Exodus 21:6 - then his master shall bring him to God, and shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him for ever.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 21:6" mean?
This verse from Exodus 21:6 describes a specific scenario within the context of Hebrew slavery laws. To understand it, we need to break it down and consider its historical context:
Context (Exodus 21:1-6): These verses deal with the laws regarding Hebrew slaves (or servants - the Hebrew word ebed can mean either). A Hebrew man could be sold into servitude for six years. In the seventh year, he was to be set free without any payment. However, if the slave had a wife given to him by his master during his servitude, the wife and any children born to them remained the master's property upon the slave's release.
"Then his master shall bring him to God...": This phrase is debated. "God" here is Elohim in Hebrew, which can also refer to judges or rulers. Most scholars believe it means the master would bring the slave before the local judges or elders (the representatives of God's law in the community) to make a formal declaration. This was a public and legal act, ensuring the slave's decision was witnessed and valid.
"...and shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost...": The door and doorpost were important symbolic places in ancient Hebrew society. They represented the household, family, and security. This act was likely done in public, at the doorway of the master's house.
"...and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl...": An awl was a sharp, pointed tool used for piercing leather or wood. Piercing the ear was a permanent mark of servitude and a public demonstration of the slave's commitment. The ear, being the organ of hearing, might symbolize obedience.
"...and he shall serve him for ever.": While "forever" seems absolute, Jewish law generally interprets this to mean "for the rest of his life" or "until the Jubilee year" (which occurred every 50 years and brought about a general release of slaves). This Jubilee limitation is outlined in other parts of the Old Testament (e.g., Leviticus 25). The idea of perpetual enslavement wasn't the norm.
Therefore, the verse means:
A Hebrew slave, when given the option of freedom after six years of service, could choose to remain with his master. If he did so willingly, he would be brought before the judges to declare his decision. Then, in a public ceremony at the master's house, the master would pierce the slave's ear as a permanent symbol of his voluntary decision to stay. The slave would then serve the master for the remainder of his life or until the next Jubilee year.
Significance and Interpretation:
Voluntary Servitude: The verse highlights the concept of voluntary servitude. The slave was not forced to remain; he had the choice. This suggests a positive relationship between the master and slave, where the slave preferred the security and benefits of remaining in the master's household.
Symbol of Commitment: The pierced ear served as a visible and permanent reminder of the slave's commitment. It was a public declaration that he valued his relationship with his master more than his freedom.
Protection: This law may have also served to protect the slave from being forced out against his will. The marked ear would signify his right to remain.
Harshness by Modern Standards: It is crucial to acknowledge that the concept of slavery, even voluntary, is considered morally wrong by modern ethical standards. However, it is essential to understand this verse within its historical and cultural context. Hebrew slavery, while still a form of servitude, was often less harsh than slavery in other ancient cultures. There were legal protections for slaves, and they were considered part of the household.
Biblical Theme: Some interpret this passage symbolically. For Christians, it can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's voluntary sacrifice and servitude to humanity, willingly taking on the role of a servant to redeem others. The pierced ear can be interpreted as a symbol of willingness to hear and obey God.
In summary, Exodus 21:6 describes a specific legal procedure allowing a Hebrew slave to choose continued servitude, marked by a pierced ear, symbolizing his voluntary commitment. It is vital to understand the historical context and the nuanced understanding of Hebrew slavery when interpreting this verse.
Exodus 21:6 - then his master shall bring him to God, and shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him for ever.
What does "Exodus 21:6" mean?
This verse from Exodus 21:6 describes a specific scenario within the context of Hebrew slavery laws. To understand it, we need to break it down and consider its historical context:
Context (Exodus 21:1-6): These verses deal with the laws regarding Hebrew slaves (or servants - the Hebrew word ebed can mean either). A Hebrew man could be sold into servitude for six years. In the seventh year, he was to be set free without any payment. However, if the slave had a wife given to him by his master during his servitude, the wife and any children born to them remained the master's property upon the slave's release.
"Then his master shall bring him to God...": This phrase is debated. "God" here is Elohim in Hebrew, which can also refer to judges or rulers. Most scholars believe it means the master would bring the slave before the local judges or elders (the representatives of God's law in the community) to make a formal declaration. This was a public and legal act, ensuring the slave's decision was witnessed and valid.
"...and shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost...": The door and doorpost were important symbolic places in ancient Hebrew society. They represented the household, family, and security. This act was likely done in public, at the doorway of the master's house.
"...and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl...": An awl was a sharp, pointed tool used for piercing leather or wood. Piercing the ear was a permanent mark of servitude and a public demonstration of the slave's commitment. The ear, being the organ of hearing, might symbolize obedience.
"...and he shall serve him for ever.": While "forever" seems absolute, Jewish law generally interprets this to mean "for the rest of his life" or "until the Jubilee year" (which occurred every 50 years and brought about a general release of slaves). This Jubilee limitation is outlined in other parts of the Old Testament (e.g., Leviticus 25). The idea of perpetual enslavement wasn't the norm.
Therefore, the verse means:
A Hebrew slave, when given the option of freedom after six years of service, could choose to remain with his master. If he did so willingly, he would be brought before the judges to declare his decision. Then, in a public ceremony at the master's house, the master would pierce the slave's ear as a permanent symbol of his voluntary decision to stay. The slave would then serve the master for the remainder of his life or until the next Jubilee year.
Significance and Interpretation:
Voluntary Servitude: The verse highlights the concept of voluntary servitude. The slave was not forced to remain; he had the choice. This suggests a positive relationship between the master and slave, where the slave preferred the security and benefits of remaining in the master's household.
Symbol of Commitment: The pierced ear served as a visible and permanent reminder of the slave's commitment. It was a public declaration that he valued his relationship with his master more than his freedom.
Protection: This law may have also served to protect the slave from being forced out against his will. The marked ear would signify his right to remain.
Harshness by Modern Standards: It is crucial to acknowledge that the concept of slavery, even voluntary, is considered morally wrong by modern ethical standards. However, it is essential to understand this verse within its historical and cultural context. Hebrew slavery, while still a form of servitude, was often less harsh than slavery in other ancient cultures. There were legal protections for slaves, and they were considered part of the household.
Biblical Theme: Some interpret this passage symbolically. For Christians, it can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's voluntary sacrifice and servitude to humanity, willingly taking on the role of a servant to redeem others. The pierced ear can be interpreted as a symbol of willingness to hear and obey God.
In summary, Exodus 21:6 describes a specific legal procedure allowing a Hebrew slave to choose continued servitude, marked by a pierced ear, symbolizing his voluntary commitment. It is vital to understand the historical context and the nuanced understanding of Hebrew slavery when interpreting this verse.