In the biblical context, the term "harsh masters" refers to individuals or authorities who exercise oppressive, severe, or unjust control over others. The Bible addresses the concept of harsh masters in various passages, providing guidance on how to respond to such authority and offering insight into God's perspective on justice and mercy.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several examples of harsh masters, often in the context of slavery or oppressive rulers. In Exodus, the Israelites experienced harsh treatment under the Egyptian Pharaoh, who subjected them to forced labor and cruel conditions. Exodus 1:13-14 states, "They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor, the Egyptians used them