Definition and Context:
Bond-service, often referred to as servitude or slavery, is a condition in which an individual is bound to serve another person. In the biblical context, bond-service is distinct from modern conceptions of slavery, as it often included specific rights and protections for the servant. The practice is addressed in various parts of the Bible, providing guidelines and regulations for the treatment of bond-servants.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, bond-service is primarily discussed within the legal and social framework of ancient Israel. The Mosaic Law provided specific instructions regarding the treatment of bond-servants. For instance, Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the conditions under which a Hebrew servant might serve: "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 provision for eventual freedom.

Leviticus 25:39-43 further emphasizes the humane treatment of bond-servants: "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" . The Year of Jubilee, occurring every fifty years, was a time when all debts were forgiven, and bond-servants were released, underscoring the principle of redemption and restoration.

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, the concept of bond-service is addressed in the context of the Roman Empire, where slavery was a widespread institution. The apostle Paul provides guidance to both servants and masters, emphasizing mutual respect and the spiritual equality of all believers. In Ephesians 6:5-9, Paul instructs: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ... And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him" .

Paul's letter to Philemon is a personal appeal regarding Onesimus, a runaway slave who became a Christian. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother" (Philemon 1:16). This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel in redefining relationships and promoting the dignity of every individual.

Theological Implications:
The biblical treatment of bond-service reflects broader theological themes of justice, mercy, and redemption. The laws given to Israel were designed to protect the vulnerable and ensure fair treatment, pointing to God's concern for human dignity. The New Testament teachings further elevate the status of bond-servants by affirming their worth in Christ and calling for equitable and compassionate relationships.

Cultural and Historical Considerations:
Understanding bond-service in the Bible requires consideration of the historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world. While the practice of servitude was common, the biblical regulations sought to mitigate its harshness and promote a more humane and just society. The principles laid out in Scripture have influenced Christian thought and practice throughout history, contributing to movements for the abolition of slavery and the promotion of human rights.5647. abad -- to work, serve
... working (1), worship (7), worshipers (6). keep in bondage, be bondmen,
bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear,. A primitive root; to work ...
/hebrew/5647.htm - 6k

The People of the Book.
... "As many as are led by Divine-spirit (ie, the new nature) are sons of God;
for we have not received a bond-service spirit" (v.14,15). ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people of the book.htm

The Secret Walk with God (I. ).
... Appear in the presence chamber as the servant should who is now ready for the day's
bondservice in all things but in this, that he has yet to take the day's ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter i the secret walk.htm

Psalm LXII.
... [2395] And as if they were doing bond-service [2396] in the city which is to pass
away, even there by the doctors of the Holy City they are bidden to keep ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxii.htm

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
... And His "becoming to be" one with us in that mysterious but genuine Bondservice
was the free ... And the Absolute Bondservant must exercise a perfect Bond-service. ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter iv the christians peace.htm

Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures.
... As being all this, possessor of Deity and accepter of bondservice, He was now de
novo proclaimed as [Greek: Kyrios], as Lord, in a sense interpreted by the ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iii secret study of.htm

C??sarius of Arles.
... of the barbarians. On tender and delicate women, the barbarians have, without
pity or humanity, imposed hard bond-service. But we ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/caesarius of arles.htm

Bondservice (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bondservice (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 9:21 Their
children that were left after them in the land, whom the ...
/b/bondservice.htm - 6k

Bond-service (1 Occurrence)
Bond-service. Bondservice, Bond-service. Bondslave . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Bondservice, Bond-service. Bondslave . Reference Bible.
/b/bond-service.htm - 6k

Bond-servants (12 Occurrences)
Bond-servants. Bondservants, Bond-servants. Bondservice . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Bondservants, Bond-servants. Bondservice . Reference Bible.
/b/bond-servants.htm - 9k

Impose (12 Occurrences)
... left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel were not able utterly to
destroy, upon them did Solomon impose a tribute of bondservice until this day ...
/i/impose.htm - 10k

Bondslave (3 Occurrences)

/b/bondslave.htm - 7k

Canaanites (63 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem was not taken till the time of David (2 Samuel 5:6, 7). In the days of
Solomon bond-service was exacted from the fragments of the tribes still ...
/c/canaanites.htm - 55k

Tribute (67 Occurrences)
... left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly
to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bondservice unto this ...
/t/tribute.htm - 32k

How much of a role should media have in worship services? | GotQuestions.org

What is a yokefellow in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about the concept of a common law marriage? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus