Deuteronomy 15:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A servant who chooses to stay forever is marked by a pierced ear.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:17
The ritual marking of a servant who chooses permanent service.
What Does Deuteronomy 15:17 Mean?
If a servant freely chose perpetual service, a physical mark would be made—an awl through the ear at the doorpost. This was both a legal declaration before witnesses and a sign of willing commitment. The mark was not disfiguring but a permanent symbol of choice.
The law applies equally to male servants and maidservants. Both could choose to remain, and both would bear the mark. This equality underscores that the law protects and honors all who voluntarily commit.
Deuteronomy 15:17 in the Original Language
ozen (אֶזֶן), 'ear' — not only an organ of hearing but also of obedience. To have one's ear pierced was to mark oneself as a listener, a servant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 15:17
What does Deuteronomy 15:17 mean?
A servant who chooses to stay forever is marked by a pierced ear.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 15:17?
The ritual marking of a servant who chooses permanent service.