Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "slave" refers to individuals who were in servitude or bondage, often as a result of war, debt, or poverty. The institution of slavery is addressed in various parts of the Bible, reflecting the social and economic realities of ancient times. The Bible provides guidelines for the treatment of slaves, emphasizing both the responsibilities of masters and the dignity of those in servitude.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, slavery was a common practice among the ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the Israelites. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of slaves. For instance, Hebrew slaves were to be released in the seventh year of service, as stated in Exodus 21:2 : "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." The Law also mandated humane treatment of slaves, prohibiting harshness and abuse. Exodus 21:26-27 states: "If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant and destroys it, he must let the servant go free in compensation for the eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, he must let the servant go free in compensation for the tooth." Furthermore, the Israelites were reminded of their own history as slaves in Egypt, which served as a moral imperative to treat their own slaves with compassion and justice (Deuteronomy 15:15): "Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today." New Testament Context In the New Testament, slavery was an established institution within the Roman Empire. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles did not directly call for the abolition of slavery, but they introduced principles that would eventually undermine the institution. The New Testament emphasizes the spiritual equality of all believers, regardless of social status. Galatians 3:28 declares: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." The apostle Paul addressed the relationship between slaves and masters in several of his epistles. In Ephesians 6:5-9 , Paul instructs slaves to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, as they would obey Christ. At the same time, he admonishes masters to treat their slaves with kindness and fairness, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven. The letter to Philemon is a notable New Testament text concerning slavery. Paul writes to Philemon regarding Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a Christian. Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus not merely as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16): "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother." Theological Implications The Bible's treatment of slavery reflects a broader theological narrative of redemption and freedom. While the institution of slavery is acknowledged, the overarching biblical message points towards liberation and the inherent worth of every individual as created in the image of God. The spiritual freedom offered through Christ transcends earthly social structures, offering a vision of ultimate freedom and equality in the Kingdom of God. Historical and Cultural Considerations Understanding the biblical perspective on slavery requires consideration of the historical and cultural context of the ancient world. Slavery in biblical times differed in many ways from the chattel slavery that later developed in other parts of the world. The biblical regulations sought to mitigate the harshness of slavery and promote justice and mercy within the constraints of the existing social order. The Bible's teachings on slavery have been interpreted and applied in various ways throughout history. While some have used Scripture to justify the practice, others have drawn on its principles to advocate for abolition and social reform. The transformative message of the Gospel continues to inspire movements toward justice and equality, reflecting the biblical vision of freedom for all people. Greek 1401. doulos -- a slave ... a slave. Part of Speech: Adjective; Noun, Feminine; Noun, Masculine Transliteration: doulos Phonetic Spelling: (doo'-los) Short Definition: a male slave ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1401.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 5650. ebed -- slave, servant... 5649, 5650. ebed. 5651 . slave, servant. Transliteration: ebed Phonetic Spelling: (eh'-bed) Short Definition: servants. Word Origin ... /hebrew/5650.htm - 6k Library The Slave's Girdle The Owner and his Slaves Arguments Drawn Even from Heathenish Laws to Discountenance ... On the Feast of the Nativity, ii. God's Slaves Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John Eighth Commandment That Evening Vergilius Went to Feast with the Young Herodian ... The Martyrs of Lyons and vienne (Ad 177) The Servant-Master Thesaurus Slave's (2 Occurrences)...Slave's (2 Occurrences). ... Leviticus 25:39 "'If your brother has grown poor among you, and sells himself to you; you shall not make him to serve as a slave. ... /s/slave's.htm - 6k Slavery (31 Occurrences) Slave (148 Occurrences) Slave-traders (1 Occurrence) Circumcision (98 Occurrences) Slaves (119 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of thirty pieces of silver? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Christian redemption? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Slave's (2 Occurrences)John 18:10 Leviticus 25:39 Subtopics Related Terms |
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