The term "trafficked" in contemporary usage often refers to the illegal trade of humans for the purposes of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation. While the Bible does not use the term "trafficked" explicitly, the Scriptures address related issues such as slavery, exploitation, and the treatment of individuals, which can provide insight into a biblical perspective on human trafficking.

Biblical Context of Slavery and Exploitation

In the ancient world, slavery was a common practice, and the Bible contains numerous references to it. However, the biblical approach to slavery and the treatment of individuals often emphasizes justice, mercy, and the inherent dignity of every person as created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The Mosaic Law provided regulations intended to protect slaves from mistreatment. For example, Exodus 21:16 states, "Whoever kidnaps someone must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession." This verse underscores the gravity of kidnapping and selling individuals, which is akin to modern human trafficking.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the treatment of individuals, emphasizing love, equality, and the breaking down of social barriers. In Galatians 3:28 , the Apostle Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the spiritual equality of all believers, regardless of social status, and calls for a community where exploitation and discrimination are absent.

Christian Responsibility and Response

The Bible calls Christians to act justly and to care for the oppressed. Proverbs 31:8-9 exhorts believers to "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." This call to advocacy and justice aligns with efforts to combat human trafficking and support victims.

Furthermore, Jesus' teachings in the Gospels emphasize love and compassion for one's neighbor. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates the importance of showing mercy and taking action to help those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Historical and Modern Implications

Throughout history, Christians have been involved in movements to abolish slavery and combat human trafficking. The biblical principles of justice, mercy, and the inherent worth of every individual have inspired many to work towards the eradication of these practices. In modern times, Christian organizations and individuals continue to play a significant role in raising awareness, providing support for victims, and advocating for policies that prevent trafficking and protect the vulnerable.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not directly address the modern concept of human trafficking, its teachings on justice, the treatment of individuals, and the call to love and serve others provide a framework for understanding and responding to this grave issue. Christians are encouraged to uphold the dignity of every person and to actively work against exploitation and injustice in all its forms.(imp. & p. p.) of Traffic.5503. sachar -- to go around or about, travel about
... NASB Word Usage commercial (1), customer (3), customers (2), merchant (1), merchants
(6), roving about (1), throbs (1), trade (3), traders (2), trafficked (1). ...
/hebrew/5503.htm - 6k

The Story of a Maiden of Corinth, and a Certain Magistrianus.
... images. Now those who trafficked in such things, brought her beauty under
the notice of the impious judge, who lusted after women. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/the story of a maiden.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... no answer but a kind of growl. They looked as dirty and rusty as the iron
in which they trafficked. The woman of the house and her ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram.htm

Fresh Troubles
... obscure prelate from the Cilbian hills; and Eusebius continued: 'Yes, and the
simoniacal intruders whom he has appointed, these who have trafficked for their ...
/.../chapter xxxviii fresh troubles.htm

Introduction
... Yonder afar off stands a man who, having trafficked in all iniquity, having matured
in wickedness, and perfected himself in the fine art of dodging truth and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/introduction.htm

Sixth Tractate. Beauty.
... infected with the taint of body, occupied always in Matter, and absorbing Matter
into itself; in its commerce with the Ignoble it has trafficked away for an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/plotinus/the six enneads/sixth tractate beauty.htm

And Disputes
... by the unchaste living priests, who so behaved that the Sacraments were polluted,
and by the manner in which archdeacons and others trafficked in bribes. ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter vii name disputes.htm

Introduction
... As Greeks enslaved Greeks, as the Hebrew often consented to make the Hebrew his
absolute lord, as Anglo-Saxons trafficked in Anglo-Saxons, so the race ...
/.../bangs/a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/introduction.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... 31. He cleansed the temple of those who made merchandise of God, and trafficked
in the things of Christ, imitating Christ [3363] in this also; only it was with ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
Homilies on the Gospel of St. John and the Epistle to the Hebrews. <. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Trafficked (7 Occurrences)
...Trafficked (7 Occurrences). Matthew 25:16 And he that had received the five talents
went and trafficked with them, and made five other talents. (DBY). ...
/t/trafficked.htm - 8k

Trafficker (3 Occurrences)

/t/trafficker.htm - 9k

Traffick (4 Occurrences)

/t/traffick.htm - 7k

Labored (35 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:15 Thus shall the things be to you in which you have labored: those who
have trafficked with you from your youth shall wander everyone to his quarter ...
/l/labored.htm - 17k

Wander (43 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:15 Thus shall the things be to you in which you have labored: those who
have trafficked with you from your youth shall wander everyone to his quarter ...
/w/wander.htm - 19k

Quarter (33 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:15 Thus shall the things be to you in which you have labored: those who
have trafficked with you from your youth shall wander everyone to his quarter ...
/q/quarter.htm - 21k

City
... iv). Slavery was freely trafficked in, and a certain number of slaves were
attached to the households of the more wealthy. Although ...
/c/city.htm - 43k

Trafficked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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