In the context of the Bible, the term "bondmaid" refers to a female servant or slave. The concept of bondmaids is addressed in various passages throughout the Old Testament, reflecting the social and legal structures of ancient Israelite society. Bondmaids were typically women who were in servitude due to economic circumstances, debt, or as part of the spoils of war.

Old Testament References

1. Exodus 21:7-11: The Mosaic Law provides specific regulations concerning the treatment of bondmaids. "If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who has designated her for himself, he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her" (Exodus 21:7-8). This passage outlines the rights of a bondmaid, emphasizing her protection and the master's obligations.

2. Leviticus 25:44-46: The Israelites were permitted to acquire bondmaids from the nations around them. "Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy from the foreigners residing among you and their clans born in your land, and they will become your property" (Leviticus 25:44-45). This indicates that bondmaids could be part of the household labor force, yet they were to be treated with a degree of dignity and respect.

3. Deuteronomy 15:12-18: The law also provided for the release of Hebrew bondmaids after six years of service. "If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, sells himself to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free" (Deuteronomy 15:12). This reflects the principle of mercy and the importance of freedom within the covenant community.

Cultural and Social Context

In ancient Israel, the institution of servitude, including the role of bondmaids, was a part of the socio-economic fabric. Bondmaids often performed domestic duties and were considered part of the household. The laws concerning bondmaids were designed to ensure humane treatment and to prevent abuse, reflecting a moral and ethical framework that sought to balance economic realities with compassion and justice.

Spiritual Implications

The treatment of bondmaids in the Old Testament can be seen as a reflection of God's concern for justice and mercy. The laws provided a structure that aimed to protect the vulnerable and ensure that even those in servitude were treated with dignity. This aligns with the broader biblical themes of justice, mercy, and the inherent value of every individual as created in the image of God.

New Testament Considerations

While the New Testament does not specifically address bondmaids, the principles of love, equality, and mutual respect found in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles provide a framework for understanding the treatment of all individuals, regardless of social status. Passages such as Galatians 3:28 emphasize the spiritual equality of all believers: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" .

In summary, the concept of bondmaids in the Bible is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, with laws designed to protect and provide for those in servitude while pointing towards a higher moral and spiritual standard.

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... 2. Bondmen and bondmaids might be bought from the heathen round about them; these
were left by fathers to their children after them, but it does not appear ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Bondmaids (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bondmaids (6 Occurrences). Leviticus 25:44 Both
thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall ...
/b/bondmaids.htm - 8k

Bondservants (39 Occurrences)
... the way of which I said to you, You shall see it no more again: and there you shall
sell yourselves to your enemies for bondservants and for bondmaids, and no ...
/b/bondservants.htm - 18k

Female (95 Occurrences)
... the way of which I said to you, You shall see it no more again: and there you shall
sell yourselves to your enemies for bondservants and for bondmaids, and no ...
/f/female.htm - 38k

Bondmen (117 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:44 Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall
be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and ...
/b/bondmen.htm - 35k

Heathen (145 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:44 Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall
be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and ...
/h/heathen.htm - 38k

Justify (19 Occurrences)
... But if we had been sold for bondservants and bondmaids, I would have held my peace,
although the adversary could not have compensated for the king's loss ...
/j/justify.htm - 12k

Transgressions (64 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:10 Now you purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem
for bondservants and bondmaids for yourselves: but aren't there even with ...
/t/transgressions.htm - 27k

Trespasses (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:10 Now you purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem
for bondservants and bondmaids for yourselves: but aren't there even with ...
/t/trespasses.htm - 11k

Disturbing (5 Occurrences)
... But if we had been sold for bondservants and bondmaids, I would have held my peace,
although the adversary could not have compensated for the king's loss ...
/d/disturbing.htm - 8k

Proposing (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:10 Now you purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem
for bondservants and bondmaids for yourselves: but aren't there even with ...
/p/proposing.htm - 7k

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