King James Version

What Does Exodus 21:6 Mean?

Exodus 21:6 in the King James Version says “Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his mas... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 21:6 · KJV


Context

4

If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.

5

And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: shall: Heb. saying shall say

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.

7

And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.

8

If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her. please: Heb. be evil in the eyes of, etc


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
  2. What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהִגִּישׁוֹ֙1 of 17

he shall also bring

H5066

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

אֲדֹנָ֤יו2 of 17

Then his master

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים4 of 17

him unto the judges

H430

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

וְהִגִּישׁוֹ֙5 of 17

he shall also bring

H5066

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

אֶל6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַדֶּ֔לֶת7 of 17

him to the door

H1817

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

א֖וֹ8 of 17
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אֶל9 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמְּזוּזָ֑ה10 of 17

or unto the door post

H4201

a door-post (as prominent)

וְרָצַ֨ע11 of 17

shall bore

H7527

to pierce

אֲדֹנָ֤יו12 of 17

Then his master

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

אֶת13 of 17
H853

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

אָזְנוֹ֙14 of 17

his ear

H241

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

בַּמַּרְצֵ֔עַ15 of 17

through with an aul

H4836

an awl

וַֽעֲבָד֖וֹ16 of 17

and he shall serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

לְעֹלָֽם׃17 of 17

him for ever

H5769

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Exodus 21:6 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 Exodus 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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