Reference: Slave, Slavery
Hastings
The Heb. 'ebhedh, usually tr 'servant,' has a variety of meanings, between which it is not always easy to distinguish. E.g. in 2Sa 9:2 'servant' = retainer, in 2Sa 9:10 b = bondman, in 2Sa 9:11 = a polite expression of self-depreciation (cf. 2Ki 4:1 and 1Ki 9:22). In a discussion of Hebrew slavery only those passages will be dealt with in which the word probably has the sense of bondage.
1. Legally the slave was a chattel. In the earliest code (Book of the Covenant [= BC]) he is called his master's money (Ex 21:21). In the Decalogue he is grouped with the cattle (Ex 20:17), and so regularly in the patriarchal narratives (Ge 12:16 etc.). Even those laws which sought to protect the slave witness to his degraded position. In the BC the master is not punished for inflicting even a fatal flogging upon his slave, unless death follows immediately. If the slave lingers a day or two before dying, the master is given the benefit of the doubt as to the cause of his death, and the loss of the slave is regarded as a sufficient punishment (Ex 21:21). The jus talionis was not applicable to the slave as it was to the freeman (cf. Ex 21:26 ff. with Ex 21:22 ff.); and it is the master of the slave, not the slave himself, who is recompensed if the slave is gored by an ox (Ex 21:32). In these last two instances BC follows the Code of Hammurabi [= CH] (
See Verses Found in Dictionary
But as he was not able to pay, his lord commanded him, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, to be sold, and payment to be made.
But as he was not able to pay, his lord commanded him, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, to be sold, and payment to be made.
Who then is that faithful and wise servant, whom his master has made ruler over his household servants, to give them their food in due time?
And at the proper time, he sent a servant to the vine-dressers, that he might receive from the vine-dressers of the fruit of the vineyard.
And again he sent to them another servant; and at him they threw stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated.
Blessed are those servants whom their lord, when he comes, shall find watching. Verily I say to you, That he will gird himself and make them recline at table, and will come forth and serve them.
Which of you that has a servant plowing, or feeding a flock, will say to him immediately, when he comes in from the field, Go and recline at table?
The servant continues not in the house forever; but the Son continues forever.
Salute Appelles, approved in Christ. Salute those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Salute Herodion, my kinsman. Salute those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
Were you a servant when you were called? Care not for it. But if you can become free, rather enjoy your freedom.
Were you a servant when you were called? Care not for it. But if you can become free, rather enjoy your freedom. For he that is in the Lord, having been called when a servant, is the Lord's freedman. Likewise, also, the freeman who has been called, is Christ's servant. read more. You have been bought with a price; become not the servants of men.
Now, this I say, brethren, the time is fraught with trials. It remains that those who have wives be as though they had them not;
For by one Spirit we all were immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and we all have been made to drink of one Spirit.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bondman nor free man, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
But I say, that the heir, as long as he is a minor, differs in no respect from a servant, though he is owner of all;
Servants, be subject to your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the simplicity of your heart, as to the Christ; not with eye-service, as pleasing men, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the soul; read more. with good will doing service as to the Lord, and not as to men; knowing that whatever good any one does, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he is a servant or a freeman. And you masters, do the same things to them, leaving off threatening, knowing that you yourselves have a master in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.
strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, in order to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness,
in which new creation there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all and in all.
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as pleasing men, but with simplicity of heart, fearing God.
Masters, give to your servants what is just and equal, for you know that you have a Master in heaven.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God, and his teaching, be not reviled.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God, and his teaching, be not reviled.
Exhort servants to be subject to their own masters, and to please them well in all things, not contradicting, not stealing, but showing all good faithfulness, that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in all things. read more. For the grace of God, which brings salvation to all men, has appeared,
no longer as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially by me, and how much more by you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the perverse.