Topical Bible: Servants: Slaves or Bond: Engaged in the Most Menial offices

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term "servants" often refers to individuals who were in a state of servitude, either as slaves or bondservants. These individuals were typically engaged in the most menial and labor-intensive tasks within a household or community. The concept of servitude in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing various forms of service and degrees of freedom.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, servitude was a common social institution. The Hebrew word "ebed" is frequently used to denote a servant or slave. Servants in ancient Israel could be acquired through purchase, as captives of war, or through voluntary servitude due to debt. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of servants, emphasizing humane treatment and the possibility of eventual 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 role of servants often involved performing the most basic and laborious tasks, such as drawing water, preparing meals, and tending to livestock. Despite their lowly status, servants could hold positions of trust and responsibility. For example, Eliezer of Damascus, Abraham's servant, was entrusted with the significant task of finding a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is commonly used to describe a servant or slave. The Roman Empire, under which the New Testament was written, had a vast system of slavery. Servants in this context were often considered property and were expected to perform the most menial duties. However, the New Testament also presents a transformative view of servitude, emphasizing spiritual equality and service to God.

Jesus Christ Himself took on the form of a servant, as described in Philippians 2:7 : "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." This act of humility set a precedent for Christian behavior, where servitude is seen as a virtue rather than a mere social status.

The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the relationship between masters and servants, urging both parties to act with mutual respect and integrity. In Ephesians 6:5-9 , Paul 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."

Spiritual Implications

The Bible often uses the metaphor of servitude to describe the believer's relationship with God. Christians are called to be "servants of Christ," dedicating their lives to His service and the service of others. This spiritual servitude is characterized by love, humility, and obedience, reflecting the example set by Jesus.

In summary, the biblical concept of servants encompasses a range of social and spiritual dimensions. While servants in the biblical era were often engaged in the most menial tasks, the Scriptures elevate the role of servitude to one of honor and spiritual significance, encouraging believers to serve one another in love and humility.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 25:41
And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let your handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 13:4,5
He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... Lord at Jerusalem with a gift; here the bond and the ... you have to do is to set your
slaves at liberty ... welcome of "well done good and faithful servants, enter ye ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

The Government of India.
... Emperors, as they had originally been slaves in the ... Our Government pays its servants
of every description, high ... own Provinces there is no such bond as unites ...
/.../chapter xxxi the government of.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... of the employes and the pay of the workmen engaged in executing ... the family,* and
around him were ranged the wives, children, servants, and slaves, all of ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... as that creed was abolished the bond that held ... their carriages, ran humbly before
their slaves sitting in ... order of rank between masters and servants was changed ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm