Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a "freeman" held significant social and spiritual implications. The term "freeman" generally refers to an individual who is not in servitude or bondage, possessing personal liberty and autonomy. This status is contrasted with that of a slave or bondservant, who is under the authority and control of another.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides various laws and narratives concerning slavery and freedom. The Hebrew word often associated with freedom is "chofshi," which denotes liberty or release from servitude. The Mosaic Law included provisions for the release of Hebrew slaves, emphasizing the value of freedom and the dignity of the individual. For instance, in the Year of Jubilee, slaves were to be set free, and land was to be returned to its original owners (Leviticus 25:10). This practice underscored the belief that ultimate ownership and authority belong to God, and human relationships should reflect His justice and mercy. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of freedom takes on a deeper spiritual dimension. The Greek word "eleutheros" is used to describe a freeman, often in contrast to a slave ("doulos"). The Apostle Paul addresses the status of freemen and slaves in several of his epistles, emphasizing that in Christ, social distinctions are transcended. In 1 Corinthians 7:22, Paul writes, "For he who was called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise, he who was called while free is Christ’s slave." This passage highlights the paradoxical nature of Christian freedom, where true liberty is found in servitude to Christ. Paul further elaborates on the spiritual freedom believers have in Christ in Galatians 5:1: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free; stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery." Here, freedom is not merely a social status but a spiritual reality, liberating believers from the bondage of sin and the law. Social and Spiritual Implications The early Christian community was marked by a radical redefinition of social relationships. In a society where slavery was a common institution, the message of freedom in Christ offered a transformative vision. The Epistle to Philemon provides a poignant example, where Paul appeals to Philemon to receive his runaway slave Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16). The notion of being a freeman in Christ also carries ethical implications. Believers are called to live as free people, yet not using their freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God (1 Peter 2:16). This freedom is characterized by love, service, and obedience to God's will, reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Conclusion The biblical concept of a freeman encompasses both social and spiritual dimensions, offering a vision of liberty that transcends earthly status and points to the ultimate freedom found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who enjoys liberty, or who is not subject to the will of another; one not a slave or vassal.2. (n.) A member of a corporation, company, or city, possessing certain privileges; a member of a borough, town, or State, who has the right to vote at elections. See Liveryman. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FREEDMAN; FREEMANfred'-man, fre'-man: The term occurs in 1 Corinthians 7:22 Colossians 3:11, and Revelation 6:15, and represents two slightly different words. In 1 Corinthians 7:22 the word is apeleutheros, "a freeman," one who was born a slave and has received freedom. In this case it refers to spiritual freedom. He that was in bondage to sin has been presented with spiritual freedom by the Lord. In Revelation 6:15 the word is simply eleutheros, "a free man" as opposed to a slave. Greek 558. apeleutheros -- one freed away, ie a freedman ... freeman. From apo and eleutheros; one freed away, ie A freedman -- freeman. see GREEK apo. see GREEK eleutheros. (apeleutheros) -- 1 Occurrence. 557, 558. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/558.htm - 6k 1658. eleutheros -- free, ie not a slave or not under restraint Library Concerning his Father, a Freeman of Thagaste, the Assister of his ... Letter F Whether one Ought to be Withdrawn from Entering Religion through ... Colossians iii. 7-May Two Households The Cambridge Platform and the Half-Way Covenant The Confessions and Letters of St Consummation of Thomas the Apostle. The Influence of the King James Version on English Literature Later History of Revision. Thesaurus Freeman (9 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FREEDMAN; FREEMAN. ... In 1 Corinthians 7:22 the word is apeleutheros, "a freeman," one who was born a slave and has received freedom. ... /f/freeman.htm - 10k Bondman (108 Occurrences) Liberal (11 Occurrences) Freedom (45 Occurrences) Freedman (1 Occurrence) Freely (101 Occurrences) Knocks (5 Occurrences) Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) Free-man (2 Occurrences) Foreigner (99 Occurrences) Resources Freeman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Freeman (9 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 7:22 Galatians 3:28 Ephesians 6:8 Colossians 3:11 Revelation 6:15 Exodus 21:2 Exodus 21:26 Exodus 21:27 Nehemiah 7:5 Subtopics Related Terms Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) |
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