This verb appears in the ceremonial context of Exodus 21:6, where a servant who voluntarily chooses to remain with his master has his ear pierced as a permanent mark of service. The act combines physical action with deep symbolic significance—the pierced ear signifies willing, lifelong commitment. The multilingual evidence (Spanish 'horadará,' English 'pierce') consistently captures the physical penetration, though the profound relational dimension requires the full context to appreciate.