King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 15:17 Mean?

Deuteronomy 15:17 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 15:17 · KJV

Context

15

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

16

And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;

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.

18

It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.

19

All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.

Read Deuteronomy 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'marks' (habits, commitments, sacrifices) visibly identify you as Christ's willing servant?
  2. How does Christ's permanent scars (nail prints) demonstrate His voluntary submission to redeem you?
  3. In what ways does baptism function as your 'ear-piercing'—public, permanent identification with Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֣1 of 14

“Then thou shalt take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמַּרְצֵ֗עַ3 of 14

“an aul”

H4836

an awl

וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה4 of 14

“and thrust”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְאָזְנוֹ֙5 of 14

“it through his ear”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

וּבַדֶּ֔לֶת6 of 14

“unto the door”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

וְהָיָ֥ה7 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְךָ֖8 of 14
H0
עֶ֣בֶד9 of 14

“and he shall be thy servant”

H5650

a servant

עוֹלָ֑ם10 of 14

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וְאַ֥ף11 of 14
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

לַאֲמָֽתְךָ֖12 of 14

“And also unto thy maidservant”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה13 of 14

“thou shalt do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֵּֽן׃14 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 15:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 15:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:39-421 Samuel 1:22

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