In biblical times, household servants played a significant role in the daily life and economy of ancient societies. The term "household-servants" encompasses a range of roles, from domestic workers to those with specialized skills, and their presence is noted throughout the Scriptures. The Bible provides various insights into the lives, duties, and spiritual status of household servants, reflecting the social and cultural norms of the times.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, household servants were an integral part of family life. They were often acquired through purchase, as seen in the case of Abraham, who had many servants (Genesis 12:16). Servants could also be born into a household, as indicated in Genesis 14:14, where Abraham refers to "318 trained men born in his household."

The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of servants. For instance, Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the conditions under which a Hebrew servant could be set free after six years of service, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment. Leviticus 25:39-43 further instructs that Hebrew servants should not be treated harshly but as hired workers.

Servants could hold positions of trust and responsibility. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to become the overseer of Potiphar's household in Egypt (Genesis 39:4-6). This narrative highlights the potential for household servants to gain favor and authority through their service.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, household servants are mentioned in various contexts, reflecting the Greco-Roman world in which the early Church existed. The parables of Jesus often include servants as key figures, illustrating spiritual truths. For example, in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), servants are entrusted with their master's wealth, symbolizing the responsibility of believers to use their God-given gifts wisely.

The Apostle Paul addresses the relationship between masters and servants in his epistles. In Ephesians 6:5-9, he instructs servants to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, "as you would obey Christ." Similarly, Colossians 3:22-24 encourages servants to work heartily, "as for the Lord and not for men," emphasizing that their ultimate reward comes from God.

Paul also advocates for the fair and just treatment of servants. In Philemon, he appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus, a runaway servant, not merely as a servant but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16). This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel in redefining social relationships.

Spiritual Implications

The Bible's teachings on household servants underscore the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of social status. Servants are seen as valuable members of the household and the community of faith. The call for just and compassionate treatment of servants aligns with the broader biblical principles of love, justice, and mercy.

Moreover, the New Testament elevates the status of servants by emphasizing their equal standing before God. Galatians 3:28 declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This unity in Christ transcends social divisions, affirming the spiritual equality of all believers.

In summary, household servants in the Bible are portrayed as integral to the fabric of society, with specific roles and responsibilities. The Scriptures advocate for their fair treatment and recognize their potential for spiritual growth and leadership within the community of faith.

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... He gathered together his own household servants, and accepted the help of his
neighbours, and pursued the conquering hosts of the allied kings, and smote them ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

Abraham, the Man of Prayer
... Abraham's character, we find that after his call to go out into an unknown country,
on his journey with his family and his household servants, wherever he ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/iii abraham the man of.htm

The Destruction of the Churches.
... to the ground and the Scriptures be destroyed by fire, and ordering that those who
held places of honor be degraded, and that the household servants, if they ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ii the destruction of the.htm

Of Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata, and Others.
... nightfall. He confided his intentions to one of his household servants who
followed him carrying nothing but a cushion and a book. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xiii of eusebius bishop of.htm

Peter and the Roman Officer
... with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside." When the angel who spoke to
him had gone away, Cornelius called two of his household servants, and a ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/peter and the roman officer.htm

Account of the Bishops Euphratas and vincentius, and of the Plot ...
... the bishops were lodging. The doors were opened by one of the household
servants, who had been bribed by him. He then conducted ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter vii account of the bishops.htm

Acts X
... 7, 8. (7) "And when the angel who spoke to Cornelius went away, he called two of
his household servants, and a devout soldier of those who attended him, (8 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts x.htm

What God Hath Cleansed
... side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.7. And when the angel which spake
unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/what god hath cleansed.htm

How Rebekah Became the Wife of Isaac
... When Abraham was very old and Jehovah had blessed him in every way, Abraham said
to the eldest of his household servants, who had charge of all his affairs ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how rebekah became the wife.htm

Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses.
... not. As teachers (Christ alone doth all things teach [1541] ),. But as
Christ's household"servants"o'er the earth. They should ...
/.../book iv of marcions antitheses.htm

Household-servants (1 Occurrence)
Household-servants. Households, Household-servants. Household-stuff .
Multi-Version Concordance Household-servants (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/household-servants.htm - 6k

Utmost (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 2:18 Householdservants, be submissive to your masters, and show them the
utmost respect--not only if they are kind and thoughtful, but also if they ...
/u/utmost.htm - 13k

Unreasonable (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 2:18 Householdservants, be submissive to your masters, and show them the
utmost respect--not only if they are kind and thoughtful, but also if they ...
/u/unreasonable.htm - 7k

Waited (72 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 10:7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called
two of his householdservants and a devout soldier of those who waited on him ...
/w/waited.htm - 26k

Thoughtful (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 2:18 Householdservants, be submissive to your masters, and show them the
utmost respect--not only if they are kind and thoughtful, but also if they ...
/t/thoughtful.htm - 8k

Devout (13 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of
his householdservants and a devout soldier of those who waited on him ...
/d/devout.htm - 11k

Personal (15 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of
his householdservants and a devout soldier of those who waited on him ...
/p/personal.htm - 11k

Caesar's (10 Occurrences)
... These persons in the emperor's palace would be employed in every conceivable capacity
as householdservants, cooks, bathmen, gardeners, grooms, kennel-keepers ...
/c/caesar's.htm - 18k

Continually (180 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of
his householdservants and a devout soldier of those who waited on him ...
/c/continually.htm - 38k

Attendants (30 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of
his householdservants and a devout soldier of those who waited on him ...
/a/attendants.htm - 15k

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