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 had nothing to pay, his lord commanded that he be sold, and his wife, and his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
but, as he had nothing to pay, his lord commanded that he be sold, and his wife, and his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
"Who, then, is the faithful and wise servant whom his lord set over his household, to give them their food in 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 dishonored.
Happy are those servants, whom their lord, when coming, shall find watching! Verily I say to you, that he will gird himself, and make them recline; and, coming near, he will serve them.
But who is there of you, having a servant plowing, or tending sheep, that will say to him, having come in from the field, 'Coming straightway, recline at table;'
And the slave abides not in the house forever; the son abides forever.
Salute Apelles, the 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 called, being a slave? care not for it; but, even if you can become free, use it rather.
Were you called, being a slave? care not for it; but, even if you can become free, use it rather. For he that was called in the Lord, being a slave, is the Lord's freedman: likewise, he that was called, being free, is Christ's slave. read more. Ye were bought with a price; become not slaves of men.
But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened; that henceforth both those who have wives may be as though they had none;
for, indeed, in one Spirit were we all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.
There exists neither Jew nor Greek, there exists neither bond nor free, there exists neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
But I say that, so long as the heir is a child, he differs in nothing from a slave, though he is lord of all;
Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the soul, read more. with good-will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatsoever good thing each one does, this shall he receive from the Lord, whether bond or free. And, masters, do the same thing to them, forbearing the threat; knowing that both their Master and yours is in Heaven, and there is no respect of persons with Him.
All the saints salute you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.
strengthened with all power, according to the might of His glory, unto all patience and long-suffering with joy;
where there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; 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 the Lord.
Masters, render justice and equity to your servants, knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven.
Let as many as are slaves under a yoke account their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the teaching be not blasphemed.
Let as many as are slaves under a yoke account their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the teaching be not blasphemed.
Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting, not keeping back anything, but showing forth all good faith; that they may adorn the teaching of our Savior God in all things. read more. For the salvation-imparting grace of God appeared to all men,
no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord!
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the perverse.