Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Servitude in the biblical context refers to the condition of being a servant or slave, encompassing various forms of labor and social status. It is a multifaceted concept that appears throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the cultural, economic, and spiritual dimensions of ancient societies. Servitude can be voluntary or involuntary, temporary or permanent, and is often regulated by specific laws and customs. Old Testament Insights In the Old Testament, servitude is a common institution, with laws governing the treatment and rights of servants. The Hebrew term often translated as "servant" or "slave" is ebed, which can denote a range of servile conditions. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations for servitude, emphasizing humane treatment and the potential for freedom. Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the laws for Hebrew servants: "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free, without paying anything." This passage highlights the sabbatical principle, ensuring that servitude among the Israelites was not perpetual. Additionally, Deuteronomy 15:12-15 reiterates this law, emphasizing the release of servants and the provision of resources to help them start anew. The treatment of foreign slaves was also addressed, with Leviticus 25:44-46 allowing Israelites to acquire slaves from surrounding nations. However, the Israelites were reminded of their own deliverance from Egypt, which served as a moral compass for their treatment of others (Deuteronomy 24:17-18). New Testament Perspectives In the New Testament, servitude is addressed within the context of the Roman Empire, where slavery was a widespread institution. The Greek term doulos is commonly used, translated as "servant" or "slave." The teachings of Jesus and the apostles do not explicitly call for the abolition of slavery but rather focus on the transformation of relationships within the existing social structures. Ephesians 6:5-9 instructs servants to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, "as you would obey Christ." Masters, in turn, are reminded to treat their servants well, knowing that both master and servant have the same Master in heaven. This mutual respect and accountability before God is a recurring theme in the apostolic writings. The Epistle to Philemon provides a personal example of Christian servitude, where Paul appeals to Philemon to receive his runaway slave Onesimus not merely as a servant but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:15-16). This appeal underscores the transformative power of the Gospel in redefining social relationships. Spiritual Dimensions Beyond the socio-economic aspects, servitude in the Bible also carries profound spiritual implications. Believers are often described as servants of God, called to live in obedience and devotion to Him. Romans 6:22 states, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life." Jesus Himself exemplified the ultimate servitude, as described in Philippians 2:7, where He "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." His life and sacrifice serve as the model for Christian service, emphasizing humility, selflessness, and love. Conclusion The biblical concept of servitude is complex, encompassing legal, social, and spiritual dimensions. While the Scriptures provide guidelines for the humane treatment of servants, they also elevate the notion of servitude to a spiritual calling, where believers are invited to serve God and one another in love and humility. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Slavery; the state of voluntary or compulsory subjection to a master; the condition of being bound to service; the condition of a slave; slavery; bondage; hence, a state of slavish dependence.2. (n.) Servants, collectively. 3. (n.) A right whereby one thing is subject to another thing or person for use or convenience, contrary to the common right. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SERVITUDEsur'-vi-tud. Greek 3623. oikonomos -- the manager of a household ... See 3622 (). [3623 ("manager") often functioned as the "steward" of a household, and was generally a -- ie a from forced, legal servitude (J. Thayer).]. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3623.htm - 7k 2218. zugos -- a yoke 2631. katakrima -- penalty 1463. egkomboomai -- to put on oneself (as a garment) 5480. charagma -- a stamp, impress Strong's Hebrew 5659. abduth -- servitude, bondage... abduth. 5660 . servitude, bondage. Transliteration: abduth Phonetic Spelling: (ab-dooth') Short Definition: bondage. ... bondage. From abad; servitude -- bondage. ... /hebrew/5659.htm - 6k 5658. Abdon -- four Israelites, also a Levitical city 5656. abodah -- labor, service Library Concerning Ignorance and Servitude. Whether the Notion of a State Denotes a Condition of Freedom or ... Of the Liberty Proper to Man's Nature, and the Servitude ... The Connexion Between Steadfastness, Truth, and Freedom. (John ... The Liberation of Free Persons Condemned to Labor in the Women's ... Whether the Difference of States Applies to those who are ... Then Returning to the Words of Peter, "God Made Him Lord and ... Whether Whoever is Perfect is in the State of Perfection? Of the Meaning of the Sacrifice Abraham was Commanded to Offer ... Having Shown that the Pretexts Usually Alleged for Second ... Thesaurus Servitude (21 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SERVITUDE. sur'-vi-tud. See SERVANT; SLAVE. Multi-Version Concordance Servitude (21 Occurrences). ... /s/servitude.htm - 13k Judges (117 Occurrences) Yoke (79 Occurrences) Bitter (203 Occurrences) Quickening (7 Occurrences) Nethinim (16 Occurrences) Lighten (19 Occurrences) Ransom (46 Occurrences) Ear (670 Occurrences) Reduce (13 Occurrences) Resources What is structuralism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a bondservant / bond-servant? | GotQuestions.org When and how was Judah conquered by the Babylonians? | GotQuestions.org Servitude: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Servitude (21 Occurrences)Romans 8:21 1 Corinthians 7:15 1 Corinthians 9:27 Galatians 4:3 Galatians 4:8 Galatians 4:9 Galatians 4:24 Galatians 4:25 Galatians 5:1 2 Peter 2:19 Genesis 47:21 1 Kings 12:4 2 Chronicles 10:4 Ezra 9:8 Ezra 9:9 Nehemiah 5:18 Jeremiah 27:7 Jeremiah 28:14 Jeremiah 30:8 Lamentations 1:3 Ezekiel 34:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
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