Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "servant" encompasses a range of meanings, from a person in a position of subordination to one who serves God with devotion. The concept of servanthood is deeply embedded in the Scriptures, reflecting both social structures and spiritual principles.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for servant, "ebed," is frequently used to describe individuals in various roles of service. Servants could be household slaves, hired workers, or individuals serving in a specific capacity. The Mosaic Law provided guidelines for the treatment of servants, emphasizing fair treatment and humane conditions. For instance,
Exodus 21:2 states, "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."
Servanthood also carried a spiritual dimension, as seen in the lives of key biblical figures. Moses is referred to as "the servant of the LORD" (
Deuteronomy 34:5), highlighting his role as a leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. Similarly, the prophets often identified themselves as servants of God, tasked with delivering His messages to the people.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is commonly translated as "servant" or "slave." The teachings of Jesus Christ redefined the concept of servanthood, emphasizing humility and selflessness. Jesus Himself exemplified the ultimate servant, as described in
Philippians 2:7: "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Jesus taught His disciples about the importance of servanthood in the Kingdom of God. In
Mark 10:43-45, He stated, "But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
The apostle Paul frequently referred to himself as a servant of Christ, underscoring his commitment to spreading the Gospel. In
Romans 1:1, Paul introduces himself as "a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God."
Servanthood as a Christian VirtueThe New Testament encourages believers to adopt a servant's heart, following the example of Christ. In
Galatians 5:13, Paul exhorts, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This call to servanthood is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship, reflecting the love and humility of Jesus.
The role of a servant in the biblical narrative is multifaceted, encompassing both social and spiritual dimensions. Whether in the context of ancient Israelite society or the teachings of the New Testament, servanthood is portrayed as a noble and honorable calling, central to the life of faith.
Strong's Hebrew
5650. ebed -- slave,servant... 5649, 5650. ebed. 5651 . slave,
servant. Transliteration: ebed Phonetic
Spelling: (eh'-bed) Short Definition: servants. Word Origin
...5288. naar -- a boy, lad, youth, retainer
... youth, retainer NASB Word Usage attendants (1), boy (19), boy's (1), boys (1), child
(12), children (4), lad (36), lad's (2), lads (3),servant (34),servant's...
Library
TheServant's Obedience
... THESERVANT'S OBEDIENCE.... If Christ had done the noblest acts and yet had not always
had this sense of being aservant, He would not have been pure and holy....
TheServant's Triumph
... THESERVANT'S TRIUMPH. 'He is near that justifieth Me; who will contend
with Me? let us stand together: who is Mine adversary? let...
TheServant's Words to the Weary
... THESERVANT'S WORDS TO THE WEARY.... That Jesus was 'Thy HolyServant' was the earliest
gospel preached by Peter and John before people and rulers....
TheServant's Inflexible Resolve
... THESERVANT'S INFLEXIBLE RESOLVE. 'For the Lord God will help Me; therefore
shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set My face...
Expositions of Holy Scripture
... THE WRITING ON GOD'S HANDS. THESERVANT'S WORDS TO THE WEARY. THESERVANT'S OBEDIENCE.
THESERVANT'S INFLEXIBLE RESOLVE. THESERVANT'S TRIUMPH. DYING FIRES....
The SufferingServant --vi
... THE SUFFERINGSERVANT"VI.... One is that adopted in AV, according to which the suffering
Servant is represented as equal to the greatest conquerors....
The SufferingServant-ii
... THE SUFFERINGSERVANT-II. 'Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried... crushing
burden, on Him. I. The BurdenedServant. It is to be...
The SufferingServant --V
... THE SUFFERINGSERVANT"V. 'He shall see of the travail of His soul, and
shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous...
The SufferingServant-I
... THE SUFFERINGSERVANT-I.... To hold fast the fulfilment of this prophecy of the Suffering
Servant in Jesus it is not necessary to deny its reference to Israel....
Then Returning to the Words of Peter, "God Made Him Lord and...
... Let us see, then, the force of his attempts. "Who, pray, ye most reckless of men,"
he says, "when he has the form of aservant, takes the form of aservant...
Thesaurus
Servant's (29 Occurrences)...Servant's (29 Occurrences).
... (WEY). John 18:10 Simon Peter therefore, having a sword,
drew it, and struck the high priest's
servant, and cut off his right ear.
...Maid-servant's (2 Occurrences)
Maid-servant's. Maidservant's, Maid-servant's. Mail . Multi-Version
Concordance Maid-servant's (2 Occurrences). Galatians...
Man-servant's (1 Occurrence)
Man-servant's. Manservant's, Man-servant's. Mansion . Multi-Version
Concordance Man-servant's (1 Occurrence). Exodus...
Compensate (4 Occurrences)
... Compensate (4 Occurrences). Exodus 21:26 "If a man strikes hisservant's eye, or
his maid's eye, and destroys it, he shall let him go free for his eye's sake....
Strikes (39 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:20 "If a man strikes hisservant or his maid with a rod, and he dies
under his hand, he shall surely be punished. (WEB NAS RSV)....
Female (95 Occurrences)
... and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh
who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the femaleservant who is...
Far-off (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 7:19 And this was only a small thing to you, O Lord God; but your words
have even been about the far-off future of yourservant's family, O Lord God!...
Tooth's (1 Occurrence)
... Tooth's (1 Occurrence). Exodus 21:27 If he strikes out his maleservant's tooth,
or his femaleservant's tooth, he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake....
Tooth (7 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:27 If he strikes out his maleservant's tooth, or his femaleservant's
tooth, he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake....
Bondwoman's (1 Occurrence)
... Exodus 21:27 And if he smite out his man-servant's tooth, or his maid-servant's
tooth, he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake. (See JPS)....
Resources
What are the four Servant Songs in Isaiah? | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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