Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "slave-girl" refers to a female servant or bondwoman who is in a position of servitude within a household or community. The role and treatment of slave-girls in the Bible reflect the broader social and cultural norms of the ancient Near East, where slavery was a common institution.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, slave-girls are often mentioned in the context of household service. For example, Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, is a prominent figure. Sarah, unable to bear children, gives Hagar to her husband Abraham as a concubine to bear a child on her behalf (Genesis 16:1-4). This narrative highlights the complex social dynamics and personal relationships involving slave-girls in biblical times. The Mosaic Law provided certain protections for female slaves. Exodus 21:7-11 outlines specific regulations for Hebrew slave-girls, ensuring their rights and humane treatment. If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to be released as male servants are. If she does not please her master, who has selected her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, as he has broken faith with her. New Testament References In the New Testament, slave-girls are mentioned in various contexts, often highlighting their roles within the early Christian communities. One notable account is found in Acts 16:16-18, where a slave-girl possessed by a spirit of divination follows Paul and his companions, proclaiming them as servants of the Most High God. Paul, troubled by this, commands the spirit to leave her, which it does. This incident underscores the spiritual and social dimensions of slavery in the Greco-Roman world. The teachings of the New Testament emphasize the spiritual equality of all believers, regardless of social status. Galatians 3:28 states, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This principle laid the groundwork for a transformative view of human relationships within the Christian community. Cultural and Theological Implications The presence of slave-girls in biblical narratives reflects the historical realities of ancient societies. However, the biblical text also provides a framework for understanding the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The laws and teachings concerning slave-girls reveal a concern for justice and compassion, even within the constraints of the prevailing social order. The biblical perspective on slave-girls, while rooted in historical context, points towards a broader theological vision of freedom and redemption. The ultimate liberation from all forms of bondage is found in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who came to "proclaim freedom for the captives" (Luke 4:18). This message of hope and liberation resonates throughout the biblical narrative, offering a vision of a restored creation where all are free to serve God and one another in love. Concordance Slave-girl's (1 Occurrence)Galatians 4:30 Thesaurus Slave-girl's (1 Occurrence)Slave-girl's. Slave-girl, Slave-girl's. Slavery . Multi-Version Concordance Slave-girl's (1 Occurrence). Galatians 4 ... /s/slave-girl's.htm - 6k Slave-girl (6 Occurrences) Inheritance (263 Occurrences) Share (138 Occurrences) Slavery (31 Occurrences) Slave (148 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about divination? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on Paul's second missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org How many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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