Original Word: רָצַע
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ratsa`
Pronunciation: rah-tsah
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-tsah')
Definition: to pierce
Meaning: To pierce

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Greek equivalents in the Strong's Concordance that correspond to the specific Hebrew concept of רָצַע as used in the context of piercing a servant's ear. However, the broader concept of piercing can be related to Greek terms such as G3572 (nysso) and G3571 (nyssō), which mean "to prick" or "to pierce."

Usage: The verb רָצַע is used in the context of piercing, specifically in reference to the act of piercing the ear of a servant who chooses to remain with his master permanently.

Context: The Hebrew verb רָצַע (ratsa) is a primitive root that primarily means "to pierce." It is notably used in the context of ancient Hebrew servitude laws. According to the Mosaic Law, a Hebrew servant who wished to remain with his master after the period of servitude was to have his ear pierced as a sign of his permanent commitment. This act symbolized the servant's voluntary decision to continue serving his master for life.

The primary biblical reference for רָצַע is found in Exodus 21:6, which describes the procedure: "then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl, and he shall serve him forever." (BSB)

This ritual act of piercing the ear was a significant cultural and legal practice in ancient Israel, reflecting the servant's loyalty and the master's responsibility. The act of piercing was not merely physical but carried deep symbolic meaning, representing a covenantal relationship between the servant and the master.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to bore, pierce
NASB Translation
pierce (1).

רָצַע verb bore, pierce (Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; Arabic stab violently); —

Qal Perfect3masculine singular consecutive ׳וְר Exodus 21:6 (E) he shall pierce his ear (accusative, ב instrumental).

bore

A primitive root; to pierce -- bore.

וְרָצַ֨ע ורצע veraTza wə·rā·ṣa‘ wərāṣa‘Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts