In the context of the Bible, the term "underlings" refers to individuals who serve in subordinate positions, often under the authority of a leader or master. These individuals are typically characterized by their roles in supporting and executing the directives of those in higher positions of power. The concept of underlings can be explored through various scriptural references that highlight the dynamics of authority, service, and obedience.

Biblical References and Context

1. Old Testament Examples:
· In the Old Testament, the concept of underlings is often seen in the context of servitude and hierarchical structures within families, tribes, and nations. For instance, the account of Joseph in Egypt illustrates the role of underlings in a household. Joseph, once a favored son, becomes a servant in Potiphar's house, where he is entrusted with significant responsibilities (Genesis 39:4-6). His role as an underling is marked by his faithfulness and integrity, even in the face of adversity.

2. New Testament Teachings:
· The New Testament provides further insight into the role of underlings, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself speaks to the nature of authority and servitude, emphasizing humility and service as key virtues. In Matthew 20:25-28 , Jesus contrasts the worldly view of authority with the Kingdom perspective: "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

3. Apostolic Guidance:
· The apostle Paul also addresses the relationship between masters and their underlings, particularly in the context of slaves and masters. In Ephesians 6:5-9 , Paul instructs slaves to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, as they would obey Christ. He also admonishes masters to treat their slaves with fairness and without threats, recognizing that both master and slave have the same Master in heaven.

Theological Implications

The role of underlings in the Bible is deeply connected to themes of obedience, humility, and service. These themes are central to the Christian life, as believers are called to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). The biblical portrayal of underlings challenges the worldly pursuit of power and status, instead promoting a model of leadership that is rooted in servanthood and love.

Practical Applications

For contemporary believers, the biblical concept of underlings serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and service in all areas of life. Whether in the workplace, church, or family, Christians are encouraged to adopt an attitude of servitude, recognizing that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in serving others. This perspective fosters a community where mutual respect and love prevail, reflecting the character of Christ in everyday interactions.

Whom to Obey, --Annas or Angel?
... There was the pompous assembling of all the great men at early morning, and their
dignified waiting till their underlings brought in the culprits. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/whom to obeyannas or angel.htm

The Condemnation which Condemns the Judges
... which were met by His silence; His own majestic witness to Himself, which was met
by a unanimous shriek of condemnation; and the rude mockery of the underlings ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture d/the condemnation which condemns the.htm

The Lady Miriam
... During my years of apprenticeship I was sorely put to it, but now I have only to
wait upon the king and look to it that mine underlings are not idle. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter vi the lady miriam.htm

The Ecclesiastical Trial
... Evidence had to be extemporized; and it was swept up apparently from the underlings
and hangers on of the court. It is expressly said by St. ...
/.../the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter ii the ecclesiastical trial.htm

A Successful Man of Affairs.
... Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our
stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings."Shakespeare (Julius Caesar ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study vii a successful man.htm

The Great Denial
... But the police and other underlings employed in the arrest, their work being now
done, stayed outside, and, as it was midnight and the weather was cold, they ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter iii the great denial.htm

Life Amongst the Upper Ten Thousand
... The new Mandarin will bring with him his secretaries, underlings, men and women
servants, and the prosperity of a city will largely depend upon the personal ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xviii life amongst the.htm

The Heir Intervenes
... Furthermore, he would relieve his underlings and write the king's communications
with his own hand till he knew that the reply to Kenkenes had been sent. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxvii the heir intervenes.htm

The Real Jewish Ruler.
... One of the underlings of the high priest"struck"Jesus"in the face, saying, "Answerest
thou the high priest so?" Jesus quietly replies, "If I have spoken ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the real jewish ruler.htm

In the High Priest's Palace
... A trusted friend proves faithless, the underlings of the rulers brutally ridicule
His prophetic claims, and their masters vote Him a blasphemer for assenting ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/in the high priests palace.htm

Underlings (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Underlings (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 19:6 Isaiah
said to them, "Thus you shall tell your master,'Thus says ...
/u/underlings.htm - 7k

Undermine (1 Occurrence)

/u/undermine.htm - 7k

Underlies (1 Occurrence)

/u/underlies.htm - 6k

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