Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "manservant" referred to male servants or slaves who were employed in various capacities within a household or estate. The role and treatment of manservants are addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, reflecting the social and economic structures of ancient Near Eastern cultures.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, manservants were often part of a household's property, serving in various roles from laborers to personal attendants. The Hebrew word for manservant is "ebed," which can also be translated as "servant" or "slave." The status and rights of manservants were governed by Mosaic Law, which provided specific regulations to ensure humane treatment. Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the laws concerning Hebrew servants: "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. If he came alone, he is to go free alone; but if he is married, then his wife shall go with him. If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life." This passage highlights the temporary nature of servitude for Hebrew manservants and the provision for voluntary lifelong service, indicating a bond that could transcend mere economic transaction. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is often used to describe servants or slaves, including manservants. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles introduced a transformative perspective on servitude, emphasizing the spiritual equality of all believers regardless of social status. Ephesians 6:5-9 instructs, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. 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." This passage underscores the call for mutual respect and fairness between masters and manservants, reflecting the Christian principle of love and equality before God. Cultural and Theological Implications The institution of servitude in biblical times was complex, often differing significantly from modern conceptions of slavery. Manservants could hold positions of trust and responsibility, and their treatment was subject to moral and legal standards. The biblical narrative acknowledges the reality of servitude while progressively revealing God's desire for justice, mercy, and the inherent dignity of every human being. The role of manservants in biblical history serves as a lens through which to understand broader themes of service, stewardship, and the transformative power of the Gospel in redefining human relationships. Library Ancestors of the Blessed virgin Thesaurus Manservants (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Manservants (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:67 Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there ... /m/manservants.htm - 6k Man-servant (18 Occurrences) Man-servants (1 Occurrence) Maids (28 Occurrences) Maidservants (28 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Manservants (1 Occurrence)Nehemiah 7:67 Subtopics Related Terms |
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