Original Word: מַרְצֵעַ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: martsea`
Pronunciation: mart-SEH-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (mar-tsay'-ah)
KJV: aul
NASB: awl
Word Origin: [from H7527 (רָצַע - pierce)]

1. an awl

aul

From ratsa'; an awl -- aul.

see HEBREW ratsa'

Word Origin
from ratsa
Definition
a boring instrument, awl
NASB Translation
awl (2).

מַרְצֵעַ noun [masculine] boring-instrument, awl; — absolute ׳מ Exodus 21:6, (E), Deuteronomy 15:17.

Physical Description and Everyday Use

The מַרְצֵעַ was a small, sharply pointed metal instrument—an awl—used by ancient craftsmen for piercing leather and wood. In ordinary life it was as common in a workshop as the hammer or chisel, capable of punching clean holes to receive thongs or pegs. Because it was familiar to every household, the object readily served as the ritual tool prescribed in Israel’s slavery legislation.

Covenantal Legislation in Exodus and Deuteronomy

Only two passages record the awl’s ritual use: Exodus 21:6 and Deuteronomy 15:17. Both appear within humanitarian laws that limited the term of Hebrew servitude to six years (Exodus 21:2; Deuteronomy 15:12). If, at the close of that term, a servant freely chose lifelong attachment to the household, the master was to “bring him before God” (Exodus 21:6), place the servant’s ear against the door or doorpost, and pierce it with the awl. The mark on the ear and the witness of the doorway created a covenantal bond of permanent service.

Symbolism of Perpetual Commitment

1. Ear: Throughout Scripture the ear symbolizes hearing and obedience (Isaiah 50:4–5; Jeremiah 6:10). Piercing the ear signified that the servant’s capacity to listen was now devoted to one master for life.
2. Doorpost: The same architectural feature bore the Passover blood (Exodus 12:7, 22). Thus the act bound the servant within a redeemed household, under its protection and responsibilities.
3. Public Witness: The ritual occurred “before God” (Exodus 21:6), underscoring that lifelong service was not mere social contract but covenant sworn in God’s presence.

Connections to Christ and New Testament Themes

Psalm 40:6 (LXX and Hebrews 10:5) links opened or prepared ears with the incarnate obedience of the Messiah: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but You have opened My ears.” Jesus’ voluntary submission—even unto death—mirrors the bond-servant’s willing surrender (Philippians 2:5-8). Paul embraces this imagery when he introduces himself as “a servant of Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:1), a term denoting permanent, willing slavery to the Lord.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Discipleship: The pierced ear challenges believers to move from temporary service to wholehearted, lifelong obedience.
• Leadership: Pastors are reminded that authority over others is legitimate only where servants are treated with the dignity and freedom affirmed in the Mosaic statutes.
• Worship: Testimonies of covenant commitment may draw upon the awl narrative to illustrate joyful surrender to God’s will.

Historical Resonance

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show similar ear-piercing rites for slaves, yet Israel’s law uniquely safeguarded the servant’s choice and embedded the act within worship of the LORD, reflecting a theological rather than purely economic motive.

Related Biblical Concepts

• Hebrew bond-servant laws (Leviticus 25:39-43)
• The kinsman-redeemer (Leviticus 25:47-55)
• Mark of ownership in the New Covenant (Galatians 6:17; Revelation 22:4)

בַּמַּרְצֵ֔עַ במרצע הַמַּרְצֵ֗עַ המרצע bam·mar·ṣê·a‘ bammarṣêa‘ bammarTzea ham·mar·ṣê·a‘ hammarṣêa‘ hammarTzeaInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts