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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Deuteronomy 15  › Deuteronomy 15:17

Deuteronomy 15:17

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Deuteronomy 15:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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 Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then take a sharp-pointed instrument, driving it through his ear into the door, and he will be your servant for ever. And you may do the same for your servant-girl.

Free Bible Version FBV

then use a metal tool to pierce his ear against the door, and he will be your slave for life. Do the same for your female slave.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then shalt thou take a naule, and perce his eare through against the doore, and he shall be thy seruant for euer: and vnto thy maid seruant thou shall doe likewise.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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.

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou 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.

Translation for Translators T4T

If he says that, take him to the door of your house and, while he stands against the doorway, pierce one of his earlobes with ◄an awl/a sharp pointed tool►. That will indicate that he will be your slave for the rest of his life. Do the same thing to any female slave who does not want to leave you.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:17

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 15:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֣ אֶת הַ/מַּרְצֵ֗עַ וְ/נָתַתָּ֤ה בְ/אָזְנ/וֹ֙ וּ/בַ/דֶּ֔לֶת וְ/הָיָ֥ה לְ/ךָ֖ עֶ֣בֶד עוֹלָ֑ם וְ/אַ֥ף לַ/אֲמָתְ/ךָ֖ תַּעֲשֶׂה כֵּֽן
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֣ lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/מַּרְצֵ֗עַ martsêaʻ H4836 awl Art | N-ms
וְ/נָתַתָּ֤ה nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-2ms
בְ/אָזְנ/וֹ֙ ʼôzen H241 ear Prep | N-fs | Suff
וּ/בַ/דֶּ֔לֶת deleth H1817 door Conj | Prep | N-fs
וְ/הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לְ/ךָ֖ Prep | Suff
עֶ֣בֶד ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms
עוֹלָ֑ם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever N-ms
וְ/אַ֥ף ʼaph H637 also Conj | Adv
לַ/אֲמָתְ/ךָ֖ ʼâmâh H519 maidservant Prep | N-fs | Suff
תַּעֲשֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
כֵּֽן kên H3651 right Part
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:17

וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֣ lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּרְצֵ֗עַ martsêaʻ H4836 "awl" Art | N-ms
An awl is a sharp tool used for piercing or boring holes, and this Hebrew word describes such an instrument. It is used in the Bible to describe the tools of craftsmen and artisans. The KJV translates it as aul.
Definition: awl, boring-instrument
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: aul. See also: Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 15:17.
וְ/נָתַתָּ֤ה nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
בְ/אָזְנ/וֹ֙ ʼôzen H241 "ear" Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
וּ/בַ/דֶּ֔לֶת deleth H1817 "door" Conj | Prep | N-fs
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
וְ/הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/ךָ֖ "" Prep | Suff
עֶ֣בֶד ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
עוֹלָ֑ם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
וְ/אַ֥ף ʼaph H637 "also" Conj | Adv
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
לַ/אֲמָתְ/ךָ֖ ʼâmâh H519 "maidservant" Prep | N-fs | Suff
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.
תַּעֲשֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כֵּֽן kên H3651 "right" Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 1:22 but Hannah did not go. “After the boy is weaned,” she said to her husband, “I will take him to appear before the LORD and to stay there permanently.”
2 Leviticus 25:39–42 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. Because the Israelites are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt, they are not to be sold as slaves.

Deuteronomy 15:17 Summary

[This verse is talking about a servant who loves their master and wants to stay with them forever, so they make a special promise by piercing their ear with an awl, which is like a needle. This act shows that the servant is choosing to serve their master for life, and it's a symbol of their loyalty and love, similar to how we are called to love and serve the Lord with all our heart, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5. By doing this, the servant is making a public declaration of their commitment, and it's a reminder that our service to others should be done with a willing heart, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 10:31.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to pierce a servant's ear with an awl in Deuteronomy 15:17?

This act symbolized the servant's voluntary commitment to lifelong service to their master, demonstrating their loyalty and devotion, as seen in Exodus 21:5-6 where a similar practice is described.

Why did the servant want to stay with their master in Deuteronomy 15:16-17?

The servant chose to remain with their master because they loved them and their household, and were content with their life, illustrating the strong bond that could form between a servant and their master, much like the relationship between the Lord and His people, as described in Jeremiah 31:3.

How does this verse relate to our modern concept of employment and service?

While the specific practice of piercing a servant's ear is not applicable today, the principle of commitment and loyalty in our work and relationships remains, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24, where we are called to work heartily for the Lord.

What can we learn from the instruction to treat maidservants the same way as menservants in Deuteronomy 15:17?

This instruction emphasizes the importance of fairness and equality in our treatment of others, regardless of their gender or position, reflecting the biblical value of treating others with respect and kindness, as taught in Galatians 3:28 and Ephesians 6:8-9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be a 'servant for life' in my own relationship with God, and how can I demonstrate my commitment to Him?
  2. How can I cultivate a sense of loyalty and devotion in my relationships, whether personal or professional?
  3. What are some ways I can show appreciation and kindness to those who serve me, whether at home, work, or in my community?
  4. How can I balance the desire for freedom and autonomy with the value of commitment and service to others, as seen in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:17

Then thou shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear unto the door,.... Not of his master's house, but of the sanhedrim, or court of judicature, according to the Targum of Jonathan, before whom

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. And also unto thy maid-servant thou shalt do likewise.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:17

For ever, i.e. all the time of his life, or, at least, till the year of jubilee. See on . Unto thy maid-servant thou shalt do likewise, i.e. either dismiss her honourably, and with plenty of provisions; or engage her to perpetual servitude in the same manner, and by the same rites; whence it appears that this case differs from that , and that the maid-servant there was taken in upon other and better terms than this here.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:17

(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.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:17

Verse 17. Thou shalt take an awl] See Clarke on Exodus 21:6.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:17

17. thou shalt take an awl] Lit. a borer, only here and in Exodus 21:6. and thrust it through his ear] Lit. set, or give, it; E, bore or pierce his ear. His ear because it is the organ of obedience. Cp. Psalms 40:6, mine ears thou hast opened; Isaiah 50:4 f., morning by morning he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the taught … The Lord Jehovah hath opened mine ear. In the Code of Ḫ ?ammurabi (§ 282) the slave who denies his master has his ear cut off. unto the door] E, to the door or doorpost, i.e. of his master’s house. See Driver on Exodus 21:6, and the meaning of the other phrase there, to the Elohim, which D omits, whether because it means the local sanctuary, abolished by D’s law, or some domestic image of deity, still more repugnant to D. See Clay Trumbull, The Threshold Covenant, 210. thy bondman for ever] i.e. for life; ‘again a good example of the relative force of the Heb. phrase for ever’ (Berth.). And also unto thy bondwoman, etc.] See introd. note.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:17

17. Take an awl, and thrust it through his ear — The bored ears constituted a badge of slavery.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:17

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Praying Men and Women by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living by God's commandments and having a strong prayer life. He highlights the main adversaries that can hinder one's spi
Michael Haykin William Wilberforce by Michael Haykin In this sermon, the speaker concludes a series on the 18th century and focuses on the life of William Wilberforce and his fight against the slave trade. The church in the 18th cent
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