Topical Encyclopedia A bond-servant, in biblical terms, refers to an individual who is in a state of servitude or slavery, often voluntarily, to another person. This concept is deeply rooted in the socio-economic and cultural contexts of the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world, where servitude was a common practice. The term "bond-servant" is frequently encountered in both the Old and New Testaments, carrying significant theological and moral implications.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "servant" or "slave" is "ebed." The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of bond-servants. For instance, Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the conditions under which a Hebrew might become a bond-servant and the provisions for their 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 and the emphasis on humane treatment and eventual freedom. The concept of the Jubilee year, as described in Leviticus 25:10, further underscores the importance of liberation and restoration: "Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you, when each of you is to return to his property and to his clan" . This reflects God's desire for justice and equality among His people. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek term "doulos" is commonly translated as "bond-servant" or "slave." The Apostle Paul frequently uses this term to describe his relationship with Christ, emphasizing total devotion and submission. In Romans 1:1, Paul introduces himself as "a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God" . This self-identification highlights the voluntary and willing nature of his servitude, motivated by love and commitment to the Lord. The New Testament also addresses the relationship between masters and bond-servants, urging both parties to act with integrity and respect. Ephesians 6:5-9 instructs bond-servants to obey their earthly masters with sincerity, "as you would obey Christ" , while masters are reminded to treat their servants with fairness, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven. Theological Significance Theologically, the concept of a bond-servant is rich with meaning. It illustrates the believer's relationship with Christ, characterized by willing submission and service. Jesus Himself exemplified the ultimate bond-servant, as described in Philippians 2:7: "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness" . This act of humility and obedience serves as a model for Christians, who are called to serve God and others selflessly. Furthermore, the notion of being a bond-servant to Christ signifies freedom from the bondage of sin. Romans 6:22 states, "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" . This paradoxical freedom through servitude underscores the transformative power of the Gospel. Cultural and Historical Considerations Understanding the role of bond-servants in biblical times requires an awareness of the cultural and historical context. In ancient societies, servitude was often a means of survival or a consequence of debt. However, the biblical narrative consistently calls for the humane and just treatment of servants, reflecting God's concern for the dignity and worth of every individual. In summary, the concept of a bond-servant in the Bible encompasses both literal and metaphorical dimensions, serving as a profound illustration of devotion, humility, and the transformative relationship between believers and their Savior. Greek 4889. sundoulos -- a fellow servant ... colleague. 4889 (from 4862 , "closely identified " and 1401 , "bond-slave") -- properly, a bond-servant (slave), the same master. Word ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4889.htm - 7k 1401. doulos -- a slave Strong's Hebrew 5650. ebed -- slave, servant... bondage, bondman, bondservant, manservant. From abad; a servant -- X bondage, bondman, (bond-)servant, (man-)servant. see HEBREW abad. 5649, 5650. ebed. 5651 ... /hebrew/5650.htm - 6k 5656. abodah -- labor, service Library The Bond-Servant and the Son Are You Willing to be a Servant? Jesus Rejected in Jerusalem. Galatians Chapter iv. The Freedom of the Soul. Philemon i. 6-Apr Book xii. At Length, with the Holy Ghost Speeding Our Way... Messianic Claims Met by Attempt to Stone Jesus. Abba, Father! James the Brother of the Lord. Thesaurus Bondservant (34 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BONDSERVANT. bond'-sur-vant ... SLAVERY. Multi-Version Concordance Bondservant (34 Occurrences). Matthew 6 ... /b/bondservant.htm - 16k Bond-servant (14 Occurrences) Oh (164 Occurrences) Wishes (37 Occurrences) Christ's (64 Occurrences) Poor (276 Occurrences) Underlies (1 Occurrence) Freedman (1 Occurrence) Teachings (34 Occurrences) Desires (151 Occurrences) Resources What is a bondservant / bond-servant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is kenoticism / kenotic theology? | GotQuestions.org How can we experience true freedom in Christ? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bond-servant (14 Occurrences)Luke 2:29 Romans 1:1 Galatians 1:10 Philippians 2:7 Colossians 1:7 Colossians 4:7 2 Timothy 2:24 Titus 1:1 James 1:1 2 Peter 1:1 Jude 1:1 Revelation 1:1 Revelation 15:3 Leviticus 25:39 Subtopics Related Terms Bond-servants (12 Occurrences) Wholeheartedly (15 Occurrences) |
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