Deuteronomy 15:17 akjv — Then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant for ever. And also…

American King James Version

"Then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant for ever. And also to your maidservant you shall do likewise. "

— Deuteronomy 15:17, American King James Version

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Deuteronomy 15:17 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 15 — Context

14

You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, and out of your floor, and out of your wine press: of that with which the LORD your God has blessed you you shall give to him.

15

And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you: therefore I command you this thing to day.

16

And it shall be, if he say to you, I will not go away from you; because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you;

17

Then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant for ever. And also to your maidservant you shall do likewise.

18

It shall not seem hard to you, when you send him away free from you; for he has been worth a double hired servant to you, in serving you six years: and the LORD your God shall bless you in all that you do. ¶

19

All the firstling males that come of your herd and of your flock you shall sanctify to the LORD your God: you shall do no work with the firstling of your bullock, nor shear the firstling of your sheep.

20

You shall eat it before the LORD your God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, you and your household.

Deuteronomy 15:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 15:17 say?
Deuteronomy 15:17 in the American King James Version reads: “Then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant for ever. And also to your maidservant you shall do likewise. ”
Where is Deuteronomy 15:17 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 15:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 15, verse 17.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Largely framed as Moses' farewell speeches; the closing chapter narrating his death was likely added by Joshua or a later editor. It was written c. 1406 BC.
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
Deuteronomy is Moses' final sermons to Israel before they enter the Promised Land — a renewed call to love and obey the LORD. It re-states the Law, rehearses Israel's history, and lays before the people blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
What are the major themes of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy explores themes including Covenant, Love, Obedience, Remembrance, Blessing & Curse. These themes shape the meaning and context of Deuteronomy 15:17.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 15:17 in?
Deuteronomy 15:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Deuteronomy 15:17?
Deuteronomy 15:17 reads (AKJV): “Then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant for ever. And also to your maidservant you shall do likewise. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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