CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/15-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/05_Deu_15_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 15:17 - Release of Hebrew Servants" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/15-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/15-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-16.htm" title="Deuteronomy 15:16">◄</a> Deuteronomy 15:17 <a href="/deuteronomy/15-18.htm" title="Deuteronomy 15:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />then take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door, and he will become your servant for life. Do the same for your female servant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />In that case, take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door. After that, he will be your servant for life. And do the same for your female servants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. And to your female slave you shall do the same.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust <i>it</i> through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />then you shall take an awl and thrust <i>it</i> through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />then you shall take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your servant permanently. You shall also do the same to your female slave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />then you shall take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also you shall do likewise to your maidservant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />then you shall take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your servant forever. And also you shall do likewise to your maidservant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />then you shall take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also you shall do likewise to your maidservant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall [willingly] be your servant always. Also you shall do the same for your maidservant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />take an awl and pierce through his ear into the door, and he will become your slave for life. Also treat your female slave the same way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />take an awl and pierce through his ear into the door, and he will become your slave for life. Also treat your female slave the same way. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />then thou shalt take an awl, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maid-servant thou shalt do likewise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Take the slave to the door of your house and push a sharp metal rod through one earlobe and into the door. Such slaves will belong to you for life, whether they are men or women. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />then thou shalt take an awl, 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then take an awl and pierce it through his ear lobe into a door, and he will be your slave for life. Do the same to a female slave [if she doesn't want to leave].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then take him to the door of your house and there pierce his ear; he will then be your slave for life. Treat your female slave in the same way. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />then take an awl and pierce through his earlobe into the door. Then he will be your slave forever. You are to do the same for your female slaves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />you shall take an awl and pierce a hole through his ear to the door. Then he will become your servant permanently (this applies to your female servant as well).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then thou shalt take an awl, and thrust it through his ear into the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also to thy maid-servant thou shalt do likewise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />then you have taken the awl, and have put [it] through his ear, and through the door, and he has been a perpetual servant to you; and you also do so to your handmaid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> then thou hast taken the awl, and hast put it through his ear, and through the door, and he hath been to thee a servant age-during; and also to thy handmaid thou dost do so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And take an awl and give it upon his ear, and against the door, and he was to thee for a servant forever. And also to thy maid shalt thou do thus.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt take an awl, and bore through his ear in the door of thy house, and he shall serve thee for ever: thou shalt do in like manner to thy womanservant also. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />then you shall take an awl and pierce his ear, at the door of your house. And he shall serve you even forever. You shall also act similarly toward your woman servant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />you shall take an awl and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. Your female slave, also, you shall treat in the same way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />then you shall take an awl and thrust it through his earlobe into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. You shall do the same with regard to your female slave.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then you must take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant for ever. You shall do likewise to your maidservant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Take an awl and pierce his ear on the door and he will be a Servant to you for life; also you shall do so to your Maid.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />then thou shalt take an awl, and thrust it through his ear and into the door, and he shall be thy bondman for ever. And also unto thy bondwoman thou shalt do likewise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />then thou shalt take an awl, and bore his ear through to the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever; and in like manner shalt thou do to thy maid-servant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=4503" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Release of Hebrew Servants</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>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, <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: wə·lā·qaḥ·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">then take</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/4836.htm" title="4836: ham·mar·ṣê·a‘ (Art:: N-ms) -- A boring instrument, awl. From ratsa'; an awl.">an awl</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wə·nā·ṯat·tāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and pierce it</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: ḇə·’ā·zə·nōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">through his ear</a> <a href="/hebrew/1817.htm" title="1817: ū·ḇad·de·leṯ (Conj-w, Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A door. From dalah; something swinging, i.e. The valve of a door.">into the door,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and he will become</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">your</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘e·ḇeḏ (N-msc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: ‘ō·w·lām (N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. ">for life.</a> <a href="/hebrew/637.htm" title="637: wə·’ap̄ (Conj) -- Also, yea. A primitive particle; meaning accession; also or yea; adversatively though.">And</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ta·‘ă·śeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">treat</a> <a href="/hebrew/519.htm" title="519: la·’ă·mā·ṯə·ḵā (Prep-l:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- A maid, handmaid. Apparently a primitive word; a maid-servant or female slave.">your maidservant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">the same way.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">Exodus 21:5-6</a></span><br />But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-41</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">1 Samuel 1:11</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-21.htm">1 Kings 9:21</a></span><br />their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/34-14.htm">Jeremiah 34:14</a></span><br />Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-1.htm">Isaiah 50:1</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a></span><br />Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/24-9.htm">Job 24:9</a></span><br />The fatherless infant is snatched from the breast; the nursing child of the poor is seized for a debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25</a></span><br />Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a></span><br />“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-7.htm">Galatians 4:7</a></span><br />So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-16.htm">Romans 6:16-18</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-23</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-9</a></span><br />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, ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant for ever. And also to your maidservant you shall do likewise.</p><p class="hdg">for ever</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-42</a></b></br> And if thy brother <i>that dwelleth</i> by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-22.htm">1 Samuel 1:22</a></b></br> But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, <i>I will not go up</i> until the child be weaned, and <i>then</i> I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/19-21.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/exodus/21-6.htm">Awl</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-15.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/exodus/21-32.htm">Bondwoman</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-20.htm">Door</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-4.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-5.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-21.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/numbers/35-22.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-18.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-18.htm">Maid-Servant</a> <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Push</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/exodus/21-6.htm">Sharp-Pointed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-10.htm">Thrust</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/33-15.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/exodus/21-6.htm">Awl</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-12.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-18.htm">Bondwoman</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-21.htm">Door</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-12.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/judges/19-19.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-5.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/judges/1-22.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-11.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-11.htm">Maid-Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Push</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-18.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/job/41-7.htm">Sharp-Pointed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-28.htm">Thrust</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-1.htm">The seventh year a year of release for the poor</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">one must be generous in lending or giving</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">A Hebrew servant, except by choice, must be freed in the seventh year</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-19.htm">All firstborn males of the cattle are to be sanctified unto the Lord.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/deuteronomy/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door</b><br>This phrase describes a ritual that signifies a servant's voluntary decision to remain with their master permanently. The use of an awl, a pointed tool for making holes, symbolizes a permanent mark of servitude. The act of piercing the ear at the doorpost is significant, as the doorpost represents the household and its protection. This ritual is rooted in ancient Near Eastern customs, where ear piercing was a sign of lifelong commitment and loyalty. The doorpost also has biblical significance, as it was used during the Passover in Egypt (<a href="/exodus/12-7.htm">Exodus 12:7</a>) to mark the homes of the Israelites, symbolizing protection and belonging. This act of piercing can be seen as a type of Christ's willing submission to the Father's will, as He became a servant to humanity (<a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a>).<p><b>and he will become your servant for life</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the lifelong commitment made by the servant. In the context of ancient Israel, servitude was often a temporary condition due to debt or poverty, with the Jubilee year providing release (<a href="/leviticus/25-10.htm">Leviticus 25:10</a>). However, this voluntary act of becoming a servant for life reflects a deep bond and trust between the servant and master. It highlights the servant's choice to remain in a situation where they find security and provision. This lifelong servitude can be seen as a parallel to the believer's eternal commitment to Christ, who calls His followers to serve Him wholeheartedly (<a href="/romans/12.htm">Romans 12:1</a>).<p><b>And treat your maidservant the same way</b><br>This phrase ensures that female servants are given the same opportunity and respect as male servants in making a lifelong commitment. It reflects the equitable treatment of servants, regardless of gender, within the covenant community of Israel. This command underscores the importance of justice and fairness in relationships, aligning with the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor (<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>). The inclusion of maidservants in this provision also points to the value and dignity of women in God's eyes, as seen in the New Testament where women are active participants in the early church (<a href="/acts/16-14.htm">Acts 16:14-15</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, receiving the laws and commandments.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/servant.htm">Servant</a></b><br>An individual who chooses to remain in servitude out of love and loyalty.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/master.htm">Master</a></b><br>The owner of the servant, who is responsible for the servant's well-being.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/door.htm">Door</a></b><br>The place where the servant's ear is pierced, symbolizing a permanent bond.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/voluntary_servitude_as_a_symbol_of_love_and_loyalty.htm">Voluntary Servitude as a Symbol of Love and Loyalty</a></b><br>The act of piercing the ear signifies a servant's voluntary decision to remain with their master out of love and loyalty, rather than obligation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_door.htm">Symbolism of the Door</a></b><br>The door represents a threshold or transition, symbolizing the servant's commitment to a new, lifelong role within the household.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_implications_of_servanthood.htm">Spiritual Implications of Servanthood</a></b><br>This passage can be seen as a metaphor for our relationship with God, where we willingly choose to serve Him out of love and devotion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_choice_in_service.htm">The Role of Choice in Service</a></b><br>The decision to remain a servant is a personal choice, highlighting the importance of free will in our spiritual journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_context_and_modern_application.htm">Cultural Context and Modern Application</a></b><br>Understanding the cultural context of ancient Israel helps us appreciate the depth of commitment involved, and we can apply this principle of loyalty and service in our relationships today.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ecclesiastes_1_4_align_with_science.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:4 – If the earth “remains forever,” how does this reconcile with scientific evidence that the earth had a beginning and will eventually end? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_deut._15_16-17_fit_liberation.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16-17 allows perpetual servitude--how does this align with the broader biblical theme of liberation from bondage?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_lifelong_servitude_ethical.htm">In Exodus 21:2-6, how is the practice of permanently marking a servant's ear and lifelong servitude reconciled with moral or ethical standards?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_prolonged_suffering.htm">If God's 'arm is not too short' (Isaiah 59:1), why do we see prolonged suffering and injustice without divine intervention in this narrative?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">And unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise</span>--i.e., "in furnishing her liberally" (Rashi), and "possibly also in retaining her if she will."<p>It must not be supposed that this contradicts <a href="/exodus/21-7.htm" title="And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.">Exodus 21:7</a>, "She shall not go out as the menservants do." She shall not go out <span class= "ital">according to the going of the men-servants </span>(<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>on the same principle). It is not said, She shall not go out at all. The exceptions are given in <a href="/context/exodus/21-8.htm" title="If she please not her master, who has betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her to a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he has dealt deceitfully with her.">Exodus 21:8-11</a>, which see. The general right of release is stated here. One difference (as stated by Rashi) is that women were not liable to be sold for theft like men, but might be sold by their parents in infancy. If the girl were not marriageable when the first Sabbatical year arrived, she would obtain her freedom absolutely, because the case contemplated in <a href="/context/exodus/21-8.htm" title="If she please not her master, who has betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her to a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he has dealt deceitfully with her.">Exodus 21:8-10</a> could not possibly arise. And, generally, we may suppose that the rights of an unmarried female slave would be the same as those of a man, to go out free in the seventh year. (See <a href="/jeremiah/34-9.htm" title="That every man should let his manservant, and every man his maidservant, being an Hebrew or an Hebrewess, go free; that none should serve himself of them, to wit, of a Jew his brother.">Jeremiah 34:9</a>.)<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">take</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלָקַחְתָּ֣</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lā·qaḥ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an awl</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמַּרְצֵ֗עַ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mar·ṣê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4836.htm">Strong's 4836: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boring instrument, awl</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and pierce [it]</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנָתַתָּ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nā·ṯat·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">through his ear</span><br /><span class="heb">בְאָזְנוֹ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·’ā·zə·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> </span><span class="str2">Broadness, the ear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into the door,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבַדֶּ֔לֶת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇad·de·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1817.htm">Strong's 1817: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something swinging, the valve of a, door</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he will become</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָיָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="heb">לְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">servant</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶ֣בֶד</span> <span class="translit">(‘e·ḇeḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for life.</span><br /><span class="heb">עוֹלָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·w·lām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5769.htm">Strong's 5769: </a> </span><span class="str2">Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַ֥ף</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ap̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_637.htm">Strong's 637: </a> </span><span class="str2">Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though</span><br /><br /><span class="word">treat</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּעֲשֶׂה־</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘ă·śeh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your maidservant</span><br /><span class="heb">לַאֲמָתְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(la·’ă·mā·ṯə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_519.htm">Strong's 519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A maidservant, female slave</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the same way.</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵּֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(kên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Deuteronomy 15:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Deuteronomy 15:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Deuteronomy 15:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Deuteronomy 15:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Deuteronomy 15:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Deuteronomy 15:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Deuteronomy 15:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Deuteronomy 15:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Deuteronomy 15:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Deuteronomy 15:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 15:17 Then you shall take an awl (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 15:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 15:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 15:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 15:18" /></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>