In biblical times, the term "handmaiden" referred to a female servant or maid, often in the service of a woman of higher social status. The role of handmaidens is mentioned several times throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their significance in the domestic and social structures of ancient Israelite society.

Old Testament References

One of the most notable mentions of handmaidens is found in the account of Sarah and Hagar. Sarah, the wife of Abraham, had an Egyptian handmaiden named Hagar. When Sarah was unable to bear children, she gave Hagar to Abraham as a concubine to bear a child on her behalf. Genesis 16:1-2 states, "Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, 'Please now, the LORD has prevented me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.'"

Another significant mention is found in the account of Rachel and Leah, the wives of Jacob. Both sisters had handmaidens, Bilhah and Zilpah, respectively. When Rachel and Leah faced challenges in bearing children, they each gave their handmaidens to Jacob as concubines to bear children on their behalf (Genesis 30:3-13).

Role and Status

Handmaidens were often considered part of the household, yet they held a lower status than the wives and daughters of the family. Despite their lower social standing, handmaidens could play crucial roles in the family dynamics, as seen in the narratives of Hagar, Bilhah, and Zilpah. Their children could become integral members of the family lineage, as evidenced by the tribes of Israel that descended from the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the term "handmaiden" is used in a more spiritual context. In Luke 1:38 , Mary, the mother of Jesus, refers to herself as the Lord's handmaiden: "I am the Lord’s servant," Mary answered. "May it happen to me according to your word." This declaration signifies her humility and willingness to serve God's purpose, highlighting the spiritual dimension of servanthood.

Additionally, in Acts 2:18 , during Peter's sermon at Pentecost, he quotes the prophet Joel, saying, "Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." This passage underscores the inclusivity of God's promise, extending the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to all believers, regardless of social status or gender.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The presence and roles of handmaidens in the Bible reflect the patriarchal and hierarchical nature of ancient Near Eastern societies. However, the biblical narrative also reveals moments where handmaidens are pivotal in God's unfolding plan, suggesting that God values individuals regardless of their societal status. The accounts of handmaidens in the Bible serve as reminders of God's sovereignty and the unexpected ways He can work through all people to fulfill His divine purposes.

Chapter xxxiii
... So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two handmaidens. ... And
the handmaidens approached"they and their children" and bowed. ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiii.htm

Whether Sacred Doctrine is Nobler than Other Sciences?
... On the contrary, Other sciences are called the handmaidens of this one:
"Wisdom sent her maids to invite to the tower" (Prov.9:3). ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sacred doctrine is nobler.htm

That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against ...
... she blame him, that so great a king as he was should dance after an unseemly manner,
and in his dancing, uncover himself among the servants and the handmaidens ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 that when david.htm

Acts ii. 14
... "And your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and
on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily v acts ii 14.htm

The Passion of the Holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas.
... And upon my servants and my handmaidens will I pour out of my Spirit; and your young
men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." [8975] And ...
/.../the passion of the holy.htm

The Nuns of the Primitive Church
... True it is that many of the earliest consecrated handmaidens of the Church continued
to reside in their city homes, and, in addition to their prayers, devoted ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vi the nuns of the.htm

"The Sun of Righteousness"
... in me; I would sing the sweetest of songs, and compose the most melting music, if
I could, and count art, and wit, and music exalted by being handmaidens to him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sun of righteousness.htm

And There Was, Besides, a Most Beautiful, Blessed...
... They endure terrors and constant threats, but the Lord has given grace to many of
his handmaidens, for even though they are forbidden to do so, still they ...
/.../patrick/the confession of st patrick/section 42 and there was.htm

Conclusion the Resurrection of the Flesh in Its Absolute Identity ...
... God, in His most gracious providence, by "pouring out of His Spirit in these last
days, upon all flesh, upon His servants and on His handmaidens," [7761] has ...
/.../chapter lxiii conclusion the resurrection of.htm

'The Measure of Grace'
... Yea, and on my servants and handmaidens ... will I pour forth of my Spirit.'
The rushing, mighty wind of that day soon dropped. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the measure of grace.htm

Handmaidens (3 Occurrences)
...Handmaidens (3 Occurrences). Acts 2:18 Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens
in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy. ...
/h/handmaidens.htm - 7k

Girls (27 Occurrences)
... your sight, my lord, because you have comforted me, and because you have spoken
kindly to your handmaid, though I am not as one of your handmaidens." (See NIV). ...
/g/girls.htm - 14k

Friendly (17 Occurrences)
... sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly
unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens...
/f/friendly.htm - 11k

Maidservants (28 Occurrences)
... my LORD; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken to the heart
of thy handmaid, though I be not as one of thy handmaidens.' (See NAS RSV). ...
/m/maidservants.htm - 15k

Prophesy (96 Occurrences)
... NIV). Acts 2:18 Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days,
I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy. (WEB ...
/p/prophesy.htm - 38k

Pour (137 Occurrences)
... NIV). Acts 2:18 Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days,
I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy. (WEB ...
/p/pour.htm - 37k

Bondslaves (3 Occurrences)
... Bondslaves (3 Occurrences). Acts 2:18 Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens
in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy. (See NAS). ...
/b/bondslaves.htm - 7k

Comforted (56 Occurrences)
... your sight, my lord, because you have comforted me, and because you have spoken
kindly to your handmaid, though I am not as one of your handmaidens." (WEB KJV ...
/c/comforted.htm - 24k

Yea (867 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY). Acts 2:18 Yea and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days
Will I pour forth of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. (ASV DBY RSV). ...
/y/yea.htm - 37k

Maidservant (73 Occurrences)
... my LORD; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken to the heart
of thy handmaid, though I be not as one of thy handmaidens.' (See NAS RSV). ...
/m/maidservant.htm - 28k

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