Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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. New Living Translation 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. English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible 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. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible 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. NASB 1995 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. NASB 1977 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. Legacy Standard Bible 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. Amplified Bible 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. Christian Standard Bible 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. Holman Christian Standard Bible 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. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version 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. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation 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]. Good News Translation 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. International Standard Version 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. Majority Standard Bible 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. NET Bible 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). New Heart English Bible 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. Webster's Bible Translation 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. World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthen 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. Young's Literal Translation 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. Smith's Literal Translation 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. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThou 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. Catholic Public Domain Version 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. New American Bible 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. New Revised Standard Version 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. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen 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. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated 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. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917then 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation 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. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Release of Hebrew Servants…16But 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, 17then 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. 18Do 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.… Cross References Exodus 21:5-6 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. Leviticus 25:39-41 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. 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.” 1 Kings 9:21 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. Jeremiah 34:14 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. 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.” Isaiah 50:1 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. 2 Kings 4:1 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!” Job 24:9 The fatherless infant is snatched from the breast; the nursing child of the poor is seized for a debt. Matthew 18:25 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. Luke 4:18 “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, 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. 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. 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. Ephesians 6:5-9 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, ... Treasury of Scripture 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. for ever Leviticus 25:39-42 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: … 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, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever. Jump to Previous Age-During Awl Bondman Bondwoman Door Driving Ear Handmaid Instrument Likewise Maidservant Maid-Servant Pierce Push Servant Sharp-Pointed ThrustJump to Next Age-During Awl Bondman Bondwoman Door Driving Ear Handmaid Instrument Likewise Maidservant Maid-Servant Pierce Push Servant Sharp-Pointed ThrustDeuteronomy 15 1. The seventh year a year of release for the poor7. one must be generous in lending or giving 12. A Hebrew servant, except by choice, must be freed in the seventh year 19. All firstborn males of the cattle are to be sanctified unto the Lord. then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door 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 (Exodus 12:7) 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 (Philippians 2:7). and he will become your servant for life And treat your maidservant the same way Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, receiving the laws and commandments. 3. Servant An individual who chooses to remain in servitude out of love and loyalty. 4. Master The owner of the servant, who is responsible for the servant's well-being. 5. Door The place where the servant's ear is pierced, symbolizing a permanent bond. Teaching Points Voluntary Servitude as a Symbol of Love and LoyaltyThe act of piercing the ear signifies a servant's voluntary decision to remain with their master out of love and loyalty, rather than obligation. Symbolism of the Door The door represents a threshold or transition, symbolizing the servant's commitment to a new, lifelong role within the household. Spiritual Implications of Servanthood 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. The Role of Choice in Service The decision to remain a servant is a personal choice, highlighting the importance of free will in our spiritual journey. Cultural Context and Modern Application 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.(17) And unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise--i.e., "in furnishing her liberally" (Rashi), and "possibly also in retaining her if she will." It must not be supposed that this contradicts Exodus 21:7, "She shall not go out as the menservants do." She shall not go out according to the going of the men-servants (i.e., on the same principle). It is not said, She shall not go out at all. The exceptions are given in Exodus 21:8-11, 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 Exodus 21:8-10 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 Jeremiah 34:9.) Hebrew takeוְלָקַחְתָּ֣ (wə·lā·qaḥ·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take an awl הַמַּרְצֵ֗עַ (ham·mar·ṣê·a‘) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4836: A boring instrument, awl and pierce [it] וְנָתַתָּ֤ה (wə·nā·ṯat·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set through his ear בְאָזְנוֹ֙ (ḇə·’ā·zə·nōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear into the door, וּבַדֶּ֔לֶת (ū·ḇad·de·leṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1817: Something swinging, the valve of a, door and he will become וְהָיָ֥ה (wə·hā·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be your לְךָ֖ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew servant עֶ֣בֶד (‘e·ḇeḏ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5650: Slave, servant for life. עוֹלָ֑ם (‘ō·w·lām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always And וְאַ֥ף (wə·’ap̄) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though treat תַּעֲשֶׂה־ (ta·‘ă·śeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make your maidservant לַאֲמָתְךָ֖ (la·’ă·mā·ṯə·ḵā) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 519: A maidservant, female slave the same way. כֵּֽן׃ (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus Links Deuteronomy 15:17 NIVDeuteronomy 15:17 NLT Deuteronomy 15:17 ESV Deuteronomy 15:17 NASB Deuteronomy 15:17 KJV Deuteronomy 15:17 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 15:17 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 15:17 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 15:17 French Bible Deuteronomy 15:17 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 15:17 Then you shall take an awl (Deut. 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