What is the Bible's stance on slavery?

Old Testament Context and Foundational Principles

In the Old Testament era, slavery was a recognized institution across many ancient cultures, including those surrounding Israel. Archaeological discoveries—like Nuzi tablets from Mesopotamia—show that slavery was part of the economic structure of nations long before the Exodus. Within Scripture, this socio-historical background is reflected in passages such as Exodus 21, Leviticus 25, and Deuteronomy 15, which gave regulations concerning servitude.

When examining these passages, it becomes clear that biblical “slavery” often refers to an indentured servitude designed to address poverty or debt rather than a system of forced subjugation based on race or kidnapping. For example, Exodus 21:2 states, “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free….” This indicates a cycle of limited service ending in release.

While these terms included servitude, they also featured mechanisms of protection. In Exodus 21:16, taking someone by force for the purpose of enslaving them was punishable by death: “Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death…” Such a regulation contrasts with many neighboring cultures where similar protections did not exist.

Protective Regulations and Human Dignity

Scripture’s guidelines often aimed to protect the rights and well-being of servants, ensuring fair treatment. Leviticus 25:39–40 explains that a fellow Israelite in dire straits “must not be sold as a slave” but rather treated as a hired worker. These passages highlight a recognition of dignity and an obligation for ethical treatment, depicting a notable difference from oppressive systems in other ancient Near Eastern societies.

Additionally, the year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25) afforded freedom to Israelites who had sold themselves into servitude due to economic hardship, emphasizing rescue from perpetual enslavement. Archaeological data supports that this emphasis on cyclical redemptions was unique in the region. Documents from societies like the ancient city of Ugarit do not reflect the same cyclical freeing of servants.

New Testament Teachings and Transformative Principles

In the Greco-Roman world of the New Testament, slavery was deeply ingrained in the economic and social structure. Nevertheless, New Testament teachings prompted a transformative attitude that radically shifted the norms from within. For instance, Ephesians 6:9 exhorts masters to treat their servants with respect, “since He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.” This directive implies accountability before God and equal value of all persons.

Although the New Testament does not launch a direct political campaign against existing systems, it does weave an ethic of love, equality, and shared identity in Christ. Galatians 3:28 famously declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This foundational principle undercuts any notion of permanent social hierarchy in God’s economy.

Philemon and Personal Freedom

The short letter to Philemon is an excellent case study of New Testament perspectives. The Apostle Paul writes to a Christian named Philemon about his runaway slave, Onesimus. Rather than urging punishment or merely sending Onesimus back, Paul says he is sending him “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, a beloved brother” (Philemon 1:16). Paul’s approach indicates that the Christian ethic transforms relationships by promoting mutual respect and treating others as part of God’s family. Early church documents—like the writings of Ignatius of Antioch—show similar calls for compassion, reflecting this higher standard of love and brotherhood.

Principles of Freedom and the Gospel’s Influence on Slavery

Over time, as the gospel spread, many believers concluded that freedom was the best reflection of biblical ideals. Throughout Christian history, advocates against forced slavery or abusive servitude, such as William Wilberforce, drew upon biblical texts to challenge social structures. Their arguments rested on the scriptural emphasis on human dignity, freedom in Christ, and the moral imperative to love one’s neighbor.

Such movements demonstrate the logical outworking of the gospel’s core doctrines: that every person bears the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and that Christ’s work on the cross sets humanity free from all forms of bondage—spiritual and physical. Where slavery persisted, it was increasingly viewed as contrary to the core teachings of Scripture on equality and love.

Relevance for Modern Readers

Modern believers often question why Scripture did not explicitly abolish slavery in its earliest texts. The Bible’s approach, however, worked internally to elevate human dignity and reveal the moral obligations of care and respect. This approach led to the recognition over centuries that a just society would ultimately reject oppressive systems.

In modern contexts, various forms of enslavement—whether economic exploitation or human trafficking—violate the biblical mandate to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). The foundational principles in Scripture continue to guide believers to confront any practice denying the God-given dignity of a person.

Conclusion

From the Old Testament’s protective regulations to the New Testament’s transformative ethic, Scripture neither endorses the brutal forms of chattel slavery known in many eras nor ignores the realities of ancient servitude. Instead, it lays down principles of respect, dignity, and eventual freedom, offering clear boundaries against abuse. In passages like Philemon and Galatians, the Bible casts a vision of equality and unity in Christ that subverts oppressive structures.

As the gospel message has spread through history, these principles have provided the moral footing for Christians to become leading voices in the abolition of slavery and the promotion of human rights. At the heart of Scripture’s teachings on slavery lies an abiding call to recognize every individual’s worth as created in the image of God, and to reflect that truth in acts of compassion, justice, and love.