Topical Bible: Servants: Divided Into: Hired

◄ Servants: Divided Into: Hired ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of servanthood was multifaceted, encompassing various roles and responsibilities. Among these, hired servants held a distinct position within the social and economic structures of ancient Israel and the broader biblical world. Hired servants were individuals who worked for wages, distinguishing them from bondservants or slaves who were bound to service without the expectation of regular payment.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several references to hired servants, illustrating their role and the ethical treatment expected from their employers. In Leviticus 19:13, the law commands, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand." This verse underscores the importance of timely and fair compensation, reflecting God's concern for justice and the dignity of labor.

Deuteronomy 24:14-15 further elaborates on 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." Here, the emphasis is on the vulnerability of hired servants and the moral obligation to ensure their well-being.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) offers insight into the dynamics of hired labor. The landowner hires workers at different times throughout the day, yet pays them the same wage, illustrating the kingdom of heaven's principles of grace and generosity. This parable highlights the value of each worker, regardless of the duration of their labor, and challenges conventional notions of fairness.

Additionally, the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) mentions hired servants in the context of the father's household. The prodigal son, upon deciding to return home, reflects on how his father's hired servants have "food to spare" (Luke 15:17). This reference indicates that hired servants were often well-provided for, contrasting with the son's destitute condition.

Cultural and Social Implications

Hired servants in biblical times were typically free individuals who entered into employment agreements for specific tasks or periods. They could be Israelites or foreigners, as indicated in the laws of Deuteronomy. The presence of hired servants reflects the agrarian economy of ancient Israel, where labor was needed for tasks such as harvesting, tending livestock, and other agricultural duties.

The biblical mandate for fair treatment of hired servants underscores a broader theological theme: the inherent dignity of all individuals as bearers of God's image. The ethical treatment of hired servants serves as a reflection of God's justice and compassion, setting a standard for economic relationships that prioritize human dignity and fairness.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of hired servants provides valuable insights into the economic and social structures of ancient times, as well as the ethical principles that governed these relationships. Through the laws and narratives concerning hired servants, Scripture reveals a divine concern for justice, fairness, and the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their social or economic status.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 1:20
And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 15:17
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Wesley's Congregation Stoned
... the devil" [I John 3:8], his servants were above ... 2) that the whole society should
be divided into little companies ... than a great company of rabble, hired (as we ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesleys congregation stoned.htm

The Prodigal Son, and Other Stories.
... And he divided unto them his living. ... a citizen of that country; and he sent him into
his fields ... when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my ...
/.../anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter x the prodigal son.htm

Second Great Group of Parables.
... Abraham so divided his estate ... the citizens of that country; and he sent him into
his fields ... a longing to return thither] he said, How many hired servants of my ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcii second great group of 4.htm

The Prodigal Son.
... thy substance that falleth to me.' And he divided unto them ... of that country; and
he sent him into his fields ... to himself he said, 'How many hired servants of my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the prodigal son.htm

God's Love Even for Sinners
... that belongs to me.' So the Father divided his property ... of that country, who sent
him into his fields ... said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/gods love even for sinners.htm

The Prodigal and his Father
... And he divided unto them his living.13 ... to a citizen of that country; and he sent
him into his fields ... he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the prodigal and his father.htm

And There came unto Him Publicans and Sinners to Hear his Word. .. ...
... [1822] And he divided between them ... 17] of that country; and that man sent him into
the field ... he returned unto himself, he said, How many hired servants now in ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxvi and there came.htm

The Lesson Stories of Jesus.
... And so the father divided his property, and gave the younger brother ... He went into
a distant country, and there he spent all that ... "How many hired servants of my ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxx the lesson stories.htm

The Gospel of Matthew
... was complaining among them, because those hired at the ... Then said the King to His
servants, Bind him ... gathered all nations, these being divided into two classes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of matthew.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... Holy Family remained in the inn hired by Zechariah. ... I saw many of the Temple servants
struggling with ... put all together, but was divided into separate portions ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm