Deuteronomy 15:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֣
Then thou shalt take
H3947
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֣
Then thou shalt take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 14
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה
and thrust
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה
and thrust
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְאָזְנוֹ֙
it through his ear
H241
בְאָזְנוֹ֙
it through his ear
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
5 of 14
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
וּבַדֶּ֔לֶת
unto the door
H1817
וּבַדֶּ֔לֶת
unto the door
Strong's:
H1817
Word #:
6 of 14
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
וְהָיָ֥ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עוֹלָ֑ם
for ever
H5769
עוֹלָ֑ם
for ever
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
וְאַ֥ף
H637
וְאַ֥ף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
11 of 14
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
לַאֲמָֽתְךָ֖
And also unto thy maidservant
H519
לַאֲמָֽתְךָ֖
And also unto thy maidservant
Strong's:
H519
Word #:
12 of 14
a maid-servant or female slave
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern documents record various ownership marks (tattoos, brands, ear-piercings). Israel's practice was unique in being voluntary (not forced) and domestic (household belonging, not chattel slavery). The pierced ear became a visible testimony to the master's benevolence.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'marks' (habits, commitments, sacrifices) visibly identify you as Christ's willing servant?
- How does Christ's permanent scars (nail prints) demonstrate His voluntary submission to redeem you?
- In what ways does baptism function as your 'ear-piercing'—public, permanent identification with Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever—The ear-piercing ceremony created permanent, visible identity. The door (דֶּלֶת, deleth) represented the household; the pierced ear signified: 'I belong here.' The once-freed servant now bears voluntary marks of devotion.
Paul echoes this: I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus (Galatians 6:17). Baptism serves similarly—public identification with Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). The pierced ear taught Israel that covenant relationship involves visible, permanent commitment. We're not secret disciples but branded sheep: The Lord knoweth them that are his (2 Timothy 2:19). Christ Himself bears permanent marks—Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails (John 20:25)—scars of His voluntary submission to the Father's will.