Topical Bible: Master's

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "master" in the Bible is used in various contexts, often denoting authority, ownership, or leadership. It is a title that signifies one who has control or dominion over others, whether in a household, a workplace, or a spiritual context. The concept of a master is deeply embedded in the social and spiritual fabric of biblical times, reflecting both human relationships and the divine relationship between God and His people.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "master" is "adon" or "adonai," which can mean lord, master, or owner. This term is frequently used to describe human relationships, such as a master over servants or slaves. For example, in Genesis 24:9, Abraham's servant refers to him as "my master" when swearing an oath: "So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter" .

The term is also used in a divine context, where God is referred to as "Adonai," emphasizing His lordship and authority over creation. This usage underscores the belief in God's sovereign rule and His role as the ultimate Master of the universe.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the Greek word "kyrios" is often translated as "master" or "lord." This term is used to describe both human and divine authority. In the parables of Jesus, the term "master" frequently appears to illustrate the relationship between God and His people. For instance, in the Parable of the Talents, the master represents God, who entrusts His servants with resources and expects them to be faithful stewards: "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’" (Matthew 25:21).

Jesus Himself is often referred to as "Master" by His disciples, acknowledging His authority and leadership. In Luke 8:24, the disciples call out to Jesus during a storm: "The disciples went and woke Him, saying, 'Master, Master, we are perishing!' Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm" . This highlights the recognition of Jesus' divine authority and power over nature.

Spiritual Implications

The concept of a master-servant relationship in the Bible carries significant spiritual implications. Believers are called to recognize God as their ultimate Master, submitting to His will and authority. This relationship is characterized by obedience, faithfulness, and trust. In Romans 6:22, Paul writes about the transformation from being slaves to sin to becoming servants of God: "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life" .

Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes the servanthood of Christ, who, though being the Master, humbled Himself to serve humanity. In Philippians 2:7, it is written: "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness" . This example sets a precedent for believers to follow, encouraging them to serve others selflessly, as Christ did.

Ethical and Social Considerations

The biblical concept of masters and servants also addresses ethical and social considerations. The Scriptures provide guidelines for the treatment of servants, advocating for justice, fairness, and compassion. In Ephesians 6:9, Paul instructs masters: "And masters, do the same for them. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him" . This reflects the biblical principle of equality before God and the call for mutual respect and dignity in human relationships.

Overall, the term "master" in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings and applications, from human authority to divine lordship, each carrying profound spiritual and ethical implications for believers.

Greek

4352. proskuneo -- to do reverence to
... From pros and a probable derivative of kuon (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking
his master's hand); to fawn or crouch to, ie (literally or figuratively ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4352.htm - 10k

2962. kurios -- lord, master
... lord, master. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kurios Phonetic Spelling:
(koo'-ree-os) Short Definition: lord, Lord, master, sir Definition: lord ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2962.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

113. adon -- lord
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition lord NASB Word Usage husbands (1), Lord
(5), lord (172), lord's (9), lords (2), master (91), master's (24), masters ...
/hebrew/113.htm - 6k

1167. baal -- owner, lord
... 1), creditor* (1), dominant (1), dreamer* (1), due (1), husband (8), husbands (2),
leaders (6), lords (1), man (3), married* (2), master's (1), masters (1 ...
/hebrew/1167.htm - 6k

Library

At The Master's Feet
At The Master's Feet. <. At The Master's Feet Sadhu Sundar Singh. Parker,
Rev. Arthur (Translator) Table of Contents. Title Page. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/

The Master's Indwelling
The Master's Indwelling. <. The Master's Indwelling Andrew Murray. Table
of Contents. Title Page. Introduction. I. CARNAL CHRISTIANS. II. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/

The Master's Touch.
... (Matthew xi. 25-30; Luke x:1, 17, 21-24.) The Master's Touch. ... It was despised till
the master-player took possession. Its worth was not known. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/the masters touch.htm

The Master's Invitation.
... Yokefellows: The Rhythm of Service. (Matthew xi. 25-30; Luke x:1, 17,
21-24.) The Master's Invitation. It was about six months before ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/the masters invitation.htm

The Master's Hand
... The Master's Hand. Heinrich Suso Philippians 1:21. ... While common days wear on?
Then saw I how before a Master wise. A shapeless stone was set; ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen suso and others/the masters hand.htm

Missing the Master's Meaning.
... Money Missing the Master's Meaning. Christian men, generally ... Yet this man calls
Jesus his Master, and sincerely, I have no doubt. And his Master ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/missing the masters meaning.htm

The Master's Friends
... CHAPTER XXXIV THE MASTER's FRIENDS. THE Master's chief friend we already
know. But as ... small. And his other friend was the Master. Dr ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xxxiv the masters friends.htm

The Master's Profession --The Disciple's Pursuit
... The Master's Profession"The Disciple's Pursuit. A Sermon (No.977). Delivered on
Thursday Evening, April 21st, 1870 by. ... In this we ought to imitate the Master. ...
/.../the masters professionthe disciples pursuit.htm

Whether a Slave Can Marry Without his Master's Consent?
... OF THE IMPEDIMENT OF THE CONDITION OF SLAVERY (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether a slave can
marry without his master's consent? ... Now a slave is his master's chattel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a slave can marry.htm

The Master's Indwelling
The Master's Indwelling. <. The Master's Indwelling Andrew Murray. Title Page.
The MASTER'S INDWELLING ANDREW MURRAY. 1953. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/title page.htm

Thesaurus

Master's (52 Occurrences)
...Master's (52 Occurrences). Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs
eat of the crums which fall from their master's table. (WBS). ...
/m/master's.htm - 23k

Ziba (13 Occurrences)
... Ziba is also bidden to till the land and bring in its produce, and "it shall be
food for thy master's son," according to Massoretic Text in 2 Samuel 9:10 b ...
/z/ziba.htm - 14k

Grandson (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "All
that pertained to Saul and to all his house have I given to your master's son. ...
/g/grandson.htm - 11k

Gehazi (14 Occurrences)
... He afterwards appeared before king Joram, to whom he recounted the great deeds of
his master (2 Kings 8:1-6). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GEHAZI. ...
/g/gehazi.htm - 19k

Refrains (3 Occurrences)
... Romans 14:6 He who regards the day as sacred, so regards it for the Master's sake;
and he who eats certain food eats it for the Master's sake, for he gives ...
/r/refrains.htm - 7k

Regards (43 Occurrences)
... Romans 14:6 He who regards the day as sacred, so regards it for the Master's sake;
and he who eats certain food eats it for the Master's sake, for he gives ...
/r/regards.htm - 18k

Camels (52 Occurrences)
... Genesis 24:10 The servant took ten camels, of his master's camels, and departed,
having a variety of good things of his master's with him. ...
/c/camels.htm - 24k

Sacred (140 Occurrences)
... Romans 14:6 He who regards the day as sacred, so regards it for the Master's sake;
and he who eats certain food eats it for the Master's sake, for he gives ...
/s/sacred.htm - 36k

Slavery (31 Occurrences)
... The ceremony at such a time is interesting: "Then his master shall bring him unto
the judges (margin), and shall bring him to the door, or unto the door-post ...
/s/slavery.htm - 36k

Kinds (110 Occurrences)
... Yet the body does not exist for the purpose of fornication, but for the Master's
service, and the Master exists for the body; (WEY). ...
/k/kinds.htm - 36k

Resources

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)? | GotQuestions.org

What did Jesus mean when He spoke of making friends by worldly wealth (Luke 16:9)? | GotQuestions.org

What expertise does GotQuestions.org possess? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Master's (52 Occurrences)

Matthew 15:27
And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crums which fall from their master's table.
(WBS)

Matthew 25:18
But the man who had received the one went and dug a hole and buried his master's money.
(WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 25:21
"'You have done well, good and trustworthy servant,' replied his master; 'you have been trustworthy in the management of a little, I will put you in charge of much: share your master's joy.'
(WEY NIV)

Matthew 25:23
"'Good and trustworthy servant, you have done well,' his master replied; 'you have been trustworthy in the management of a little, I will put you in charge of much: share your master's joy.'
(WEY NIV)

Luke 12:47
And that servant who has been told his Master's will and yet made no preparation and did not obey His will, will receive many lashes.
(WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 16:5
"So he called all his master's debtors, one by one, and asked the first, 'How much are you in debt to my master?'
(WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 22:61
The Master turned and looked on Peter; and Peter recollected the Master's words, how He had said to him, "This very day, before the cock crows, you will disown me three times."
(WEY)

John 8:35
Now a slave does not remain permanently in his master's house, but a son does.
(WEY)

John 15:15
No longer do I give you the name of servants; because a servant is without knowledge of what his master is doing: I give you the name of friends, because I have given you knowledge of all the things which my Father has said to me.
(See NIV)

John 21:2
Simon Peter was with Thomas, called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zabdi, and two others of the Master's disciples.
(WEY)

Romans 14:6
He who regards the day as sacred, so regards it for the Master's sake; and he who eats certain food eats it for the Master's sake, for he gives thanks to God; and he who refrains from eating it refrains for the Master's sake, and he also gives thanks to God.
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 6:13
Food of all kinds is meant for the stomach, and the stomach is meant for food, and God will cause both of them to perish. Yet the body does not exist for the purpose of fornication, but for the Master's service, and the Master exists for the body;
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 16:10
If Timothy pays you a visit, see that he is free from fear in his relations with you; for he is engaged in the Master's work just as I am.
(WEY)

Ephesians 4:1
I, then, the prisoner for the Master's sake, entreat you to live and act as becomes those who have received the call that you have received--
(WEY)

Ephesians 6:6
Not only under your master's eye, as pleasers of men; but as servants of Christ, doing the pleasure of God from the heart;
(BBE)

1 Thessalonians 1:8
For it was not only from you that the Master's Message sounded forth throughout Macedonia and Greece; but everywhere your faith in God has become known, so that it is unnecessary for us to say anything about it.
(WEY)

2 Timothy 2:21
If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS)

Genesis 16:4
And he went in to Hagar and she became with child, and when she saw that she was with child, she no longer had any respect for her master's wife.
(BBE)

Genesis 16:8
And he said, Hagar, Sarai's servant, where have you come from and where are you going? And she said, I am running away from Sarai, my master's wife.
(BBE)

Genesis 24:10
The servant took ten camels, of his master's camels, and departed, having a variety of good things of his master's with him. He arose, and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.
(WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 24:27
He said, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his loving kindness and his truth toward my master. As for me, Yahweh has led me in the way to the house of my master's relatives."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 24:36
Sarah, my master's wife, bore a son to my master when she was old. He has given all that he has to him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 24:44
and she will tell me, "Drink, and I will also draw for your camels,"-let her be the woman whom Yahweh has appointed for my master's son.'
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 24:48
I bowed my head, and worshiped Yahweh, and blessed Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter for his son.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 24:51
Behold, Rebekah is before you. Take her, and go, and let her be your master's son's wife, as Yahweh has spoken."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 39:7
It happened after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph; and she said, "Lie with me."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 39:8
But he refused, and said to his master's wife, "Behold, my master doesn't know what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Genesis 40:7
He asked Pharaoh's officers who were with him in custody in his master's house, saying, "Why do you look so sad today?"
(WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 44:8
Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again to you out of the land of Canaan. How then should we steal silver or gold out of your lord's house?
(See NIV)

Exodus 21:4
If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

1 Samuel 25:41
She arose, and bowed herself with her face to the earth, and said, "Behold, your handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord."
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 29:4
But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him; and the princes of the Philistines said to him, "Make the man return, that he may go back to his place where you have appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For with what should this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Should it not be with the heads of these men?
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 29:10
Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart.
(KJV DBY WBS NIV)

2 Samuel 9:9
Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "All that pertained to Saul and to all his house have I given to your master's son.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 9:10
You shall till the land for him, you, and your sons, and your servants; and you shall bring in the fruits, that your master's son may have bread to eat: but Mephibosheth your master's son shall eat bread always at my table." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 11:9
But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and didn't go down to his house.
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 11:13
When David had called him, he ate and drink before him; and he made him drunk. At evening, he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but didn't go down to his house.
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 12:8
I gave you your master's house, and your master's wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that would have been too little, I would have added to you many more such things.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 16:3
The king said, "Where is your master's son?" Ziba said to the king, "Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem; for he said,'Today the house of Israel will restore me the kingdom of my father.'"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 20:6
David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than did Absalom. Take your lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get himself fortified cities, and escape out of our sight."
(See NIV)

2 Kings 5:3
And she said to her master's wife, If only my lord would go to the prophet in Samaria, he would make him well.
(BBE)

2 Kings 6:32
But Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. Then the king sent a man from before him; but before the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, "Do you see how this son of a murderer has sent to take away my head? Behold, when the messenger comes, shut the door, and hold the door shut against him. Isn't the sound of his master's feet behind him?"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 9:31
And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Is it peace, thou Zimri, thy master's murderer?
(ASV BBE JPS NAS)

2 Kings 10:2
"Now as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and armor.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 10:3
Select the best and fittest of your master's sons, set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 10:6
Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, "If you are on my side, and if you will listen to my voice, take the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by tomorrow this time." Now the king's sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who brought them up.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 18:24
How then can you turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put your trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 30:23
A hated woman when she is married; and a servant-girl who takes the place of her master's wife.
(BBE)

Isaiah 1:3
The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master's crib; but Israel doesn't know, my people don't consider.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Isaiah 22:18
Twisting you round and round like a ball he will send you out into a wide country: there you will come to your end, and there will be the carriages of your pride, O shame of your lord's house!
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 36:9
How then can you turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put your trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Zephaniah 1:9
In that day, I will punish all those who leap over the threshold, who fill their master's house with violence and deceit.
(WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY RSV)

Subtopics

Master's

Related Terms

Ziba (13 Occurrences)

Grandson (14 Occurrences)

Gehazi (14 Occurrences)

Refrains (3 Occurrences)

Regards (43 Occurrences)

Camels (52 Occurrences)

Sacred (140 Occurrences)

Slavery (31 Occurrences)

Kinds (110 Occurrences)