Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "bond-women" refers to female slaves or servants who were bound to serve their masters. The concept of bond-women is deeply rooted in the social and legal structures of ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those depicted in the Bible. These women often held a status distinct from free women and were subject to the authority of their masters.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides several references to bond-women, illustrating their roles and the legal stipulations surrounding their status. One of the earliest mentions is found in the account of Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, Abraham's wife. In Genesis 16:1-2 , Sarah, unable to bear children, gives Hagar to Abraham as a concubine to produce offspring: "Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, 'Look now, the LORD has prevented me from having children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.'" The Mosaic Law also addresses the treatment of bond-women. In Exodus 21:7-11 , specific regulations are provided for Hebrew men who sell their daughters as maidservants, ensuring their rights and protection: "If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. If she is displeasing to her master who has selected her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of bond-women is used metaphorically to illustrate spiritual truths. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, contrasts the children of the free woman with those of the bond-woman to explain the difference between living under the law and living under grace. Galatians 4:22-23 states: "For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise." Paul further elaborates on this allegory in Galatians 4:24-26 , where he identifies Hagar, the bond-woman, with the old covenant of Mount Sinai, representing bondage, while Sarah, the free woman, symbolizes the new covenant of freedom in Christ: "These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother." Cultural and Theological Implications The presence of bond-women in biblical narratives reflects the historical and cultural realities of the times. While the Bible records the existence and treatment of bond-women, it also provides a framework for understanding God's redemptive plan, which transcends social and cultural boundaries. The metaphorical use of bond-women in the New Testament highlights the transition from the old covenant of the law to the new covenant of grace, emphasizing spiritual freedom and equality in Christ. Throughout Scripture, the treatment and status of bond-women serve as a reminder of the broader biblical themes of justice, mercy, and redemption. The narratives involving bond-women, such as Hagar's account, reveal God's compassion and care for all individuals, regardless of their social status, and underscore the transformative power of His promises. Library John Chapter iii. 21-Jun John Chapter ii. 23-25; iii. 5-Jan The Marriages of Jacob are a Figure of the Church. A Rebuke against Extortion The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards. Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members ... That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ... The Oration of Moses at the Rehearsal of the Blessing and the ... Esther, the Queen. Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. Thesaurus Bondwomen (10 Occurrences)...Bondwomen (10 Occurrences). Acts 2:18 yea, even upon my bondmen and upon my bondwomen in those days will I pour out of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. (DBY) ... /b/bondwomen.htm - 9k Bond-women (3 Occurrences) Bond-men (16 Occurrences) Bondmen (117 Occurrences) Bone (35 Occurrences) Endamaged (1 Occurrence) Bondwoman's (1 Occurrence) Bondwoman (17 Occurrences) Comeliest (1 Occurrence) Countervail (1 Occurrence) Resources What is a bondservant / bond-servant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being or using a surrogate mother? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bond-women (3 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 28:68 2 Chronicles 28:10 Esther 7:4 Subtopics Related Terms Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) Fire-offering (45 Occurrences) |
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