Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "servants" often refers to individuals who were in a state of servitude, either as slaves or as bondservants. This entry explores the nature of servitude as depicted in the Scriptures, focusing on the legal, social, and spiritual dimensions of slavery and bond service in ancient Israel and the broader biblical narrative.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, servitude was a common social institution. The Hebrew term often translated as "slave" or "servant" is
ebed, which can denote a range of servile conditions. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment and rights of slaves, reflecting a structured approach to servitude within Israelite society.
1. Acquisition of Servants: Slaves could be acquired through purchase, as captives of war, or as a result of debt. Leviticus 25:44-46 states, "Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy from the foreigners residing among you and from their clans born in your land, who are your property."
2. Hebrew Servants: The law distinguished between Hebrew and foreign slaves. Hebrew individuals could become bondservants due to poverty or debt but were to be released in the seventh year, as outlined 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."
3. Treatment and Rights: The Mosaic Law emphasized humane treatment of slaves. Exodus 21:20-21 provides guidelines for the treatment of slaves, ensuring their protection from harsh punishment. Additionally, Deuteronomy 23:15-16 commands that escaped slaves should not be returned to their masters, highlighting a degree of protection for the vulnerable.
New Testament Context
In the New Testament, the Greek term doulos is commonly used for "servant" or "slave." The early Christian community existed within the Roman Empire, where slavery was a widespread institution. The New Testament addresses the relationship between masters and slaves, emphasizing spiritual equality and ethical treatment.
1. Spiritual Equality: The apostle Paul, in 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 statement underscores the spiritual equality of all believers, regardless of social status.
2. Instructions to Slaves and Masters: The New Testament provides specific instructions for both slaves and masters. Ephesians 6:5-9 advises slaves to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, as they would obey Christ, while masters are instructed to treat their slaves with kindness, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven.
3. The Example of Philemon and Onesimus: The Epistle to Philemon offers a personal glimpse into the early Christian approach to slavery. Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus, a runaway slave, not merely as a servant but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16).
Theological Implications
The biblical portrayal of servitude reflects a complex interplay between cultural norms and divine principles. While the Scriptures acknowledge the existence of slavery, they also introduce ethical guidelines that promote justice, mercy, and the inherent dignity of every individual. The ultimate biblical vision points towards freedom and redemption, as exemplified in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the spiritual liberation offered through Christ.Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 17:27
And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
Torrey's Topical TextbookGenesis 37:36
And the Midianites sold him into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Slaves and Free
... to do specific work and get wages for it; but it means 'a bond-slave,' a ... Never mind
what fellow-slaves say. ... 'Ye are bought with a price; be not servants of men ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/slaves and free.htm
Philemon i. 6-Apr
... as a bond-servant, but more than a bond-servant, a ... 8.) Do we return thanks to our
servants, for waiting ... For if when we purchase slaves with our money, we wish ...
/.../homily ii philemon i 6-apr.htm
"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
Chapter xliv
... and they as a body are ready to return as slaves. ... is not there, he will die; and
thy servants shall bring ... For thy servant went bond for the lad with my father ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xliv.htm
Full Redemption
... devote the whole, for we are still his bond-slaves. ... affections of his heart as the
purchase of his ... The servants of servants; toiling creatures that wipe the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/full redemption.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
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
Chaldaean Civilization
... the family,* and around him were ranged the wives, children, servants, and slaves,
all of ... his own, his family advanced him the sum needed for the purchase. ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm
The Way to Honor
... God we were condemned to die, when we were utter slaves, he purchased ... Remember that
I also said we are his servants and he our ... And bless in death a bond so dear ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm
Second Instruction.
... will draw thy partner to thee more strongly than any bond. ... And just as we, when we
buy slaves, first ask those ... if they are willing to be our servants: So also ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/second instruction.htm
Resources
What is the story of David and Nabal? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Nethinim? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.orgServants: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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