In the biblical context, the term "servant-woman" refers to a female servant or maidservant who is often in the service of a household. These women played significant roles in the daily life and social structure of ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Hebrew word often used for a servant-woman is "amah" or "shiphchah," and in Greek, the term "paidiskē" is used.

Old Testament References

Servant-women are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, where they are depicted as integral members of the household. They were responsible for various domestic duties and sometimes held positions of trust and influence. For example, Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, is a prominent figure. In Genesis 16:1-2 , it is recorded: "Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, 'Please behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.'"

Another notable servant-woman is Ruth, who, although not initially a servant, humbly took on the role of a gleaner in the fields of Boaz. Her account is a testament to loyalty and faithfulness, as seen in Ruth 2:2 : "And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, 'Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.'"

New Testament References

In the New Testament, servant-women are also mentioned, often in parables and teachings of Jesus. In Luke 12:45 , Jesus uses the imagery of a servant-woman in a parable about readiness and faithfulness: "But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk."

The role of servant-women is further highlighted in the early church. In Acts 12:13 , Rhoda, a servant-girl, plays a crucial role in the narrative of Peter's miraculous release from prison: "When he knocked at the outer gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it."

Cultural and Social Context

In ancient Israelite society, servant-women were often part of the extended household, which included family members, servants, and sometimes slaves. Their status could vary significantly, from those who were considered part of the family to those who were in servitude due to economic necessity or as captives from war. Despite their lower social status, servant-women could wield considerable influence within the household, as seen in the accounts of Hagar and Ruth.

The Mosaic Law provided certain protections for servant-women, emphasizing fair treatment and justice. For instance, Exodus 21:7-11 outlines specific rights for female servants, ensuring they were not to be treated as mere property.

Theological Implications

The presence and roles of servant-women in the Bible underscore themes of humility, service, and God's providence. Their accounts often reveal God's concern for the marginalized and His ability to work through all individuals, regardless of social status. The narratives involving servant-women frequently highlight God's redemptive plan and the dignity afforded to all people created in His image.

Papal Infallibility Explained, and Tested by Tradition and ...
... ear of Malchus; who proudly boasted of his unswerving fidelity to his Master, and
yet a few hours afterwards denied him thrice before a servant-woman; who even ...
/.../ 34 papal infallibility explained.htm

The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... it came to pass, for Mr. Patrick Galloway died easing himself upon a stool; and
Mr. John Hall, being at that time in Leith, and his servant woman having left ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm

Servant-woman (7 Occurrences)
Servant-woman. Servant-wives, Servant-woman. Servant-women .
Multi-Version Concordance Servant-woman (7 Occurrences). ...
/s/servant-woman.htm - 8k

Heritage (435 Occurrences)
... Send away the servant-woman and her son; for the son of the servant-woman will not
have a part in the heritage with the son of the free woman. (BBE). ...
/h/heritage.htm - 37k

Writings (111 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Galatians 4:22 Because it is in the Writings, that Abraham had two sons,
one by the servant-woman, and one by the free woman. (BBE). ...
/w/writings.htm - 35k

Undertaking (30 Occurrences)
... Galatians 4:23 Now the son by the servant-woman has his birth after the flesh; but
the son by the free woman has his birth through the undertaking of God. ...
/u/undertaking.htm - 15k

Sex (51 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 19:20 If any man has sex relations with a servant-woman who has given
her word to be married to a man, and has not been made free for a price or in ...
/s/sex.htm - 22k

Servant-women (2 Occurrences)
Servant-women. Servant-woman, Servant-women. Serve . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Servant-woman, Servant-women. Serve . Reference Bible.
/s/servant-women.htm - 7k

Servant-wives (4 Occurrences)
Servant-wives. Servant-wife, Servant-wives. Servant-woman . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (BBE). Servant-wife, Servant-wives. Servant-woman . Reference Bible
/s/servant-wives.htm - 7k

Connection (72 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Genesis 35:22 Now while they were living in that country, Reuben had connection
with Bilhah, his father's servant-woman: and Israel had news of it. (BBE) ...
/c/connection.htm - 29k

Relations (92 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 19:20 If any man has sex relations with a servant-woman who has given
her word to be married to a man, and has not been made free for a price or in ...
/r/relations.htm - 32k

Price (181 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 19:20 If any man has sex relations with a servant-woman who has given
her word to be married to a man, and has not been made free for a price or in ...
/p/price.htm - 40k

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