Reference: Slave, Slavery
Hastings
The Heb. 'ebhedh, usually tr 'servant,' has a variety of meanings, between which it is not always easy to distinguish. E.g. in 2Sa 9:2 'servant' = retainer, in 2Sa 9:10 b = bondman, in 2Sa 9:11 = a polite expression of self-depreciation (cf. 2Ki 4:1 and 1Ki 9:22). In a discussion of Hebrew slavery only those passages will be dealt with in which the word probably has the sense of bondage.
1. Legally the slave was a chattel. In the earliest code (Book of the Covenant [= BC]) he is called his master's money (Ex 21:21). In the Decalogue he is grouped with the cattle (Ex 20:17), and so regularly in the patriarchal narratives (Ge 12:16 etc.). Even those laws which sought to protect the slave witness to his degraded position. In the BC the master is not punished for inflicting even a fatal flogging upon his slave, unless death follows immediately. If the slave lingers a day or two before dying, the master is given the benefit of the doubt as to the cause of his death, and the loss of the slave is regarded as a sufficient punishment (Ex 21:21). The jus talionis was not applicable to the slave as it was to the freeman (cf. Ex 21:26 ff. with Ex 21:22 ff.); and it is the master of the slave, not the slave himself, who is recompensed if the slave is gored by an ox (Ex 21:32). In these last two instances BC follows the Code of Hammurabi [= CH] (
See Verses Found in Dictionary
He treated Abram well because of her, and Abram acquired flocks and herds, male and female donkeys, male and female slaves, and camels.
When Abram heard that his relative had been taken prisoner, he assembled his 318 trained men, born in his household, and they went in pursuit as far as Dan.
When Abram heard that his relative had been taken prisoner, he assembled his 318 trained men, born in his household, and they went in pursuit as far as Dan.
After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great. But Abram said, "Lord God , what can You give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?"
But Abram said, "Lord God , what can You give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" Abram continued, "Look, You have given me no offspring, so a slave born in my house will be my heir." read more. Now the word of the Lord came to him: "This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body will be your heir."
Abram's wife Sarai had not borne him children. She owned an Egyptian slave named Hagar.
Abram's wife Sarai had not borne him children. She owned an Egyptian slave named Hagar.
He slept with Hagar, and she became pregnant. When she realized that she was pregnant, she looked down on her mistress.
Abram replied to Sarai, "Here, your slave is in your hands; do whatever you want with her." Then Sarai mistreated her so much that she ran away from her.
Abram replied to Sarai, "Here, your slave is in your hands; do whatever you want with her." Then Sarai mistreated her so much that she ran away from her.
Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, "You must go back to your mistress and submit to her mistreatment."
Throughout your generations, every male among you at eight days old is to be circumcised. This includes a slave born in your house and one purchased with money from any foreigner. The one who is not your offspring,
Throughout your generations, every male among you at eight days old is to be circumcised. This includes a slave born in your house and one purchased with money from any foreigner. The one who is not your offspring,
Throughout your generations, every male among you at eight days old is to be circumcised. This includes a slave born in your house and one purchased with money from any foreigner. The one who is not your offspring,
Throughout your generations, every male among you at eight days old is to be circumcised. This includes a slave born in your house and one purchased with money from any foreigner. The one who is not your offspring,
But he responded to them, "Do not delay me, since the Lord has made my journey a success. Send me away so that I may go to my master."
Abraham gave everything he owned to Isaac.
These are the family records of Abraham's son Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's slave, bore to Abraham.
And Laban gave his slave Zilpah to his daughter Leah as her slave.
Then she said, "Here is my slave Bilhah. Go sleep with her, and she'll bear [children] for me so that through her I too can build [a family]."
Then Judah said to his brothers, "What do we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?
Then Judah said to his brothers, "What do we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?
Now Joseph had been taken to Egypt. An Egyptian [named] Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there.
Then Jacob called his sons and said, "Gather around, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the days to come.
But any slave a man has purchased may eat it, after you have circumcised him.
But any slave a man has purchased may eat it, after you have circumcised him.
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work-you, your son or daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the foreigner who is within your gates.
Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
"These are the ordinances that you must set before them: "When you buy a Hebrew slave, he is to serve for six years; then in the seventh he is to leave as a free man without paying anything.
"When you buy a Hebrew slave, he is to serve for six years; then in the seventh he is to leave as a free man without paying anything.
"When you buy a Hebrew slave, he is to serve for six years; then in the seventh he is to leave as a free man without paying anything. If he arrives alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrives with a wife, his wife is to leave with him.
If he arrives alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrives with a wife, his wife is to leave with him. If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children belong to her master, and the man must leave alone.
If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children belong to her master, and the man must leave alone.
If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children belong to her master, and the man must leave alone. "But if the slave declares: 'I love my master, my wife, and my children; I do not want to leave as a free man,'
"But if the slave declares: 'I love my master, my wife, and my children; I do not want to leave as a free man,' his master is to bring him to the judges and then bring him to the door or doorpost. His master must pierce his ear with an awl, and he will serve his master for life.
his master is to bring him to the judges and then bring him to the door or doorpost. His master must pierce his ear with an awl, and he will serve his master for life.
his master is to bring him to the judges and then bring him to the door or doorpost. His master must pierce his ear with an awl, and he will serve his master for life. "When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she is not to leave as the male slaves do.
"When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she is not to leave as the male slaves do.
"When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she is not to leave as the male slaves do.
"When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she is not to leave as the male slaves do.
"When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she is not to leave as the male slaves do.
"When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she is not to leave as the male slaves do. If she is displeasing to her master, who chose her for himself, then he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners because he has acted treacherously toward her.
If she is displeasing to her master, who chose her for himself, then he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners because he has acted treacherously toward her.
If she is displeasing to her master, who chose her for himself, then he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners because he has acted treacherously toward her.
If she is displeasing to her master, who chose her for himself, then he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners because he has acted treacherously toward her.
If she is displeasing to her master, who chose her for himself, then he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners because he has acted treacherously toward her.
If she is displeasing to her master, who chose her for himself, then he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners because he has acted treacherously toward her.
If she is displeasing to her master, who chose her for himself, then he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners because he has acted treacherously toward her.
If she is displeasing to her master, who chose her for himself, then he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners because he has acted treacherously toward her. Or if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her according to the customary treatment of daughters.
Or if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her according to the customary treatment of daughters.
Or if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her according to the customary treatment of daughters.
Or if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her according to the customary treatment of daughters.
Or if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her according to the customary treatment of daughters.
Or if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her according to the customary treatment of daughters. If he takes an additional wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of the first wife.
If he takes an additional wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of the first wife.
If he takes an additional wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of the first wife.
If he takes an additional wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of the first wife.
If he takes an additional wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of the first wife.
If he takes an additional wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of the first wife.
If he takes an additional wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of the first wife. And if he does not do these three things for her, she may leave free of charge, without any exchange of money.
And if he does not do these three things for her, she may leave free of charge, without any exchange of money.
And if he does not do these three things for her, she may leave free of charge, without any exchange of money. "Whoever strikes a person so that he dies must be put to death. read more. But if he didn't intend any harm, and yet God caused it to happen by his hand, I will appoint a place for you where he may flee. If a person willfully acts against his neighbor to murder him by scheming, you must take him from My altar to be put to death. "Whoever strikes his father or his mother must be put to death. "Whoever kidnaps a person must be put to death, whether he sells him or the person is found in his possession.
"Whoever kidnaps a person must be put to death, whether he sells him or the person is found in his possession.
"When men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or fist, and the injured man does not die but is confined to bed,
"When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod, and the slave dies under his abuse, the owner must be punished.
"When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod, and the slave dies under his abuse, the owner must be punished.
"When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod, and the slave dies under his abuse, the owner must be punished. However, if the slave can stand up after a day or two, the owner should not be punished because he is his [owner's] property.
However, if the slave can stand up after a day or two, the owner should not be punished because he is his [owner's] property. "When men get in a fight, and hit a pregnant woman so that her children are born [prematurely], but there is no injury, the one who hit her must be fined as the woman's husband demands from him, and he must pay according to judicial assessment.
"When a man strikes the eye of his male or female slave and destroys it, he must let the slave go free in compensation for his eye.
"When a man strikes the eye of his male or female slave and destroys it, he must let the slave go free in compensation for his eye.
"When a man strikes the eye of his male or female slave and destroys it, he must let the slave go free in compensation for his eye.
If the ox gores a male or female slave, he must give 30 shekels of silver to the slave's master, and the ox must be stoned.
If the ox gores a male or female slave, he must give 30 shekels of silver to the slave's master, and the ox must be stoned.
If the ox gores a male or female slave, he must give 30 shekels of silver to the slave's master, and the ox must be stoned.
"When a man steals an ox or a sheep and butchers it or sells it, he must repay five cattle for the ox or four sheep for the sheep. If a thief is caught in the act of breaking in, and he is beaten to death, no one is guilty of bloodshed. read more. But if this happens after sunrise, there is guilt of bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution. If he is unable, he is to be sold because of his theft. If what was stolen-whether ox, donkey, or sheep-is actually found alive in his possession, he must repay double.
"When a man seduces a virgin who was not promised in marriage, and he has sexual relations with her, he must certainly pay the bridal price for her to be his wife.
"When a man seduces a virgin who was not promised in marriage, and he has sexual relations with her, he must certainly pay the bridal price for her to be his wife.
"Do your work for six days but rest on the seventh day so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave as well as the foreign resident may be refreshed.
You are not to have sex with your father's wife; it will shame your father.
"If a man has sexual intercourse with a woman who is a slave designated for [another] man, but she has not been redeemed or given her freedom, there must be punishment. They are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed.
If a man sleeps with his father's wife, he has shamed his father. Both of them must be put to death; their blood is on their own hands.
"No one outside a priest's family is to eat the holy offering. A foreigner staying with a priest or a hired hand is not to eat the holy offering.
"If a man kills anyone, he must be put to death.
"The land is not to be permanently sold because it is Mine, and you are only foreigners and temporary residents on My land.
"If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him to do slave labor.
"If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him to do slave labor.
"If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him to do slave labor.
"If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him to do slave labor. Let him stay with you as a hired hand or temporary resident; he may work for you until the Year of Jubilee.
Let him stay with you as a hired hand or temporary resident; he may work for you until the Year of Jubilee. Then he and his children are to be released from you, and he may return to his clan and his ancestral property.
Then he and his children are to be released from you, and he may return to his clan and his ancestral property. They are not to be sold as slaves, because they are My slaves I brought out of the land of Egypt.
They are not to be sold as slaves, because they are My slaves I brought out of the land of Egypt.
They are not to be sold as slaves, because they are My slaves I brought out of the land of Egypt. You are not to rule over them harshly but fear your God.
You are not to rule over them harshly but fear your God. Your male and female slaves are to be from the nations around you; you may purchase male and female slaves.
Your male and female slaves are to be from the nations around you; you may purchase male and female slaves.
Your male and female slaves are to be from the nations around you; you may purchase male and female slaves. You may also purchase them from the foreigners staying with you, or from their families living among you-those born in your land. These may become your property.
You may also purchase them from the foreigners staying with you, or from their families living among you-those born in your land. These may become your property. You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But concerning your brothers, the Israelites, you must not rule over one another harshly.
You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But concerning your brothers, the Israelites, you must not rule over one another harshly. "If a foreigner or temporary resident [living] among you prospers, but your brother [living] near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner living among you, or to a member of the foreigner's clan, read more. he has the right of redemption after he has been sold. One of his brothers may redeem him. His uncle or cousin may redeem him, or any of his close relatives from his clan may redeem him. If he prospers, he may redeem himself.
His uncle or cousin may redeem him, or any of his close relatives from his clan may redeem him. If he prospers, he may redeem himself. The one who purchased him is to calculate [the time] from the year he sold himself to him until the Year of Jubilee. The price of his sale will be [determined] by the number of years. It will be [set] for him like the daily wages of a hired hand. read more. If many years are still left, he must pay his redemption price in proportion to them based on his purchase price. If only a few years remain until the Year of Jubilee, he will calculate and pay the price of his redemption in proportion to his [remaining] years. He will stay with him like a man hired year by year. A foreign owner is not to rule over him harshly in your sight. If he is not redeemed in any of these [ways], he and his children are to be released at the Year of Jubilee. For the Israelites are My slaves. They are My slaves I brought out of the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.
For the Israelites are My slaves. They are My slaves I brought out of the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.
But God was incensed that Balaam was going, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand on the path to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him.
You will rejoice before the Lord your God-you, your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, and the Levite who is within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.
You must eat them in the presence of the Lord your God at the place the Lord your God chooses-you, your son and daughter, your male and female slave, and the Levite who is within your gates. Rejoice before the Lord your God in everything you do,
"If your fellow Hebrew, a man or woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, you must set him free in the seventh year.
"If your fellow Hebrew, a man or woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, you must set him free in the seventh year.
"If your fellow Hebrew, a man or woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, you must set him free in the seventh year. When you set him free, do not send him away empty-handed.
When you set him free, do not send him away empty-handed. Give generously to him from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You are to give him whatever the Lord your God has blessed you with. read more. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today. But if your slave says to you, 'I don't want to leave you,' because he loves you and your family, and is well off with you,
But if your slave says to you, 'I don't want to leave you,' because he loves you and your family, and is well off with you, take an awl and pierce through his ear into the door, and he will become your slave for life. Also treat your female slave the same way. read more. Do not regard it as a hardship when you set him free, because he worked for you six years-worth twice the wages of a hired hand. Then the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.
Rejoice before the Lord your God in the place where He chooses to have His name dwell-you, your son and daughter, your male and female slave, the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreign resident, the fatherless, and the widow among you.
Rejoice during your festival-you, your son and daughter, your male and female slave, as well as the Levite, the foreign resident, the fatherless, and the widow within your gates.
"When you go to war against your enemies and the Lord your God hands them over to you and you take some of them prisoner, and
"When you go to war against your enemies and the Lord your God hands them over to you and you take some of them prisoner, and if you see a beautiful woman among the captives, desire her, and want to take her as your wife,
if you see a beautiful woman among the captives, desire her, and want to take her as your wife, you are to bring her into your house. She must shave her head, trim her nails,
you are to bring her into your house. She must shave her head, trim her nails, remove the clothes she was wearing when she was taken prisoner, live in your house, and mourn for her father and mother a full month. After that, you may have sexual relations with her and be her husband, and she will be your wife.
remove the clothes she was wearing when she was taken prisoner, live in your house, and mourn for her father and mother a full month. After that, you may have sexual relations with her and be her husband, and she will be your wife. Then if you are not satisfied with her, you are to let her go where she wants, but you must not sell her for money or treat her as merchandise, because you have humiliated her.
Then if you are not satisfied with her, you are to let her go where she wants, but you must not sell her for money or treat her as merchandise, because you have humiliated her.
If a man encounters a young woman, a virgin who is not engaged, takes hold of her and rapes her, and they are discovered,
If a man encounters a young woman, a virgin who is not engaged, takes hold of her and rapes her, and they are discovered,
"A man is not to marry his father's wife; he must not violate his father's marriage bed.
"Do not return a slave to his master when he has escaped from his master to you.
"Do not return a slave to his master when he has escaped from his master to you.
"Do not return a slave to his master when he has escaped from his master to you. Let him live among you wherever he wants within your gates. Do not mistreat him.
"Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or anything that can earn interest
"If a man is discovered kidnapping one of his Israelite brothers, whether he treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. You must purge the evil from you.
"If a man is discovered kidnapping one of his Israelite brothers, whether he treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. You must purge the evil from you.
'Cursed is the one who sleeps with his father's wife, for he has violated his father's marriage bed.' And all the people will say, 'Amen!'
Therefore you are cursed and will always be slaves-woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God."
On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers-as they are today-for the community and for the Lord's altar at the place He would choose.
But, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer. So the Canaanites live in Ephraim to this day, but they are forced laborers.
When Israel became stronger, they made the Canaanites serve as forced labor but never drove them out completely.
Then her husband got up and went after her to speak kindly to her and bring her back. His servant and a couple of donkeys were with him. So she brought him to her father's house, and when the girl's father saw him, he gladly welcomed him.
Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Listen, my daughter. Don't go and gather [grain] in another field, and don't leave this one, but stay here close to my young women.
or for the priests' share [of the sacrifices] from the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling and plunge it into the container or kettle or caldron or cooking pot. The priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is the way they treated all the Israelites who came there to Shiloh. read more. Even before the fat was burned, the priest's servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, "Give the priest [some] meat to roast, because he won't accept boiled meat from you-only raw."
When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to the attendant who was with him, "Come on, let's go back, or my father will stop [worrying] about the donkeys and start worrying about us."
The attendant answered Saul: "Here, I have a piece of silver. I'll give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way."
Samuel took Saul and his attendant, brought them to the banquet hall, and gave them a place at the head of the 30 or so men who had been invited.
Nabal asked them, "Who is David? Who is Jesse's son? Many slaves these days are running away from their masters.
She bowed her face to the ground and said, "Here I am, your servant, to wash the feet of my lord's servants."
They found an Egyptian in the open country and brought him to David. They gave him some bread to eat and water to drink.
There was a servant of Saul's family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" "[I am] your servant," he replied.
There was a servant of Saul's family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" "[I am] your servant," he replied.
You, your sons, and your servants are to work the ground for him, and you are to bring in [the crops] so your master's grandson will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, is always to eat at my table." Now Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants.
You, your sons, and your servants are to work the ground for him, and you are to bring in [the crops] so your master's grandson will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, is always to eat at my table." Now Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants. Ziba said to the king, "Your servant will do all my lord the king commands." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table just like one of the king's sons.
When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, was right there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with 200 loaves of bread, 100 clusters of raisins, 100 [bunches] of summer fruit, and a skin of wine.
But then, at the end of three years, two of Shimei's slaves ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. Shimei was informed, "Look, your slaves are in Gath."
Then King Solomon drafted forced laborers from all Israel; the labor force numbered 30,000 men.
Then King Solomon drafted forced laborers from all Israel; the labor force numbered 30,000 men.
As for all the peoples who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not Israelites-
As for all the peoples who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not Israelites-
As for all the peoples who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not Israelites- their descendants who remained in the land after them, those whom the Israelites were unable to annihilate-Solomon imposed forced labor on them; [it is this way] until today. read more. But Solomon did not consign the Israelites to slavery; they were soldiers, his servants, his commanders, his captains, and commanders of his chariots and his cavalry.
But Solomon did not consign the Israelites to slavery; they were soldiers, his servants, his commanders, his captains, and commanders of his chariots and his cavalry.
One of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, "Your servant, my husband, has died. You know that your servant feared the Lord. Now the creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves."
One of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, "Your servant, my husband, has died. You know that your servant feared the Lord. Now the creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves."
Gehazi, the attendant of Elisha the man of God, thought: My master has let this Aramean Naaman off lightly by not accepting from him what he brought. As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.
Sheshan had no sons, only daughters, but he did have an Egyptian servant whose name was Jarha.
Sheshan had no sons, only daughters, but he did have an Egyptian servant whose name was Jarha.
As for all the peoples who remained of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not from Israel-
As for all the peoples who remained of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not from Israel- their descendants who remained in the land after them, those whom the Israelites had not completely destroyed-Solomon imposed forced labor on them; [it is this way] today. read more. But Solomon did not consign the Israelites to be slaves for his work; they were soldiers, commanders of his captains, and commanders of his chariots and his cavalry.
At that time, I also said to the people, "Let everyone and his servant spend the night inside Jerusalem, so that they can stand guard by night and work by day."
We and our children are [just] like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless because our fields and vineyards belong to others."
We and our children are [just] like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless because our fields and vineyards belong to others." I became extremely angry when I heard their outcry and these complaints.
and said, "We have done our best to buy back our Jewish countrymen who were sold to foreigners, but now you sell your own countrymen, and we have to buy them back." They remained silent and could not say a word.
and said, "We have done our best to buy back our Jewish countrymen who were sold to foreigners, but now you sell your own countrymen, and we have to buy them back." They remained silent and could not say a word.
The governors who preceded me had heavily burdened the people, taking food and wine from them, as well as a pound of silver. Their subordinates also oppressed the people, but I didn't do this, because of the fear of God.
The descendants of Solomon's servants [included]: Sotai's descendants, Sophereth's descendants, Perida's descendants, Jaala's descendants, Darkon's descendants, Giddel's descendants, read more. Shephatiah's descendants, Hattil's descendants, Pochereth-hazzebaim's descendants, Amon's descendants. All the temple servants and the descendants of Solomon's servants 392
Both the small and the great are there, and the slave is set free from his master.
The fatherless infant is snatched from the breast; the nursing child of the poor is seized as collateral.
If I have dismissed the case of my male or female servants when they made a complaint against me, what could I do when God stands up [to judge]? How should I answer Him when He calls [me] to account? read more. Did not the One who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same God form us both in the womb?
The one who brings ruin on his household will inherit the wind, and a fool will be a slave to someone whose heart is wise.
The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.
A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share an inheritance among brothers.
Luxury is not appropriate for a fool- how much less for a slave to rule over princes!
Luxury is not appropriate for a fool- how much less for a slave to rule over princes!
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.
A servant cannot be disciplined by words; though he understands, he doesn't respond.
The earth trembles under three things; it cannot bear up under four: a servant when he becomes king, a fool when he is stuffed with food,
a servant when he becomes king, a fool when he is stuffed with food, an unloved woman when she marries, and a serving girl when she ousts her lady.
She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her servants.
But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham, My friend-
"This is My Servant; I strengthen Him, [this is] My Chosen One; I delight in Him. I have put My Spirit on Him; He will bring justice to the nations. He will not cry out or shout or make His voice heard in the streets. read more. He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick; He will faithfully bring justice. He will not grow weak or be discouraged until He has established justice on earth. The islands will wait for His instruction."
Coastlands, listen to me; distant peoples, pay attention. The Lord called me before I was born. He named me while I was in my mother's womb. He made my words like a sharp sword; He hid me in the shadow of His hand. He made me like a sharpened arrow; He hid me in His quiver. read more. He said to me, "You are My servant, Israel; I will be glorified in him." But I myself said: I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and futility; yet my vindication is with the Lord, and my reward is with my God. And now, says the Lord, who formed me from the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him so that Israel might be gathered to Him; for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God is my strength- He says, "It is not enough for you to be My servant raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to be My salvation to the ends of the earth."
This is what the Lord says: Where is your mother's divorce certificate that I used to send her away? Or who were My creditors that I sold you to? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and your mother was put away because of your transgressions.
The Lord God has given Me the tongue of those who are instructed to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens [Me] each morning; He awakens My ear to listen like those being instructed. The Lord God has opened My ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn back. read more. I gave My back to those who beat Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spitting. The Lord God will help Me; therefore I have not been humiliated; therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. The One who justifies Me is near; who will contend with Me? Let us confront each other. Who has a case against Me? Let him come near Me! In truth, the Lord God will help Me; who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed, all of them will wear out like a garment; a moth will devour them. Who among you fears the Lord, listening to the voice of His servant? Who [among you] walks in darkness, and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord; let him lean on his God.
See, My servant will act wisely; He will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted.
Therefore I will give Him the many as a portion, and He will receive the mighty as spoil, because He submitted Himself to death, and was counted among the rebels; yet He bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels.
[This is] the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord after King Zedekiah made a covenant with all the people who were in Jerusalem to proclaim freedom to them, so each man would free his male and female Hebrew slaves and no one enslave his Judean brother. read more. All the officials and people who entered into covenant to free their male and female slaves-in order not to enslave them any longer-obeyed and freed them. Afterwards, however, they changed their minds and took back their male and female slaves they had freed and forced them to become slaves [again]. Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I made a covenant with your ancestors when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery, saying: At the end of seven years, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must send him out free from you. But your ancestors did not obey Me or pay any attention. Today you repented and did what pleased Me, each of you proclaiming freedom for his neighbor. You made a covenant before Me at the temple called by My name. But you have changed your minds and profaned My name. Each has taken back his male and female slaves who had been freed [to go] wherever they wanted, and you have [again] subjugated them to be your slaves. "Therefore, this is what the Lord says: You have not obeyed Me by proclaiming freedom, each man for his brother and for his neighbor. I hereby proclaim freedom for you"-[this is] the Lord's declaration-"to the sword, to plague, and to famine! I will make you a horror to all the earth's kingdoms.
Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your goods.
You sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks to remove them far from their own territory.
The Lord says: I will not relent from punishing Gaza for three crimes, even four, because they exiled a whole community, handing them over to Edom.
The Lord says: I will not relent from punishing Tyre for three crimes, even four, because they handed over a whole community of exiles to Edom and broke a treaty of brotherhood.
The Lord says: I will not relent from punishing Israel for three crimes, even four, because they sell a righteous person for silver and a needy person for a pair of sandals.
We can buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals and even sell the wheat husks!"
Since he had no way to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt.
Since he had no way to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt.
"Who then is a faithful and sensible slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give them food at the proper time?
At harvest time he sent a slave to the farmers to collect some of the fruit of the vineyard from the farmers.
Again he sent another slave to them, and they hit him on the head and treated him shamefully.
Those slaves the master will find alert when he comes will be blessed. I assure you: He will get ready, have them recline at the table, then come and serve them.
"Which one of you having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he comes in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'?
A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever.
Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow countryman. Greet those who belong to the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
Were you called while a slave? It should not be a concern to you. But if you can become free, by all means take the opportunity.
Were you called while a slave? It should not be a concern to you. But if you can become free, by all means take the opportunity. For he who is called by the Lord as a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called as a free man is Christ's slave. read more. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
And I say this, brothers: the time is limited, so from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none,
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free-and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner of everything.
Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ. Don't [work only] while being watched, in order to please men, but as slaves of Christ, do God's will from your heart. read more. Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. And masters, treat them the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their and your Master is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.
Slaves, obey your human masters in everything; don't work only while being watched, in order to please men, but [work] wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.
Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.
All who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters to be worthy of all respect, so that God's name and His teaching will not be blasphemed.
All who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters to be worthy of all respect, so that God's name and His teaching will not be blasphemed.
Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back or stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything. read more. For the grace of God has appeared, with salvation for all people,
no longer as a slave, but more than a slave-as a dearly loved brother. This is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Household slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the cruel.