Manservant
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Manservant in the Bible?
A manservant was a male individual bound to domestic service, often held in a state of slavery or indentured servitude, and frequently mentioned in conjunction with maidservants within ancient household structures.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the role of the manservant illuminates the social hierarchy and economic realities of ancient Israelite and Near Eastern societies, providing necessary context for interpreting household dynamics and legal regulations found in biblical texts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Manservant reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Manservant in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Manservant clarify?
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
"Manservant." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/manservant/