Topical Bible: Servant: Bond: Slaves Owned Slaves

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of servitude and slavery is multifaceted, reflecting the social and economic structures of ancient times. The Bible provides various laws and narratives that address the institution of slavery, including instances where slaves themselves owned other slaves. This entry explores the biblical perspective on this practice, drawing from scriptural references and historical context.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous references to slavery, often reflecting the customs and legal frameworks of ancient Near Eastern societies. In some cases, slaves could acquire property and even own other slaves. This is evident in the broader understanding of servitude within Israelite society, where slaves could sometimes attain positions of significant responsibility and influence.

For example, in Genesis 17:12-13, the covenant of circumcision includes both those born in the household and those bought with money, indicating that slaves were considered integral members of the household. This inclusion suggests a level of agency and responsibility that could extend to owning other slaves, particularly in larger households or estates.

New Testament Context

The New Testament continues to address the institution of slavery, often focusing on the spiritual equality of all believers. However, it also acknowledges the existing social structures of the time. In the Roman Empire, where slavery was widespread, it was not uncommon for slaves to manage households or businesses, which could include overseeing other slaves.

In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus describes a servant who is entrusted with significant resources and responsibilities, illustrating the potential for slaves to hold positions of authority. While the parable does not explicitly mention slaves owning slaves, it reflects the broader societal norms where such arrangements were possible.

Biblical Principles and Ethical Considerations

The Bible provides ethical guidelines for the treatment of slaves, emphasizing justice, mercy, and the inherent dignity of every person. In the Mosaic Law, there are specific instructions for the humane treatment of slaves, such as in Exodus 21:20-21, which prescribes penalties for the mistreatment of slaves.

The New Testament further develops these principles, with passages like Galatians 3:28 affirming the spiritual equality of all people: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This spiritual equality challenges the social norms of slavery, encouraging a view of all individuals as equal before God.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient societies, the ownership of slaves by other slaves was not uncommon, particularly in large estates or urban settings where slaves could rise to positions of authority. This practice was often a reflection of the economic and social hierarchies of the time, where slaves could be entrusted with significant responsibilities, including the management of other slaves.

The Bible's treatment of slavery, including the possibility of slaves owning slaves, must be understood within its historical and cultural context. While the scriptures do not explicitly condone or condemn this practice, they provide a framework for understanding the complexities of servitude and the call to treat all individuals with dignity and respect.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative acknowledges the reality of slavery in ancient times, including the potential for slaves to own other slaves. Through its laws and teachings, the Bible offers a vision of justice and equality that transcends social hierarchies, pointing towards the ultimate freedom and dignity found in Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 9:10
You therefore, and your sons, and your servants, shall till the land for him, and you shall bring in the fruits, that your master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth your master's son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Slaves and Free
... He is the owner and we are the slaves. ... remember that the word most inadequately rendered
here, 'servant' does not ... wages for it; but it means 'a bond-slave,' a ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/slaves and free.htm

The Owner and his Slaves
... by constitutional ministers, but by his personal slaves, he made ... Thine, O Lord, truly
I am Thy servant; Thou hast ... And that is the golden bond that binds men's ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the owner and his slaves.htm

The Allegories of Sarah and Hagar
... but she was his wife still; she was soon owned by her ... of grace may seem to be captives
and bond-slaves; but still ... It is as if you had a servant, and you should ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the allegories of sarah and.htm

In Rome
... gospel upon the relation between master and servant. ... passion, and appetite, made
their slaves the wretched ... Christianity makes a strong bond of union between ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

Eyes Right
... The apostles frequently call themselves the bond-slaves of Christ. Where our Authorized
Version softly puts it "servant" it really is "bond-slave." The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/eyes right.htm

Second Great Group of Parables.
... Ordinarily the stewards were slaves; but this ... gallons.] He saith unto him, Take thy
bond, and write ... iii.22.] 13 No servant can serve two masters [Galatians 1:10 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcii second great group of 5.htm

Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs.
... a good man holding a bond-servant unselfishly, kindly ... masters, and conscientious
meekness upon slaves, the organized ... and father of the family legally owned by Mr ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xvi conflicts of the.htm

The Judgment.
... mark, not under the consideration of vagabond slaves and sinners ... of the Lord, whether
he be bond or free.". ... Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxvi the judgment.htm

God's True Treasure in Man
... it the last teaching of what makes the special bond of mutual ... He buys us from the
despot whose slaves we were ... asks through the mouth of His servant the prophet. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods true treasure in man.htm

The Paschal Supper - the Institution of the Lord's Supper.
... of washing, [5675] and others usually rendered by slaves. ... upon Him the form of a
Servant [5686] - voluntarily to ... Would it finally dissolve the bond that bound ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x the paschal supper.htm