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
And as he was not able to pay, his master ordered that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.
And as he was not able to pay, his master ordered that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.
"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?
At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants, to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard.
Again he sent to them another servant, and they wounded him in the head, and treated him shamefully.
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds watching when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and will come and serve them.
"Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'?
And a slave does not continue in the house forever, but a son continues forever.
Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it trouble youbut if you can gain your freedom, do so.
Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it trouble youbut if you can gain your freedom, do so. For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord's freedman; likewise he who was free when called is Christ's slave. read more. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
I mean, brethren, the appointed time has grown very short; so that from now on, those who have wives should live as though they had none,
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one bodywhether Jews or Greeks, slaves or freeand we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of all the estate;
Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. read more. Render service with good will, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Masters, do the same to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
Here there is no Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free, but Christ is all, and in all.
Slaves, in everything obey those who are your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be spoken against.
Let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be spoken against.
Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not to talk back to them, and not to steal, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in everything they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. read more. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are overbearing.