Topical Encyclopedia
A bond-servant, in biblical terms, refers to an individual who is in a state of servitude or slavery, often voluntarily, to another person. This concept is deeply rooted in the socio-economic and cultural contexts of the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world, where servitude was a common practice. The term "bond-servant" is frequently encountered in both the Old and New Testaments, carrying significant theological and moral implications.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "servant" or "slave" is "ebed." The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of bond-servants. For instance,
Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the conditions under which a Hebrew might become a bond-servant and the provisions for their release: "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 temporary nature of servitude among the Israelites and the emphasis on humane treatment and eventual freedom.
The concept of the Jubilee year, as described in
Leviticus 25:10, further underscores the importance of liberation and restoration: "Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you, when each of you is to return to his property and to his clan" . This reflects God's desire for justice and equality among His people.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek term "doulos" is commonly translated as "bond-servant" or "slave." The Apostle Paul frequently uses this term to describe his relationship with Christ, emphasizing total devotion and submission. In
Romans 1:1, Paul introduces himself as "a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God" . This self-identification highlights the voluntary and willing nature of his servitude, motivated by love and commitment to the Lord.
The New Testament also addresses the relationship between masters and bond-servants, urging both parties to act with integrity and respect.
Ephesians 6:5-9 instructs bond-servants to obey their earthly masters with sincerity, "as you would obey Christ" , while masters are reminded to treat their servants with fairness, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven.
Theological SignificanceTheologically, the concept of a bond-servant is rich with meaning. It illustrates the believer's relationship with Christ, characterized by willing submission and service. Jesus Himself exemplified the ultimate bond-servant, as described in
Philippians 2:7: "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness" . This act of humility and obedience serves as a model for Christians, who are called to serve God and others selflessly.
Furthermore, the notion of being a bond-servant to Christ signifies freedom from the bondage of sin.
Romans 6:22 states, "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" . This paradoxical freedom through servitude underscores the transformative power of the Gospel.
Cultural and Historical ConsiderationsUnderstanding the role of bond-servants in biblical times requires an awareness of the cultural and historical context. In ancient societies, servitude was often a means of survival or a consequence of debt. However, the biblical narrative consistently calls for the humane and just treatment of servants, reflecting God's concern for the dignity and worth of every individual.
In summary, the concept of a bond-servant in the Bible encompasses both literal and metaphorical dimensions, serving as a profound illustration of devotion, humility, and the transformative relationship between believers and their Savior.
Greek
4889. sundoulos -- a fellow servant... colleague. 4889 (from 4862 , "closely identified " and 1401 , "bond-slave") --
properly, a
bond-
servant (slave), the same master. Word
...1401. doulos -- a slave
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a slave NASB Word Usagebond-servant
(11), bond-servants (12), bondslave (3), bondslaves (8), both men and women...
Strong's Hebrew
5650. ebed -- slave, servant... bondage, bondman,
bondservant, manservant. From abad; a servant -- X bondage, bondman,
(
bond-)
servant, (man-)servant. see HEBREW abad. 5649, 5650. ebed. 5651
...5656. abodah -- labor, service
... 1), work (18), workers (1). act, bondage,bondservant, effect, labor,
ministering, office, service, tillage,. Or mabowdah {ab-o-daw...
Library
TheBond-Servant and the Son
... XIX THEBOND-SERVANT AND THE SON. Luke xvii.7-10.... But Jesus in reality is contrasting
two ideas of duty,"the duty of abond-servant and the duty of a son....
Are You Willing to be a Servant?
... are to be the bond-servants of One who was Himself willing to be abond-servant....
God, but emptied Himself and took upon Him the form of abondservant" (Phil.2:6...
Jesus Rejected in Jerusalem.
... Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth
sin is thebondservant of sin. And thebondservant...
Galatians Chapter iv.
... Galatians Chapter IV. Verse 1-3 "But I say, that so long as the heir is a child,
he differeth nothing from abond-servant, though he is lord of all; but is...
The Freedom of the Soul.
... Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth
sin is thebondservant of sin. And thebondservant...
Philemon i. 6-Apr
... Ver.15, 16. "For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season that thou
shouldest have him for ever; no longer as abond-servant."....
Book xii. At Length, with the Holy Ghost Speeding Our Way...
... But since He is subjected not of His own will, He must needs be also abondservant;
moreover since He is abondservant He must needs also be dwelling in a...
Messianic Claims Met by Attempt to Stone Jesus.
... 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that
committeth sin is thebondservant of sin. [Jesus here shows...
Abba, Father!
... I-7. 'But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a
bondservant, though he is lord of all; but is under guardians and stewards...
James the Brother of the Lord.
... The Epistle in our canon, which purports to be written by "James, abond-servant
of God and of Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes of the dispersion," though...
Thesaurus
Bondservant (34 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BONDSERVANT. bond'-sur-vant
... SLAVERY.
Multi-Version Concordance
Bondservant (34 Occurrences). Matthew 6
...Bond-servant (14 Occurrences)
Bond-servant.Bondservant,Bond-servant. Bondservants . Multi-Version Concordance...
(ASV).Bondservant,Bond-servant. Bondservants . Reference Bible.
Oh (164 Occurrences)
... But he exclaimed, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellowbondservant of yours and a
fellowbondservant of your brethren who have borne testimony to Jesus....
Wishes (37 Occurrences)
... be your servant. (See NAS). Matthew 20:27 Whoever desires to be first among
you shall be yourbondservant, (See NAS). Mark 8:34 He...
Christ's (64 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:22 For he who was called in the Lord being abondservant is the
Lord's free man. Likewise he who was called being free is Christ'sbondservant....
Poor (276 Occurrences)
... 11). (5.) In the sabbatical and jubilee years thebond-servant was to go
free (Deuteronomy 15:12-15; Leviticus 25:39-42, 47-54)....
Underlies (1 Occurrence)
... But he exclaimed, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellowbondservant of yours and a
fellowbondservant of your brethren who have borne testimony to Jesus....
Freedman (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Corinthians 7:22 For he that was called in the Lord being abondservant, is the
Lord's freedman: likewise he that was called being free, is Christ's...
Teachings (34 Occurrences)
... I am a fellowbondservant of yours, and a fellowbondservant of your brethren the
Prophets and of those who are mindful of the teachings of this book....
Desires (151 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY). Matthew 20:27 Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your
bondservant, (WEB WEY). Matthew 27:43 He trusts in God....
Resources
What is a bondservant / bond-servant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is kenoticism / kenotic theology? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we experience true freedom in Christ? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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