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 had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
And as he had not to pay, his lord commanded 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 hath appointed ruler over his houshold, to give them food in due season?
And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, to receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
And again he sent to them another servant: and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.
Happy are those servants, whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching; verily I say to you, that he will gird himself, and make them sit down to table, and will come forth and serve them.
But which of you having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say to him as soon as he cometh from the field, Come and sit down to table?
And the slave abideth not in the house for ever; but the Son abideth ever.
Salute Apelles, approved in Christ. Salute those of the family of Aristobulus. Salute my kinsman Herodion. Salute those of the family of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou canst be made free, use it rather.
Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou canst be made free, use it rather. For he that is called by the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman; and in like manner, he that is called being free, is the servant of Christ. read more. Ye are bought with a price; do not become the servants of men.
But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that even they that have wives, be as if they had none: And they that weep, as if they wept not;
For we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or freemen; and we have all drank of one Spirit.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Now I say the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as unto the Lord: Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, read more. With good will doing service as unto the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good each man doth, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be a servant or free. And ye masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatning, knowing that your master is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness:
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision; barbarian, Scythian, slave 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 men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
Masters, give your servants that which is just and equitable, knowing that ye also have a master in heaven.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke, account their masters worthy of all honour; lest the name of God and his doctrine be blasphemed.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke, account their masters worthy of all honour; lest the name of God and his doctrine be blasphemed.
Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them in all things, not answering again, Not stealing, but shewing all good fidelity, that they may in all things adorn the gospel of God our Saviour. read more. For the saving grace of God hath appeared to all men,
No longer as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially to me; and how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?
Honour the king, Servants be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.