Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8343 servanthood, in society

8343 servanthood, in society

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8200 The character of the believer » 8342 servanthood » 8343 servanthood, in society

Servants and slaves were an important feature of everyday life in biblical times. The idea of servanthood is used both literally and metaphorically throughout Scripture.

Laws of servanthood

Exodus 21:2-6 pp Deuteronomy 15:12-18 The words “servant” and “slave” are the same in Hebrew, but according to OT law, an Israelite servant was to be accorded more rights than a foreign slave. See also Genesis 17:13; Exodus 12:44; Exodus 20:10 pp Deuteronomy 5:14; Leviticus 25:39-55; Deuteronomy 21:10-14; Deuteronomy 29:10-11; 1 Chronicles 2:34-35

Citizens referred to as servants of the king

1 Samuel 17:34 See also 2 Samuel 18:29; 2 Kings 5:6; Ezra 4:11; Proverbs 14:35; Matthew 18:23

Kings as servants of other kings

2 Kings 16:7 See also 2 Samuel 10:19 pp 1 Chronicles 19:19; 2 Kings 17:3; Kings 24:1; Isaiah 60:10

Servant as a self-designated title of respect

2 Samuel 9:2 See also Genesis 19:2; Genesis 32:4; 1 Samuel 17:34; 2 Samuel 14:6; 2 Kings 2:15-16; Kings 4:1; Kings 6:3; Daniel 1:12-13; Daniel 2:4

Servanthood in Proverbs

Proverbs 14:35 See also Proverbs 11:29; Proverbs 12:9; Proverbs 17:2; Proverbs 29:19; Proverbs 30:10,21-23

Servanthood in the NT

Matthew 23:8-12 See also Matthew 6:24; Luke 17:7-10; John 15:20; Romans 12:3-8