Topical Bible: Servants: Slaves or Bond: Sometimes Intermarried With Their Master's Family

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term "servants" often refers to individuals who were in a position of servitude, which could range from hired workers to slaves or bondservants. The institution of servitude in ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near East was complex and multifaceted, with various laws and customs governing the relationships between masters and their servants.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, servitude was a common practice, and the Hebrew word often translated as "servant" is "ebed," which can mean servant, slave, or bondservant. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of servants. For instance, Hebrew servants were to be released in the seventh year of service, as stated in Exodus 21:2 : "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."

Servants could sometimes intermarry with their master's family, particularly if they were treated well and became part of the household. This is illustrated in the case of Eliezer, Abraham's servant, who was considered a potential heir before the birth of Isaac (Genesis 15:2-3). Although not explicitly stated, the close relationship between Eliezer and Abraham's family suggests the possibility of intermarriage or integration into the family.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is often used to describe servants or slaves. The early Christian community included both free individuals and slaves, and the apostolic writings addressed the conduct of both groups. For example, Paul instructs servants to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, as seen in Ephesians 6:5 : "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ."

The New Testament also reflects the transformative power of the Gospel in breaking down social barriers, including those between masters and servants. In Philemon, Paul appeals to Philemon to receive his runaway slave Onesimus not merely as a servant but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16).

Intermarriage and Integration

The integration of servants into their master's family through intermarriage is not extensively documented in the biblical text, but it is implied in certain narratives. The account of Ruth, while not directly about servitude, demonstrates the integration of a foreigner into the Israelite community through marriage. Ruth, a Moabite, marries Boaz and becomes part of the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus (Ruth 4:13-22).

In some cases, servants who were well-regarded and trusted by their masters could attain a status that allowed for closer familial ties. This is seen in the account of Joseph, who, despite being sold into slavery, rose to a position of great authority in Potiphar's house and later in Egypt (Genesis 39:1-6).

Cultural and Legal Considerations

The cultural and legal frameworks of ancient Israel provided mechanisms for the humane treatment of servants. The Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, was a time when slaves were to be freed, and property was to be returned, reflecting God's concern for justice and mercy.

While the Bible does not explicitly endorse or condemn the practice of slavery as understood in modern terms, it provides guidelines for the ethical treatment of servants and emphasizes the inherent dignity of all individuals as created in the image of God. The biblical narrative points towards a redemptive trajectory where social distinctions are ultimately transcended in Christ, as expressed in Galatians 3:28 : "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 2:34,35
Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chaldaean Civilization
... and they ended by becoming confidential servants in the ... wages, and could even acquire
slaves who would ... successful in it, their savings sometimes permitted them ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... of the double, of inspectors, scribes, and slaves, or else ... her own house, and a train
of servants and followers ... of one another, and had often no bond of union ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm