Bondservant
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Bondservant in the Bible?
The term bondservant, translating the Greek word doulos, refers to an individual in a state of servitude resulting from debt, voluntary agreement, or birth.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between voluntary indenture, debt bondage, and chattel slavery clarifies the specific legal and social nature of servitude described in biblical narratives and laws.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Bondservant. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Bondservant in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bondservant clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Bondservant." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bondservant/