In the context of the Bible, "domestics" refers to household servants or slaves who were part of the family unit in ancient times. The role and treatment of domestics are addressed in various passages throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the social and economic structures of biblical times.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, domestics were often part of the patriarchal household. They were considered an integral part of the family, though their status was distinct from that of free family members. The Hebrew word often used for servant or slave is "ebed," which can denote a range of servitude from bondservant to a more permanent form of slavery.

The treatment of domestics is addressed in the Mosaic Law, which provided certain protections and rights. For example, Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the conditions under which a Hebrew servant could be set free, emphasizing a humane approach to servitude: "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" (Exodus 21:2).

The account of Abraham and his servant Eliezer (Genesis 24) illustrates the trust and responsibility that could be placed on a domestic. Eliezer was tasked with finding a wife for Isaac, demonstrating the significant role domestics could play within a household.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is commonly used to refer to servants or slaves. The early Christian community included both free individuals and slaves, and the apostolic writings address the conduct and relationships between masters and servants.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, provides guidance on the relationship between masters and their domestics. In Ephesians 6:5-9, Paul instructs servants to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, as they would obey Christ. Conversely, masters are reminded to treat their servants well, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven: "And masters, do the same for them. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him" (Ephesians 6:9).

The epistle to Philemon provides a personal example of the Christian approach to domestics. Paul writes to Philemon regarding Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a Christian. Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus not merely as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16).

Cultural and Theological Implications

The biblical treatment of domestics reflects the broader cultural and economic realities of the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world. While the institution of slavery was a common practice, the biblical narrative introduces principles of justice, mercy, and equality before God that challenge the dehumanizing aspects of servitude.

The Scriptures emphasize the inherent dignity of all individuals, regardless of social status. Galatians 3:28 underscores the spiritual equality of all believers: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" . This theological perspective laid the groundwork for the eventual Christian critique and abolition of slavery.

In summary, the Bible's teachings on domestics highlight the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, recognizing their value as image-bearers of God. The principles found in Scripture continue to inform Christian ethics and social justice efforts today.3614. oikia -- a house, dwelling
... properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or
figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics) -- home, house ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3614.htm - 6k

2322. therapeia -- attention, medical service
... healing, household. From therapeuo; attendance (specially, medical, ie Cure);
figuratively and collectively, domestics -- healing, household. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2322.htm - 7k

And Now Diocletian Raged, not Only against his Own Domestics...
... Chap. XV. And now Diocletian raged, not only against his own domestics? And
now Diocletian raged, not only against his own domestics ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xv and now diocletian.htm

A Diversity of Interpretations is Useful. Errors Arising from ...
... some of the more obscure passages; for example, in that passage of the prophet Isaiah,
[1774] one translator reads: "And do not despise the domestics of thy ...
/.../chapter 12 a diversity of interpretations.htm

And this Circumstance Would Assist Rather than Hinder the ...
... upon some of the more obscure passages; for example, in that passage of the prophet
Isaiah, one translator reads: "And do not despise the domestics of thy seed ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 17 and this circumstance.htm

John xiii
... "Let us then wash one another's feet," saith some one, "then we must wash those
of our domestics." And what great thing if we do wash even those of our ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxi john xiii.htm

But the Freemen Shall be Tried by Penance for Three Years...
... them to forbear threatening their servants, inasmuch as they themselves, the masters,
are the servants of God, and fellow-servants with their own domestics. ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon vii but the freemen.htm

With whom we are to Associate.
... But really I have unwittingly deviated in spirit from the order, to which I must
now revert, and must find fault with having large numbers of domestics. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv with whom we are.htm

But Galerius, not Satisfied with the Tenor of the Edict...
... as he always chose to appear, suspected nothing of the contrivance, but, inflamed
with anger, immediately commanded that all his own domestics should be ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xiv but galerius not.htm

But Before I had Spoken all I Designed...
... But before I had spoken all I designed, I heard one of my own domestics bidding
me come down, for that it was not a proper time to take care of retaining the ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 18 but before i.htm

Ep. Cli. Written About A. ...
... (Written about ad382, commending his friend George, a deacon of Nazianzus, to the
good offices of the Archbishop and the Count of the Domestics, or Master of ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep cli written about a .htm

O virgin, Maintain Thy Purpose which is Destined for a Great ...
... gifts which, as an earnest, are bestowed in the case of human betrothals, immediately
begins earnestly and diligently to enquire of domestics, intimates, and ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xii o virgin maintain.htm

Domestics (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Domestics (3 Occurrences). Acts 10:7 And when ... waiting
on him continually, (YLT). 1 Peter 2:18 The domestics! ...
/d/domestics.htm - 7k

Domestic (5 Occurrences)

/d/domestic.htm - 8k

Office (64 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) The apartments or outhouses in which the domestics discharge the duties
attached to the service of a house, as kitchens, pantries, stables, etc. ...
/o/office.htm - 30k

Draweth (52 Occurrences)
... Genesis 14:14 And Abram heareth that his brother hath been taken captive, and he
draweth out his trained domestics, three hundred and eighteen, and pursueth ...
/d/draweth.htm - 21k

Dominant (1 Occurrence)

/d/dominant.htm - 6k

Pursueth (28 Occurrences)
... Genesis 14:14 And Abram heareth that his brother hath been taken captive, and he
draweth out his trained domestics, three hundred and eighteen, and pursueth ...
/p/pursueth.htm - 14k

Subjecting (5 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Peter 2:18 The domestics! be subjecting yourselves in all fear to the
masters, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the cross; (YLT). ...
/s/subjecting.htm - 8k

Submit (36 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 2:18 The domestics! be subjecting yourselves in all fear to the masters,
not only to the good and gentle, but also to the cross; (See NIV). ...
/s/submit.htm - 17k

Heareth (137 Occurrences)
... Genesis 14:14 And Abram heareth that his brother hath been taken captive, and he
draweth out his trained domestics, three hundred and eighteen, and pursueth ...
/h/heareth.htm - 37k

Cross (157 Occurrences)
... of the throne of God. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1
Peter 2:18 The domestics! be subjecting yourselves in all ...
/c/cross.htm - 50k

Domestics: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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