Topical Encyclopedia The term "servile" is often associated with attitudes or behaviors befitting a servant or slave, characterized by excessive willingness to serve or please others. In the context of the Bible, servility can be examined through the lens of the relationships between masters and servants, as well as the spiritual implications of servitude.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, servitude was a common social structure. The Hebrew word often translated as "servant" or "slave" is "ebed," which can denote a range of servile conditions, from bondservants to those in voluntary service. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of servants, emphasizing humane treatment and the potential for freedom. For instance, Exodus 21:2 states, "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." The servile condition in the Old Testament is not merely a social status but also a metaphor for the Israelites' relationship with God. They are often described as servants of the Lord, highlighting a covenantal relationship based on obedience and service to God’s commands. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is frequently used, which can mean both "servant" and "slave." The teachings of Jesus and the apostles often use servitude as a metaphor for discipleship and the Christian life. Jesus Himself exemplified servile humility, as seen in Philippians 2:7 : "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." The apostle Paul frequently referred to himself as a "servant of Christ," indicating a voluntary and devoted submission to the will of God. In Romans 6:22 , Paul writes, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life." Spiritual Implications The concept of being servile in a spiritual sense is not viewed negatively in the Bible. Instead, it is seen as a path to true freedom and fulfillment. Jesus taught that greatness in the kingdom of God is achieved through servitude, as He stated in Matthew 20:26-28 : "Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Cultural and Historical Considerations Understanding the cultural and historical context of servitude in biblical times is crucial. While modern readers may view servility negatively, the biblical perspective often presents it as a noble and honorable position when aligned with God's purposes. The Bible's teachings on servitude challenge believers to adopt a posture of humility and service, reflecting the character of Christ in their lives. Conclusion The biblical concept of servility, when understood in its proper context, reveals a profound spiritual truth about the nature of discipleship and the call to serve others selflessly. Through the example of Christ and the teachings of Scripture, believers are encouraged to embrace a servile attitude as a reflection of their devotion to God and love for others. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to a servant or slave; befitting a servant or a slave; proceeding from dependence; hence, meanly submissive; slavish; mean; cringing; fawning; as, servile flattery; servile fear; servile obedience.2. (a.) Held in subjection; dependent; enslaved. 3. (a.) Not belonging to the original root; as, a servile letter. 4. (a.) Not itself sounded, but serving to lengthen the preceding vowel, as e in tune. 5. (n.) An element which forms no part of the original root; -- opposed to radical. Greek 1400. doulos -- slavish, servile. ... 1399, 1400. doulos. 1401 . slavish, servile. Transliteration ... servant. Word Origin adjective from doulos Definition slavish, servile. servant. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1400.htm - 5k Strong's Hebrew 4399. melakah -- occupation, work... From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, ie Ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the ... /hebrew/4399.htm - 6k 917. Bedan -- an Israelite name Library Whether Servile Fear is Good? Whether Servile Fear is Good Whether Servile Fear is Substantially the Same as Filial Fear? Whether Servile Fear Remains with Charity? Whether Servile Fear is Substantially the Same as Filial Fear Whether Servile Fear Remains when Charity is Present How Servile Fear Remains Together with Holy Love. Whether Fear is Appropriately Divided into Filial, Initial ... Whether Fear is Fittingly Divided into Filial, Initial, Servile ... In Designating Others by the Epithets of "Uninstructed, and ... Thesaurus Servile (13 Occurrences)... or slave; befitting a servant or a slave; proceeding from dependence; hence, meanly submissive; slavish; mean; cringing; fawning; as, servile flattery; servile... /s/servile.htm - 10k Laborious (12 Occurrences) Convocation (19 Occurrences) Menial (1 Occurrence) Fire-offering (45 Occurrences) Regular (95 Occurrences) Therein (269 Occurrences) Sacred (140 Occurrences) Labor (181 Occurrences) Restraint (34 Occurrences) Resources Servile: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Servile (13 Occurrences)Leviticus 23:7 Leviticus 23:8 Leviticus 23:21 Leviticus 23:25 Leviticus 23:35 Leviticus 23:36 Leviticus 25:39 Numbers 28:18 Numbers 28:25 Numbers 28:26 Numbers 29:1 Numbers 29:12 Numbers 29:35 Subtopics Related Terms |
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