Topical Bible: Servants: Slaves or Bond: Called Bondmen

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term "servants" often refers to individuals who were in a state of servitude, commonly known as slaves or bondmen. This institution was a significant aspect of ancient Near Eastern societies, including those depicted in the Bible. The Hebrew term often translated as "servant" is "ebed," which can mean servant, slave, or bondman, depending on the context.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, servitude was a recognized social and economic institution. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations concerning the treatment of slaves, emphasizing humane treatment and the recognition of their dignity as human beings. For instance, Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the conditions under which a Hebrew servant might serve: "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 law also provided for the protection of slaves, as seen in Exodus 21:26-27 : "If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant and destroys it, he must let the servant go free in compensation for the eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, he must let the servant go free in compensation for the tooth."

Furthermore, the Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, was a time when liberty was proclaimed throughout the land, and those who had become bondmen due to debt were to be released.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek term "doulos" is often translated as "servant" or "slave." The early Christian community included both free individuals and slaves, and the apostolic writings addressed both groups. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, provided guidance on the relationship between masters and slaves, urging a spirit of mutual respect and service.

Ephesians 6:5-9 instructs: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him."

Paul's letter to Philemon is a personal appeal regarding Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a Christian. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother" (Philemon 1:16).

Theological Implications

The biblical perspective on servitude is complex, reflecting the historical and cultural contexts of the times. However, the overarching biblical narrative emphasizes the inherent dignity of all human beings, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The New Testament further develops this theme, highlighting the spiritual equality of all believers in Christ, as stated in Galatians 3:28 : "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

The Bible's teachings on servitude have been interpreted in various ways throughout history, influencing Christian thought and practice regarding social justice, human rights, and the dignity of labor.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 43:18
And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall on us, and take us for slaves, and our asses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 44:9
With whomsoever of your servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's slaves.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... you, what are you before God, whether bond or free ... Be not deceived,"you are servants
of sin, and therefore ... ranks of persons in God's house,"sons and slaves. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vii for the law.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... Lord at Jerusalem with a gift; here the bond and the ... claims, (if they ever had any,)
to their female slaves. ... now to examine the case of those servants who were ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

The Fourth Book
... How are we the servants of a good master ... of the rich are more to be condemned in
comparison with slaves. ... foundation, [220] since there is no bond between reason ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm

The American Church on the Eve of the Great Awakening --A General ...
... does not prosper when his servants are over ... that, with this exception, no involuntary
bond-slavery, villeinage ... a period to being slaves." Such endeavors ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter x the american church.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... as if it could do a beggar any good to be called prosperous and happy ... Though he spares
not his servants, whether righteous or sinful, making no proper separation ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called' (1 Corinthians 1:26 ... captains,
and the mighty men, there are bondmen or servants, and slaves, that cry ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... he hates me,"far from him be such a meaning, for who hates the best of his servants? ...
Socrates, for example, called himself the midwife of men's thoughts. ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... hundred souls to be tormented and tyrannically used as slaves. ... shall be in it; and
his servants shall serve him ... 10:5,6). Wherefore Christ is called the Mountain ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... is made up of guilt and filth, is heavy; it is a wretched bond about thy ... The blind
man, though called, surely could not come apace to Jesus Christ, but Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm