In biblical times, servant-girls, often referred to as maidservants or handmaids, played a significant role in the household and social structures of ancient Israel and the surrounding cultures. These women were typically part of the domestic staff and were responsible for various household duties, including cooking, cleaning, and assisting their mistresses. The Bible provides several references to servant-girls, highlighting their roles, experiences, and the societal norms of the time.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, servant-girls are frequently mentioned in the context of family and household dynamics. One of the most notable references is Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, Abraham's wife. In Genesis 16:1-2 , it is recorded: "Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, 'Please now, the LORD has prevented me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.'" This passage illustrates the complex relationships and social hierarchies involving servant-girls, as well as the practice of using maidservants to bear children on behalf of their mistresses.

Another significant mention is found in the account of Rebekah, who was accompanied by her nurse and maidservants when she left her family to marry Isaac (Genesis 24:59). This indicates that women of status often had servant-girls who traveled with them, providing support and companionship.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, servant-girls are also present, though their roles are less prominently featured. One notable instance is found in the account of Peter's denial of Jesus. In Mark 14:66-67 , it is written: "While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by and saw Peter warming himself. She looked at him and said, 'You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.'" This encounter highlights the presence of servant-girls in various social settings, including religious and public spaces.

Social and Legal Status

The social and legal status of servant-girls in biblical times was often tied to the household they served. They were considered part of the extended family unit but held a lower status than free members. The Mosaic Law provided certain protections for servant-girls, as seen in Exodus 21:7-11 , which outlines the rights of a female servant sold into servitude. These laws aimed to ensure fair treatment and prevent abuse, reflecting the broader biblical principle of justice and care for the vulnerable.

Spiritual and Moral Lessons

The presence of servant-girls in biblical narratives often serves as a backdrop for spiritual and moral lessons. Their accounts can illustrate themes of faithfulness, humility, and God's providence. For example, the account of Naaman's wife's servant-girl in 2 Kings 5:2-3 demonstrates faith and courage. Despite her lowly position, she played a crucial role in Naaman's healing by suggesting he seek the prophet Elisha.

Overall, servant-girls in the Bible are depicted within the context of their societal roles, yet their accounts often transcend their status, offering insights into God's work through all individuals, regardless of their position in society.3814. paidiske -- a young girl, maidservant
... of pais Definition a young girl, maidservant NASB Word Usage bondwoman (5),
servant-girl (4), servant-girls (1), slave-girl (2), slaves* (1), women (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3814.htm - 6k

Acts xii. 1, 2
... And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness,""Mark even
the servant-girls, how full of piety they are,""but ran in, and told how ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvi acts xii 1.htm

All who Walk According to Truth are Children of God.
... the Attic dialect, from which you may learn that beautiful, comely, and freeborn
young maidens are still called paidiskai, and servant-girls paidiskaria; and ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter v all who walk according.htm

A Picture of Conversion. 2 Kings ii. 19-22.
... but proud, women that are beautiful but vain, workmen that are industrious but covetous,
others who are amiable but intemperate"servant girls who are ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/lvii a picture of conversion.htm

The Synagogue.
... this service from all heathen forms of worship, had the effect of familiarizing
the Jews of all grades, even down to the servant-girls, with their religion ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 51 the synagogue.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... deformed form. I, deem it wrong that servant girls, who follow women of high
rank, should either speak or act unbecomingly to them. But ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm

Are You Mocked?
... these Methodists, these Presbyterians, these Baptists, they are a set of poor people,
mechanics, and servant-girls and so on," and how often is that uttered ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/are you mocked.htm

The Note of Edification.
... society. Professional men sat side by side with horny-handed sons of toil,
fine ladies with servant girls, the old with the young. ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iv the note of.htm

Servant-girls (12 Occurrences)
Servant-girls. Servant-girl, Servant-girls. Servants . Multi-Version
Concordance Servant-girls (12 Occurrences). Mark ...
/s/servant-girls.htm - 10k

Girls (27 Occurrences)
... Girls (27 Occurrences). Mark 14:66 And while Peter was down in the open square of
the building, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came; (BBE NAS NIV). ...
/g/girls.htm - 14k

Servant-girl (18 Occurrences)
Servant-girl. Servant, Servant-girl. Servant-girls . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Servant, Servant-girl. Servant-girls . Reference Bible.
/s/servant-girl.htm - 11k

Hers (15 Occurrences)
... and was kind to her; and he quickly gave her what was needed for making her clean,
and the things which were hers by right, and seven servant-girls who were to ...
/h/hers.htm - 11k

Needed (59 Occurrences)
... and was kind to her; and he quickly gave her what was needed for making her clean,
and the things which were hers by right, and seven servant-girls who were to ...
/n/needed.htm - 25k

Yoke (79 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 34:11 But later, they took back again the servants and the servant-girls
whom they had let go free, and put them again under the yoke as servants and ...
/y/yoke.htm - 40k

Girl (71 Occurrences)
... and was kind to her; and he quickly gave her what was needed for making her clean,
and the things which were hers by right, and seven servant-girls who were to ...
/g/girl.htm - 28k

Later (89 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 34:11 But later, they took back again the servants and the servant-girls
whom they had let go free, and put them again under the yoke as servants and ...
/l/later.htm - 31k

Nourishment (14 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Proverbs 27:27 There will be plenty of goats' milk for your food, for
your family's food, and for the nourishment of your servantgirls. (WEB). ...
/n/nourishment.htm - 10k

Nourish (16 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Proverbs 27:27 There will be plenty of goats' milk for your food, for
your family's food, and for the nourishment of your servantgirls. ...
/n/nourish.htm - 13k

Does the Bible truly teach monogamy / monogamous relationships? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Ruth - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What are the four Servant Songs in Isaiah? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus