Exodus 21:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִגִּישׁוֹ֙
he shall also bring
H5066
וְהִגִּישׁוֹ֙
he shall also bring
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
1 of 17
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
אֲדֹנָ֤יו
Then his master
H113
אֲדֹנָ֤יו
Then his master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
2 of 17
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים
him unto the judges
H430
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים
him unto the judges
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 17
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
וְהִגִּישׁוֹ֙
he shall also bring
H5066
וְהִגִּישׁוֹ֙
he shall also bring
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
5 of 17
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
הַדֶּ֔לֶת
him to the door
H1817
הַדֶּ֔לֶת
him to the door
Strong's:
H1817
Word #:
7 of 17
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
א֖וֹ
H176
א֖וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
8 of 17
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אֲדֹנָ֤יו
Then his master
H113
אֲדֹנָ֤יו
Then his master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
12 of 17
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָזְנוֹ֙
his ear
H241
אָזְנוֹ֙
his ear
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
14 of 17
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 15:17Then 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.Leviticus 25:40But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:1 Samuel 28:2And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33) is Israel's foundational legal code, predating later expansions in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It addresses civil, criminal, and ceremonial matters.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.