Topical Bible: Servants: Slaves or Bond by Birth

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In the biblical context, the term "servants" often refers to individuals who were in a state of servitude, either as slaves or as bondservants by birth. This entry explores the various aspects of servitude as depicted in the Bible, focusing on the cultural, social, and theological implications of such roles.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, servitude was a common social institution. The Hebrew word often translated as "servant" or "slave" is "ebed," which can denote a range of servile conditions. Servitude could result from various circumstances, including debt, poverty, or being captured in war. Leviticus 25:39-40 provides guidance on the treatment of Hebrew servants: "If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him into slave labor. Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee."

The Year of Jubilee, occurring every 50 years, was a time when Hebrew slaves were to be freed, and debts forgiven, as outlined in Leviticus 25:10 : "And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you is to return to his property and to his clan."

Foreign slaves, however, did not enjoy the same rights as Hebrew servants. Leviticus 25:44-46 states, "Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may purchase slaves. You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or from their clans living among you, who are born in your land. These may become your property."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is commonly used for "servant" or "slave." The early Christian community included both free individuals and slaves, and the apostolic writings address the conduct of both groups. Ephesians 6:5-8 instructs, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free."

The New Testament also emphasizes the spiritual equality of all believers. Galatians 3:28 declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This theological perspective laid the groundwork for a transformative view of servitude, emphasizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.

Theological Implications

The Bible's treatment of servitude reflects the historical and cultural realities of the times while also pointing towards a higher moral and spiritual ethic. The call for just and compassionate treatment of servants, as well as the recognition of their spiritual equality, underscores the biblical principle of love and respect for all people. The ultimate servitude is to God, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7) and taught that true greatness is found in serving others (Mark 10:43-45).

Cultural and Social Considerations

The institution of servitude in biblical times was complex and multifaceted. It was an integral part of the economic and social fabric, yet the biblical narrative consistently calls for justice, mercy, and the protection of the vulnerable. The laws given to Israel sought to mitigate the harshness of servitude and to ensure that servants were treated with dignity and respect. The prophetic literature often condemns the abuse and exploitation of servants, reflecting God's concern for justice and righteousness.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of servants, whether slaves or bond by birth, is a nuanced topic that reflects the historical context while pointing towards a higher ethical standard rooted in the love and justice of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 14:14
And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them to Dan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 116:16
O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, and the son of your handmaid: you have loosed my bonds.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 2:14
Is Israel a servant? is he a home born slave? why is he spoiled?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Blessed is He Above all in his Birth!
... month, wherein are made releases of slaves,"the Lord underwent bondage, to call
the bond to freedom ... his Lord is worshipped;"all servants rejoice, that ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xv blessed is he.htm

Letter Xcviii. (AD 408. )
... work even by the ministry of bond-servants, of persons ... the mistake of supposing that
the bond of guilt ... as sometimes the infant children of slaves are presented ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xcviii a d 408.htm

Philemon i. 6-Apr
... as a bond-servant, but more than a bond-servant, a ... 17:7, 8.) Do we return thanks
to our servants, for waiting ... For if when we purchase slaves with our money, we ...
/.../homily ii philemon i 6-apr.htm

Following Christ
... their lives away, after all, for these men had done but little or nothing for them
to make them their servants and slaves. ... And bless in death a bond so dear ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/following christ.htm

Against those who Maintain that the Spirit is in the Rank Neither ...
... for "all things," it is said "are thy servants," [1156] but ... men are by nature free
and others slaves, and that ... fellow man than of the slavery of bond and free ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter xx against those who.htm

John i. 11
... to become sons of God." Whether bond or free ... among the royal host his fellow-servants,
who share ... of His children both publicans, sorcerers, and slaves, nay, men ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily x john i 11.htm

Certain Prayers and Laws.
... of the faithful hath a concubine, if she be a bond-servant, let ... Upon Which Days Servants
are Not to Work ... Let slaves rest from their work all the great week, and ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv certain prayers and laws.htm

Eyes Right
... of his own blood, we should be his servants. The apostles frequently call themselves
the bond-slaves of Christ ... puts it "servant" it really is "bond-slave." The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/eyes right.htm

How the Promise of an Hundredfold in this Life is Made to those ...
... compared to those affections where the bond of union ... or because of their condition
as slaves, if they ... others are shamed and confounded, the servants of Christ ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxvi how the promise.htm

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... Jesus, as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus ... he receive of the Lord,
whether he be bond or free ... and would make no return to their slaves for their ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm