Exodus 21:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִגִּישׁוֹ֙
he shall also bring
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#2
אֲדֹנָ֤יו
Then his master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים
him unto the judges
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#5
וְהִגִּישׁוֹ֙
he shall also bring
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
הַדֶּ֔לֶת
him to the door
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#8
א֖וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
הַמְּזוּזָ֑ה
or unto the door post
a door-post (as prominent)
#11
וְרָצַ֨ע
shall bore
to pierce
#12
אֲדֹנָ֤יו
Then his master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
אָזְנוֹ֙
his ear
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#15
בַּמַּרְצֵ֔עַ
through with an aul
an awl
#16
וַֽעֲבָד֖וֹ
and he shall serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#17
לְעֹלָֽם׃
him for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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