Bore
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The ceremony of boring a slave's ear with an awl was performed to ratify their decision to remain in their master's service, likely symbolizing duty of obedience and attachment to the household.
What is the meaning of Bore in the Bible?
The ceremony of boring a slave's ear with an awl was performed to ratify their decision to remain in their master's service, likely symbolizing duty of obedience and attachment to the household.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this practice clarifies the legal and social mechanisms of debt servitude in ancient Israel, revealing how personal loyalty could override standard manumission laws and providing context for passages where servants express desire to stay with their masters.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Bore in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bore clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.