Deuteronomy 15:17

New International Reader's Version

Then take him to the door of your house. Poke a hole through his earlobe into the doorpost. And he will become your servant for life. Do the same with your female servant.

Cross References

Exodus 21:5

“But suppose the servant says, ‘I love my master and my wife and children. I don’t want to go free.’

Exodus 21:6

Then his master must take him to the judges. His master must take him to the door or doorpost of his master’s house. His master must poke a hole through his servant’s earlobe into the door or doorpost. Then he will become his servant for life.

Deuteronomy 15:16

But suppose your servant says to you, “I don’t want to leave you.” He loves you and your family. And you are taking good care of him.

Deuteronomy 15:18

Don’t think you are being cheated when you set your servants free. After all, they have served you for six years. The service of each of them has been worth twice as much as the service of a hired worker. And the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.

1 Samuel 1:22

But Hannah didn’t go. She said to her husband, “When the boy doesn’t need me to breast-feed him anymore, I’ll take him to the Lord’s house. I’ll give him to the Lord there. He’ll stay there for the rest of his life.”