Topical Bible: Servants: Slaves or Bond: More Valuable than Hired Servants

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In biblical times, the concept of servitude encompassed various forms, including slaves, bondservants, and hired servants. The distinction between these roles is significant in understanding the social and economic structures of ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near Eastern context. The Bible provides insights into the value and treatment of these different types of servants, often highlighting the unique position of slaves and bondservants as more integral to the household than hired servants.

Slaves and Bondservants

Slaves and bondservants in biblical times were often considered part of the household. They were typically acquired through purchase, war, or as a means of paying off debt. Unlike hired servants, who worked for wages and could leave employment at will, slaves and bondservants were bound to their masters for a specified period or, in some cases, for life. This bond created a different dynamic, where the master had a vested interest in the well-being and productivity of the servant.

The Bible acknowledges the presence of slavery but also sets forth regulations to ensure humane treatment. For instance, in Exodus 21:2, the law 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." This provision highlights the temporary nature of servitude for Hebrew slaves and underscores the importance of eventual freedom and restoration.

Value and Treatment

The value of slaves and bondservants is often depicted as greater than that of hired servants due to their long-term commitment and integration into the household. In Genesis 15:2-3, Abram expresses concern over having no heir, stating that his servant Eliezer of Damascus would inherit his estate. This indicates the trusted position a bondservant could hold, being considered part of the family structure.

Furthermore, the relationship between master and servant could be one of mutual respect and care. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the treatment of bondservants, urging masters to treat them justly and fairly, as seen in Colossians 4:1: "Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven."

Hired Servants

Hired servants, in contrast, were typically employed on a temporary basis and were paid wages for their labor. They did not have the same level of commitment or integration into the household as slaves or bondservants. The parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16 illustrates the nature of hired labor, where workers are employed for a day and paid accordingly.

The transient nature of hired servants meant they were often less trusted with significant responsibilities. In Luke 15:17-19, the prodigal son, upon deciding to return to his father, considers asking to be made like one of the hired servants, recognizing their lower status compared to that of a son or a bondservant.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of servants, whether slaves, bondservants, or hired workers, reflects the complex social and economic realities of the time. While the institution of slavery is acknowledged, the scriptures provide guidelines for the fair and humane treatment of all servants, emphasizing the dignity and worth of every individual.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 15:18
It shall not seem hard to you, when you send him away free from you; for he has been worth a double hired servant to you, in serving you six years: and the LORD your God shall bless you in all that you do.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chaldaean Civilization
... The more intelligent among them were trained to be ... and they ended by becoming
confidential servants in the ... for wages, and could even acquire slaves who would ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... recall homewards, leaving but a slight bond of vassalage ... el-Amarna correspondence
of Hittite slaves whom Dushratta ... was accompanied by two discreet servants only ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... the first to own as God's faithful servants"with William ... heal the breach; but the
letter is valuable as showing ... a threefold cord which shall no more be broken ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.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

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... which could have answered no valuable purpose, and ... or rule to communion with saints:
servants they are ... and appointed; nor ascribe unto them more than they were ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm