Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "bondman" referred to a person in servitude or slavery, often as a result of debt, war, or birth. The concept of a bondman is woven throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the socio-economic structures of ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Hebrew word often translated as "bondman" is עֶבֶד (eved), while the Greek equivalent in the New Testament is δοῦλος (doulos).Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the status and treatment of bondmen are addressed in various laws and narratives. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of bondmen, emphasizing humane treatment and the potential for eventual freedom. For instance, Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the conditions under which a Hebrew bondman could be released after six years of service: "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" . The Jubilee Year, described in Leviticus 25, further underscores the temporary nature of servitude among the Israelites. Every fiftieth year, bondmen were to be released, and lands were to be returned to their original owners, symbolizing God's ultimate ownership and the restoration of His people: "For it is to Me that the Israelites are servants. They are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God" (Leviticus 25:55). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the term "bondman" is often used metaphorically to describe the believer's relationship to Christ. The Apostle Paul frequently refers to himself as a "bondservant of Christ," highlighting a voluntary and devoted servitude to the Lord. In Romans 1:1, Paul introduces himself as "a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God" . The New Testament also addresses the social realities of slavery in the Roman Empire, urging Christian bondmen to serve their earthly masters with sincerity and integrity, as serving the Lord. Ephesians 6:5-8 instructs: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ" . This teaching emphasizes the spiritual equality of all believers, regardless of social status, as seen in Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" . Theological Implications The concept of a bondman in Scripture serves as a profound metaphor for the believer's relationship with God. Just as a bondman is wholly devoted to his master, Christians are called to a life of complete submission and service to Christ. This relationship is not one of coercion but of willing devotion, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel. Furthermore, the biblical treatment of bondmen underscores the principles of justice, mercy, and redemption. The laws given to Israel regarding bondmen reveal God's concern for the dignity and welfare of all individuals, pointing to the ultimate liberation found in Christ. As believers, the call to be bondmen of Christ is a call to live in freedom, serving one another in love and reflecting the character of our Savior. Library Writings of Rufinus. Preface to the Commentary on the Benedictions ... Prayer for the Slave. Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... Thesaurus Bondman's (3 Occurrences)...Bondman's (3 Occurrences). ... (DBY). Philippians 2:7 but emptied himself, taking a bondman's form, taking his place in the likeness of men; (DBY). ... /b/bondman's.htm - 7k Knock (7 Occurrences) Bond-man (6 Occurrences) Bondman (108 Occurrences) Bondmen (117 Occurrences) Handmaid's (1 Occurrence) Handmaid (77 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Bondman's (3 Occurrences)John 18:10 Philippians 2:7 Exodus 21:27 Subtopics Related Terms Fellow-bondmen (4 Occurrences) Fellow-bondman (6 Occurrences) |
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