Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, bond-maids, or female servants, are women who serve in a household under conditions that often resemble servitude or slavery. The term "bond-maid" is used to describe a woman who is bound to service, either through purchase, birth, or other circumstances. The concept of bond-maids is addressed in various passages throughout the Old Testament, reflecting the social and legal norms of ancient Israelite society.
Old Testament ContextThe role and treatment of bond-maids are primarily discussed in the Pentateuch, where laws concerning their status and rights are outlined. In
Exodus 21:7-11, specific regulations are provided for the treatment of Hebrew bond-maids: "If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who has designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her." This passage indicates that while bond-maids were considered property, there were protections in place to prevent their mistreatment.
Leviticus 25:44-46 further elaborates on the status of bond-maids, particularly those from foreign nations: "Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also purchase from among the foreigners residing with you and their clans born in your land, who are your property. You may bequeath them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly." This distinction between Hebrew and foreign bond-maids highlights the different levels of servitude and the permanence of their status.
Social and Familial RolesBond-maids often played integral roles within the household, performing various domestic duties. In some cases, they could also become concubines or secondary wives, as seen in the account of Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, Abraham's wife.
Genesis 16:1-4 recounts how Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to bear a child, illustrating the complex social dynamics and personal relationships involving bond-maids.
The account of Rachel and Leah in
Genesis 29-30 also involves bond-maids, Bilhah and Zilpah, who were given to Jacob as concubines and bore him children. These narratives demonstrate how bond-maids could become integral to the family lineage and inheritance, despite their servile status.
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsThe treatment of bond-maids in the Bible reflects broader ethical considerations regarding servitude and human dignity. While the institution of slavery was a reality in ancient times, the biblical text provides certain protections and rights for bond-maids, suggesting a moral framework that values humane treatment.
Deuteronomy 15:12-15, for example, commands the release of Hebrew servants in the seventh year, emphasizing compassion and remembrance of Israel's own liberation from Egypt: "If your fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, sells himself to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must let him go free."
New Testament PerspectiveWhile the New Testament does not specifically address bond-maids, it does emphasize the spiritual equality of all believers in Christ.
Galatians 3:28 declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse underscores the transformative message of the Gospel, which transcends social and cultural divisions, including those related to servitude.
In summary, bond-maids in the Bible are depicted within the context of ancient societal norms, with specific laws and narratives illustrating their roles and rights. The biblical text provides a framework for understanding the complexities of servitude while pointing towards a higher moral and spiritual vision of equality and dignity for all individuals.
Library
Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... 2. Bondmen andbondmaids might be bought from the heathen round about them; these
were left by fathers to their children after them, but it does not appear...
Thesaurus
Bondmaids (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Bondmaids (6 Occurrences). Leviticus 25:44 Both
thy bondmen, and thy
bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall
...Bond-maids (1 Occurrence)
Bond-maids.Bondmaids,Bond-maids. Bondman . Multi-Version Concordance
Bond-maids (1 Occurrence).... (WBS).Bondmaids,Bond-maids. Bondman . Reference
Bondservants (39 Occurrences)
... the way of which I said to you, You shall see it no more again: and there you shall
sell yourselves to your enemies for bondservants and forbondmaids, and no...
Bond-men (16 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:44 Both thy bond-men, and thybond-maids, which thou shalt have, shall
be of the heathen that are around you; of them shall ye buy bond-men and...
Female (95 Occurrences)
... the way of which I said to you, You shall see it no more again: and there you shall
sell yourselves to your enemies for bondservants and forbondmaids, and no...
Bondmen (117 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:44 Both thy bondmen, and thybondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall
be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and...
Heathen (145 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:44 Both thy bondmen, and thybondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall
be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and...
Justify (19 Occurrences)
... But if we had been sold for bondservants andbondmaids, I would have held my peace,
although the adversary could not have compensated for the king's loss...
Transgressions (64 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:10 Now you purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem
for bondservants andbondmaids for yourselves: but aren't there even with...
Trespasses (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:10 Now you purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem
for bondservants andbondmaids for yourselves: but aren't there even with...
Resources
What is a bondservant / bond-servant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Church of Body Modification? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being or using a surrogate mother? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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