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Master

Culture & Society

What is the meaning of Master in the Bible?

The term 'master' designates a person exercising authority, whether as a ruler, owner, or teacher. In biblical literature, it describes the relationship between human masters and their servants or slaves, and is applied to God or Jesus Christ to denote divine sovereignty and instructional authority.

SIGNIFICANCE

Grasping the meaning of 'master' illuminates the hierarchical structures and mutual obligations outlined in ancient household codes, helping readers interpret how authority and submission functioned within both the social fabric and theological framework of the biblical world.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Master. 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 Master in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Master 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

"Master." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/master/
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