Deuteronomy 15:17
New English Translation
17 you shall take an awl and pierce a hole through his ear to the door.[a] Then he will become your servant permanently (this applies to your female servant as well).
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- Deuteronomy 15:17 sn When the bondslave’s ear was drilled through to the door, the door in question was that of the master’s house. In effect, the bondslave is declaring his undying and lifelong loyalty to his creditor. The scar (or even hole) in the earlobe would testify to the community that the slave had surrendered independence and personal rights. This may be what Paul had in mind when he said “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Gal 6:17).
Deuteronomy 15:17
King James Version
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.
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Deuteronomy 15:17
New International Version
17 then take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door, and he will become your servant for life. Do the same for your female servant.
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