Deuteronomy 15:17

New American Bible - revised edition

you shall take an awl and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. Your female slave, also, you shall treat in the same way.

Cross References

Exodus 21:5

If, however, the slave declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I will not leave as a free person,’

Exodus 21:6

his master shall bring him to God and there, at the door or doorpost, he shall pierce his ear with an awl, thus keeping him as his slave forever.

Deuteronomy 15:16

But if he says to you, “I do not wish to leave you,” because he loves you and your household, since he is well off with you,

Deuteronomy 15:18

Do not be reluctant when you let them go free, since the service they have given you for six years was worth twice a hired laborer’s salary; and the Lord, your God, will bless you in everything you do. Firstlings.

1 Samuel 1:22

Hannah did not go, explaining to her husband, “Once the child is weaned, I will take him to appear before the Lord and leave him there forever.”