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 unable to pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, and his wife and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
But as he was unable to pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, and his wife and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord placed over his household, to give them their food in due season?
And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruits of the vineyard.
And again he sent to them another servant; and him they wounded in the head, and treated shamefully.
Happy are those servants, whom their lord when he cometh shall find watching; truly do I say to you, that he will gird himself, and place them at table, and will come and wait on them.
And which of you having a servant plowing, or feeding cattle, will say to him, when he hath come in from the field, Come immediately and place thyself at table?
And the bondservant abideth not in the house for ever; the son abideth for ever.
Salute Apelles, the approved in Christ. Salute those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Salute Herodion, my kinsman. Salute those of the family of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
Wast thou called being a slave, care not for it; but even if thou canst be made free, use it rather.
Wast thou called being a slave, care not for it; but even if thou canst be made free, use it rather. For he that was called in the Lord, being a slave, is the Lords freeman. In like manner the freeman, who is called, is Christs slave. read more. Ye were bought with a price; become not the slaves of men.
But this I say, brethren, the time that remaineth is short; that both they that have wives may be as though they had none;
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or freemen; and were all made to drink one Spirit.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is no male and female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus;
Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth in no respect from a bondservant, though he is lord of all;
Bondservants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as serving Christ; not with eyeservice as menpleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; read more. doing service with good will, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatever good each one shall have done, that shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be bondman or free. And, ye masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatening; knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven, and that there is no respect of persons with him.
All the saints salute you, but especially they who are of Caesars household.
endued with all power according to the might of his glory unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;
where there is no Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.
Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord.
Masters, deal out to your bondservants justice and equity, knowing that ye also have a master in heaven.
Let all who are under the yoke as bondservants count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Let all who are under the yoke as bondservants count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Exhort bondservants to be in subjection to their own masters, in all things to be wellpleasing to them, not contradicting, not purloining, but showing all good faith; that they may adorn the teaching of God our Saviour in all things. read more. For the grace of God, that bringeth salvation to all men, was manifested,
no longer as a bondservant, but above a bondservant, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord!
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and considerate, but also to the perverse.