Topical Bible: Servant-women

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In the biblical context, servant-women, often referred to as maidservants or handmaids, played significant roles within the household and society. These women were typically in a position of servitude, either by birth, purchase, or as a result of economic necessity. Their roles and treatment varied across different periods and cultures within the biblical narrative.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, servant-women are frequently mentioned, often in the context of family and household dynamics. One of the earliest references is found in the account of Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, Abraham's wife. When Sarah was unable to bear children, she gave Hagar to Abraham as a concubine to bear a child on her behalf. Genesis 16:1-2 states, "Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, 'Look now, the LORD has prevented me from having children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.'"

The role of servant-women is also evident in the account of Rachel and Leah, the wives of Jacob. Both sisters gave their maidservants, Bilhah and Zilpah, to Jacob as concubines to bear children on their behalf, as recorded in Genesis 30:3-10. This practice highlights the social and familial importance of servant-women in the patriarchal society of ancient Israel.

Servant-women were also involved in domestic duties and could be part of the household's religious life. In Exodus 20:10 , the commandment to observe the Sabbath includes maidservants: "But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God; on it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the foreigner within your gates."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the role of servant-women continues to be acknowledged, though the focus shifts more towards spiritual equality and the early Christian community. Jesus' interactions with women, including those of lower social status, often challenged societal norms. For instance, in Luke 8:1-3 , several women, some of whom may have been of servile status, are mentioned as followers and supporters of Jesus' ministry: "Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod’s household manager Chuza, Susanna, and many others. These women were ministering to them out of their own means."

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the spiritual equality of all believers, regardless of social status. In Galatians 3:28 , he writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse underscores the transformative nature of the Gospel, which elevates the status of servant-women within the Christian community.

Cultural and Legal Aspects

The treatment and rights of servant-women were governed by various laws and customs. The Mosaic Law provided certain protections for servant-women, as seen in Exodus 21:7-11, which outlines the rights of a female servant who becomes a wife or concubine. These laws aimed to ensure fair treatment and prevent exploitation.

In the Greco-Roman world of the New Testament, servant-women were often part of the household economy, performing tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare. The early Christian church, while existing within this societal framework, sought to redefine relationships based on love and mutual respect, as seen in the household codes of Ephesians 6:5-9 and Colossians 3:22-25.

Conclusion

Servant-women in the Bible, while often in positions of subservience, are integral to the narrative and theological themes of Scripture. Their accounts reflect the broader social and cultural contexts of the biblical world, while also pointing to the redemptive and inclusive message of the Gospel.

Concordance

Servant-women (2 Occurrences)

Genesis 24:61
So Rebekah and her servant-women went with the man, seated on the camels; and so the servant took Rebekah and went on his way.
(BBE)

Genesis 32:22
And in the night he got up, and taking with him his two wives and the two servant-women and his eleven children, he went over the river Jabbok.
(BBE)

Thesaurus

Servant-women (2 Occurrences)
Servant-women. Servant-woman, Servant-women. Serve . Multi-Version
Concordance Servant-women (2 Occurrences). Genesis ...
/s/servant-women.htm - 7k

Servant-woman (7 Occurrences)
Servant-woman. Servant-wives, Servant-woman. Servant-women . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (BBE). Servant-wives, Servant-woman. Servant-women . Reference Bible
/s/servant-woman.htm - 8k

River (189 Occurrences)
... Genesis 32:22 And in the night he got up, and taking with him his two wives and
the two servant-women and his eleven children, he went over the river Jabbok. ...
/r/river.htm - 52k

Serve (407 Occurrences)

/s/serve.htm - 39k

Women (328 Occurrences)
... Genesis 24:61 So Rebekah and her servant-women went with the man, seated on the
camels; and so the servant took Rebekah and went on his way. (BBE YLT). ...
/w/women.htm - 39k