Awl

Type Object Hebrew מַרְצֵעַ

A hand tool with a narrow point used for making holes in wood, leather, and other materials.

An iron titching awl from the Roman period (Vidy Roman Museum, Lausanne, Switzerland)
An iron titching awl from the Roman period (Vidy Roman Museum, Lausanne, Switzerland) (© Rama, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR, CeCILL or CC BY-SA 2.0 FR, via Wikimedia Commons) Awl

About Awl

The awl was a hand tool with a narrow point used for boring holes in wood, leather, or other substances. The point could be made of metal, bone, or stone. The awl sometimes had a handle made of wood or bone.

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Key References

Exodus 21:6

then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life.

Deuteronomy 15:17

then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he will become your servant for life. And treat your maidservant the same way.

All Scripture References (2)

Exodus (1)
Exodus 21:6

then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life.

Deuteronomy (1)
Deuteronomy 15:17

then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he will become your servant for life. And treat your maidservant the same way.