Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of a servant, particularly one who is a bondservant, involves a complex understanding of social, economic, and spiritual dimensions. The term "bondservant" often refers to individuals who were bought and sold as property, a practice that was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those depicted in the Bible.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "servant" or "slave" is ebed. This term can refer to a range of servitude, from voluntary service to involuntary slavery. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of bondservants. For instance, Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the conditions under which a Hebrew servant might serve for six years and be released in the seventh year, unless the servant chooses to remain with his master permanently: "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 law also made provisions for the humane treatment of servants, emphasizing justice and compassion. Leviticus 25:39-43 instructs the Israelites not to treat their fellow countrymen harshly if they become poor and sell themselves: "You are not to make him serve as a slave, because they are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 25:42). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word doulos is commonly used for "servant" or "slave." The New Testament reflects the reality of servitude in the Roman Empire, where slavery was a widespread institution. The apostle Paul addresses the relationship between masters and bondservants in several of his epistles, urging both parties to act with integrity and respect. In Ephesians 6:5-9, Paul instructs bondservants to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, as they would obey Christ, while masters are reminded to treat their servants well, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven. The New Testament also presents a spiritual dimension to the concept of servitude. Believers are often described as "servants of Christ," indicating a voluntary and devoted service to God. This is seen in Romans 6:22, where Paul writes, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life" . Cultural and Theological Implications The practice of buying and selling servants in biblical times must be understood within its historical and cultural context. While the Bible records these practices, it also introduces principles that would eventually undermine the institution of slavery. The emphasis on the inherent dignity of every person, created in the image of God, and the call to love one's neighbor as oneself, laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery. Theologically, the concept of being a bondservant to Christ is central to Christian identity. It signifies a willing submission to the lordship of Jesus, characterized by obedience, loyalty, and service. This spiritual servitude is not one of oppression but of liberation, as believers find true freedom in serving God and others. In summary, the biblical portrayal of bondservants encompasses both the historical realities of servitude and the transformative message of the gospel, which calls for justice, compassion, and the ultimate freedom found in Christ. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 17:13,27He that is born in your house, and he that is bought with your money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 37:28,36 Genesis 39:17 Deuteronomy 28:68 Esther 7:4 Ezekiel 27:13 Joel 3:6 Amos 8:6 Revelation 18:13 Library "Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live ... Letter cl. To Amphilochius in the Name of Heraclidas. The Way to Honor The Sheep and their Shepherd The Kinsman-Redeemer Second Great Group of Parables. The Lapse of Time. Eyes Right Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas, when He came into India, and ... Second Instruction. Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unforgiving / Unmerciful Servant? | GotQuestions.orgIs Isaiah 53 'The Suffering Servant' a prophecy about Jesus? | GotQuestions.org What do I need to do to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant" when I arrive in heaven? | GotQuestions.org Servant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Servant: Bond by the Roman Centurion Servant: Bond used As Soldiers by Abraham Servant: Bond: An Abandoned Sick Man Servant: Bond: Bond Service Threatened, As a National Punishment, for the Disobedience of Israel Servant: Bond: Bought and Sold Servant: Bond: Captive Bondservants Shared by Priests and Levites Servant: Bond: Captives of War Became Slaves Servant: Bond: Children of Defaulting Debtors Sold As Servant: Bond: David Erroneously Supposed to be a Fugitive Slave Servant: Bond: Defaulting Debtors Made Servant: Bond: Degrading Influences of Bondage Exemplified by Cowardice Servant: Bond: Emancipation of Servant: Bond: Equal Status of, With Other Disciples of Jesus Servant: Bond: Freedmen Called "Libertines" Servant: Bond: Fugitive, not to be Returned to his Master Servant: Bond: Hagar, Commanded by an Angel to Return to Sarah (Sarai), Her Owner Servant: Bond: Kidnapping Forbidden Servant: Bond: Kindness To, Commanded Servant: Bond: Laws of Moses Concerning Servant: Bond: Must be Circumcised Servant: Bond: Must Enjoy Religious Privileges With the Master's Household Servant: Bond: Must Have Rest on the Sabbath Servant: Bond: Onesimus Interceded For, by Paul Servant: Bond: Owned by Priests Servant: Bond: Rights of Those Born to a Master Servant: Bond: Slaves Owned Slaves Servant: Bond: Sought by Shimei Servant: Bond: Taken in Concubinage Servant: Bond: The Master Could Marry, or Give in Marriage Servant: Bond: Thieves Punished by Being Made Servant: Bond: Voluntary Servitude of Servant: Good of the Roman Centurion Servant: Good: Servants in the Parable of the Pounds and the Parable of the Talents Servant: Hired: Await Employment in the Marketplace Servant: Hired: The Father of the Prodigal Son Servant: Hired: The Laborers of a Vineyard Servant: Hired: The Rebellious Son Servant: Hired: Treatment of, More Considerate than That of Slaves Servant: Hired: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servant: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful in the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Pounds Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful in the Parable of the Vineyard Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Abimelech Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Abraham and Lot Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Absalom Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Amon Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Joash Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Job Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Shimei Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Ziba Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Gehazi Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Jeroboam Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Onesimus Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Zimri Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) Servant-girls (12 Occurrences) Fellow-servant (6 Occurrences) Brother-servant (2 Occurrences) |
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