Topical Encyclopedia The term "bond-man" in the Bible refers to a male slave or servant who is bound to serve his master. This concept is deeply rooted in the socio-economic and cultural contexts of ancient Near Eastern societies, including those depicted in the biblical narrative. The Hebrew word often translated as "bond-man" is עֶבֶד (eved), while the Greek equivalent in the New Testament is δοῦλος (doulos).Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the institution of servitude is addressed within the legal and ethical framework of Israelite society. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations concerning the treatment of bond-men. For instance, Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the conditions under which a Hebrew man might become a bond-man and the terms of his release: "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free, without paying anything" . This passage highlights the temporary nature of servitude among the Israelites, reflecting a system designed to prevent perpetual slavery among the covenant community. Leviticus 25:39-43 further emphasizes the humane treatment of bond-men, instructing that they should not be treated harshly: "If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him into slave labor. Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee" . This provision underscores the principle of redemption and restoration inherent in the Jubilee year, where liberty is proclaimed throughout the land. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of a bond-man is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual realities. The Apostle Paul frequently employs the term to illustrate the believer's relationship to Christ. In Romans 6:22, Paul writes, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life" . Here, the imagery of a bond-man is transformed to convey the idea of willing and joyful servitude to God, contrasting the bondage of sin with the freedom found in Christ. The Epistle to Philemon provides a personal glimpse into the dynamics of servitude in the early Christian community. Paul appeals to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway bond-man, urging Philemon to receive him "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother" (Philemon 1:16). This appeal reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which redefines relationships and elevates the dignity of every individual. Theological Implications The biblical portrayal of bond-men carries significant theological implications. It serves as a reminder of the fallen human condition and the need for redemption. The laws concerning bond-men in the Old Testament reveal God's concern for justice and compassion, while the New Testament reinterprets the concept to express the believer's new identity in Christ. The metaphor of servitude to God underscores the call to live a life of obedience and devotion, recognizing Christ as the ultimate Master. Throughout Scripture, the treatment and status of bond-men reflect broader themes of freedom, redemption, and the inherent worth of every person created in the image of God. Greek 1401. doulos -- a slave ... bondman, servant, slave. ... figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency) -- bond(-man), servant. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1401.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 615. asir -- a bondman, prisoner... 614, 615. asir. 616 . a bondman, prisoner. Transliteration: asir Phonetic Spelling: (aw-sere') Short Definition: prisoners. Word ... /hebrew/615.htm - 6k 5650. ebed -- slave, servant Library Blessed be He that Blots Out in Water Misdeeds that are Without ... Epistle xxxvi. To Peter the Subdeacon. Colossians iii. 7-May Galatians Chapter iv. Various Precepts. The Sixth Seal. When God for Judgment Sets his Throne, O, Death, be not Thou Boastful, Over the Just O what Amazement Befel the Evil One, of a Sudden, My Brethren ... My Throne was Set for Me in Sheol: and one Arose that was Dead ... Thesaurus Bondman (108 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BONDMAN. bond'-man: One of the translations of the word `ebhedh, very common in the Old Testament. ... /b/bondman.htm - 36k Fellow-bondman (6 Occurrences) Bond-man (6 Occurrences) Bondman's (3 Occurrences) Wast (84 Occurrences) Bondmaid (18 Occurrences) Homage (51 Occurrences) Insult (25 Occurrences) Freeman (9 Occurrences) Fellow-bondmen (4 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about adultery? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the concept of a common law marriage? | GotQuestions.org What is the definition of marriage? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bond-man (6 Occurrences)Revelation 6:15 Genesis 44:33 Deuteronomy 15:15 Deuteronomy 16:12 Deuteronomy 24:18 Deuteronomy 24:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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