Topical Bible: Servant: Hired: Treatment of, More Considerate than That of Slaves

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In the biblical context, the treatment of hired servants is distinguished from that of slaves, reflecting a more considerate and humane approach. The Scriptures provide guidance on the ethical treatment of hired workers, emphasizing fairness, justice, and compassion.

Biblical Context and Distinctions

Hired servants, unlike slaves, were typically employed for a specific period and were compensated for their labor. This arrangement is evident in the parable of the workers in the vineyard, where the landowner hires laborers for a day's work and agrees to pay them a denarius (Matthew 20:1-16). The hired servant's relationship with their employer was contractual, and their rights were protected under the Mosaic Law.

Fair Treatment and Timely Wages

The Law of Moses explicitly commands the fair treatment of hired servants, ensuring they receive their wages promptly. Leviticus 19:13 states, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand." This command underscores the importance of integrity and fairness in dealing with hired workers, recognizing their dependence on timely payment for their livelihood.

Deuteronomy 24:14-15 further reinforces this principle: "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise, he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin." This passage highlights the moral obligation to treat hired servants with dignity and respect, acknowledging their vulnerability and need.

Comparison with Slavery

The treatment of hired servants is notably more considerate than that of slaves. While slavery in biblical times was a complex institution with various forms and regulations, slaves were often considered property and lacked the autonomy and rights afforded to hired workers. The Mosaic Law provided certain protections for slaves, such as the right to rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:10) and the possibility of eventual freedom (Exodus 21:2), but the status of a hired servant was inherently different due to the temporary and voluntary nature of their service.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical directives regarding hired servants reflect a broader ethical framework that values justice, compassion, and the inherent dignity of every individual. The considerate treatment of hired workers serves as a model for labor relations, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation, respect for contractual agreements, and sensitivity to the needs of those who are economically vulnerable.

In summary, the biblical approach to the treatment of hired servants underscores a commitment to justice and compassion, setting a standard that contrasts with the more restrictive and often harsher conditions experienced by slaves. The Scriptures call for a recognition of the humanity and rights of all workers, advocating for a society that upholds the principles of fairness and respect.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 25:53
And as a yearly hired servant shall he be with him: and the other shall not rule with rigor over him in your sight.
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Library

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... 841]ib.; at churches, [842]ib.; cruel treatment of, [843 ... 1441]209; does not mean
"work" of a servant, but real ... of being united to, [1627]347; hired for wedding ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... in the teeth of the Churchman the bad treatment Wesley received ... he had faith in God
as a servant; after that ... Law was far more than a match for Wesley in any ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm