="/gnt/exodus/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> 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. <a href="/isv/exodus/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/msb/exodus/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/exodus/21.htm">NET Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nheb/exodus/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/exodus/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/exodus/21.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/ylt/exodus/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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. <a href="/slt/exodus/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> 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. <a href="/nabre/exodus/21.htm">New American Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/exodus/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> 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. <a href="/parallel/exodus/21-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5190" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm">Laws for Servants</a> …5But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ 6<a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">then his master</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: wə·hig·gî·šōw (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To draw near, approach. ">is to bring him</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the judges.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: wə·hig·gî·šōw (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To draw near, approach. ">And he shall take him</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1817.htm" title="1817: had·de·leṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- A door. From dalah; something swinging, i.e. The valve of a door.">the door</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4201.htm" title="4201: ham·mə·zū·zāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A doorpost, gatepost. Or mzuzah; from the same as ziyz; a door-post.">doorpost</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7527.htm" title="7527: wə·rā·ṣa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To bore, pierce. A primitive root; to pierce.">and pierce</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: ’ā·zə·nōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">his ear</a> <a href="/hebrew/4836.htm" title="4836: bam·mar·ṣê·a‘ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A boring instrument, awl. From ratsa'; an awl.">with an awl.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏōw (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">Then he shall serve his master</a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: lə·‘ō·lām (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. ">for life.</a> 7And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16-17</a> 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. <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-42</a> 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. ... <a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Psalm 40:6</a> Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require. <a href="/psalms/116-16.htm">Psalm 116:16</a> Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds. <a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">1 Samuel 1:11</a> 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.” <a href="/isaiah/50-5.htm">Isaiah 50:5</a> The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back. <a href="/jeremiah/34-9.htm">Jeremiah 34:9-10</a> 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, <a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5</a> 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.” <a href="/job/41-4.htm">Job 41:4</a> Will he make a covenant with you to take him as a slave for life? <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-23</a> 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. <a href="/romans/6-16.htm">Romans 6:16-18</a> 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. <a href="/galatians/4-7.htm">Galatians 4:7</a> So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God. <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a> but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a> 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, ... <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-24</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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<a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22</a> If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from 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 judges determine.<a href="/exodus/12-12.htm">Exodus 12:12</a> 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: I am the LORD.<a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21-26</a> Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: … bore his ear.<a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Psalm 40:6-8</a> Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required… for every<a href="/leviticus/25-23.htm">Leviticus 25:23,40</a> The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me… <a href="/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Deuteronomy 15:17</a> 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.<a href="/1_samuel/1-22.htm">1 Samuel 1:22</a> But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Awl</a> <a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/exodus/19-4.htm">Bore</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-9.htm">Bored</a> <a href="/exodus/12-23.htm">Door</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-8.htm">Doorpost</a> <a href="/exodus/12-7.htm">Door-Post</a> <a href="/exodus/20-19.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-11.htm">Framework</a> <a href="/exodus/20-23.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/exodus/20-17.htm">House</a> <a href="/exodus/20-25.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/exodus/18-26.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/exodus/6-20.htm">Life</a> <a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">Master</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-24.htm">Permanently</a> <a href="/revelation/1-7.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/exodus/12-7.htm">Post</a> <a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/amos/1-3.htm">Sharp-Pointed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Awl</a> <a href="/exodus/21-20.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/numbers/7-9.htm">Bore</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-9.htm">Bored</a> <a href="/exodus/26-36.htm">Door</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-9.htm">Doorpost</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-9.htm">Door-Post</a> <a href="/exodus/22-23.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-28.htm">Framework</a> <a href="/exodus/22-20.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">House</a> <a href="/exodus/32-4.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Life</a> <a href="/exodus/21-8.htm">Master</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-23.htm">Permanently</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/joshua/10-18.htm">Post</a> <a href="/exodus/23-24.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Sharp-Pointed</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 21</div>1. <a href="/exodus/21-1.htm">Laws for men servants</a> 5. <a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">For the servant whose ear is bored</a> 7. <a href="/exodus/21-7.htm">For women servants</a> 12. <a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">For manslaughter</a> 16. <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">For kidnappers</a> 17. <a href="/exodus/21-17.htm">For cursers of parents</a> 18. <a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">For smiters</a> 22. <a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">For a hurt by chance</a> 28. <a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">For an ox that gores</a> 33. <a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">For him who is an occasion of harm</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>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 in <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18-20</a>, 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. In <a href="/exodus/12-7.htm">Exodus 12:7</a>, 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, in <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a>, 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. In <a href="/romans/6-22.htm">Romans 6:22</a>, 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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_master.htm">The Master</a> The individual who owns the servant and is responsible for bringing him to God and performing the ear-piercing ritual. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_servant.htm">The Servant</a> A Hebrew servant who, after serving six years, chooses to remain with his master permanently. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The divine authority before whom the servant's decision is affirmed. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_door_or_doorpost.htm">The Door or Doorpost</a> The physical location where the servant's ear is pierced, symbolizing his permanent commitment. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_awl.htm">The Awl</a> A tool used to pierce the servant's ear, marking his lifelong service.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/v/voluntary_servitude_as_a_model_of_commitment.htm">Voluntary Servitude as a Model of Commitment</a> 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. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_doorpost.htm">Symbolism of the Doorpost</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_rituals_in_faith.htm">The Role of Rituals in Faith</a> 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. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_service_to_god.htm">Eternal Service to God</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_witnesses.htm">The Importance of Witnesses</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21</a> <a href="/q/do_records_support_multiple_gods_in_psalm_82.htm">What archaeological or historical records support or refute the idea of multiple divine beings implied in Psalm 82?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_82_1_fit_with_deut._6_4.htm">How can a “divine council” (Psalm 82:1) fit with passages claiming there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)? </a> <a href="/q/why_is_a_king_called_'god'_in_psalm_45_6.htm">In Psalm 45:6, why is a human king seemingly addressed as “God,” and how do we reconcile this with monotheistic beliefs? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_psalm_82_1_mention_'gods'.htm">Why does Psalm 82:1 refer to “gods” in what is supposed to be a monotheistic text? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 (<a href="/psalms/40-6.htm" title="Sacrifice and offering you did not desire; my ears have you opened: burnt offering and sin offering have you not required.">Psalm 40:6</a>). The word used for "judges" is ha-Elohim, "the gods," or "the exalted ones," which has the same sense in <a href="/context/exodus/22-8.htm" title="If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the judges, to see whether he have put his hand to his neighbor's goods.">Exodus 22:8-9</a>. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/21-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>then his master אֲדֹנָיו֙ (’ă·ḏō·nāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller is to bring וְהִגִּישׁ֤וֹ (wə·hig·gî·šōw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> To draw near, approach him before אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the judges. הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> 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 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> To draw near, approach to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the door הַדֶּ֔לֶת (had·de·leṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1817.htm">Strong's 1817: </a> Something swinging, the valve of a, door or א֖וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> Desire, if doorpost הַמְּזוּזָ֑ה (ham·mə·zū·zāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4201.htm">Strong's 4201: </a> A doorpost, gatepost and pierce וְרָצַ֨ע (wə·rā·ṣa‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7527.htm">Strong's 7527: </a> To bore, pierce his ear אָזְנוֹ֙ (’ā·zə·nōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> Broadness, the ear with an awl. בַּמַּרְצֵ֔עַ (bam·mar·ṣê·a‘) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4836.htm">Strong's 4836: </a> 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 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave for life. לְעֹלָֽם׃ (lə·‘ō·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5769.htm">Strong's 5769: </a> Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/21-6.htm">Exodus 21:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/21-6.htm">Exodus 21:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/21-6.htm">Exodus 21:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/21-6.htm">Exodus 21:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/21-6.htm">Exodus 21:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/21-6.htm">Exodus 21:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/21-6.htm">Exodus 21:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/21-6.htm">Exodus 21:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/21-6.htm">Exodus 21:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/21-6.htm">Exodus 21:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/21-6.htm">OT Law: Exodus 21:6 Then his master shall bring him (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/21-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 21:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 21:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/21-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 21:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 21:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>