Topical Bible: Servants: Hired: Called Hireling

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of a hired servant, often referred to as a "hireling," is a significant aspect of the socio-economic structure depicted in the Scriptures. The term "hireling" is used to describe individuals who work for wages rather than out of loyalty or familial duty. This entry explores the role and perception of hirelings within the biblical narrative, drawing from various passages in the Berean Standard Bible .

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the role of a hired servant is often contrasted with that of a bondservant or a member of the household. The hireling works for a specific wage and is not bound by the same long-term obligations as a bondservant. Leviticus 19:13 instructs, "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 ethical treatment expected towards hirelings, emphasizing timely and fair compensation.

The Book of Job also references hirelings, highlighting the transient nature of their work. Job 7:1-2 states, "Is not man consigned to labor on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired hand? Like a slave he longs for shade; like a hireling he waits for his wages." Here, the hireling's anticipation of wages is likened to the human condition of longing and toil, reflecting the temporary and often arduous nature of their employment.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the term "hireling" is used metaphorically to describe individuals who lack genuine commitment or care for those they serve. In John 10:12-13 , Jesus contrasts the good shepherd with the hireling: "The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep."

This passage highlights the hireling's lack of personal investment and responsibility, as opposed to the shepherd who is deeply committed to the well-being of the flock. The hireling's primary motivation is monetary gain, and thus, he lacks the dedication and protective instincts of the true shepherd.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of hirelings serves as a broader commentary on the nature of service and commitment. While hirelings fulfill necessary roles within society, their work is often depicted as lacking the depth of relationship and loyalty found in other forms of servitude. This distinction is important in understanding the biblical view of work and service, where motives and heart attitudes are as significant as the actions themselves.

The ethical treatment of hirelings, as mandated in the Mosaic Law, reflects God's concern for justice and fairness in economic transactions. The expectation of fair wages and timely payment underscores the dignity of labor and the value of each worker, regardless of their status as a hired servant.

In summary, the concept of the hireling in the Bible provides insight into the economic and social dynamics of ancient times, while also offering timeless principles regarding the nature of work, responsibility, and ethical treatment of workers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 7:1
Is there not an appointed time to man on earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 10:12,13
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

By what Steps we Can Ascend to the Heights of Love and what ...
... I am no more worthy to be called thy son ... a servant, desires the condition of a hireling
and thinks ... the remuneration, and says: "How many hired servants of my ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter vii by what steps.htm

The vineyard Labourers.
... three-fourths of the day, were called in succession ... rewards which Christ confers
upon his servants, but this ... whether the labourers who were first hired, and who ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/ix the vineyard labourers.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... term kurios meant master' of slaves or servants in ordinary ... The Jews called this
the shekinah; thus one contemporary ... a wealthy member or a hall hired for the ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm