Servants

163 passages listed in Nave’s Topical Bible and Torrey’s New Topical Textbook. Verse text: Berean Standard Bible; links open in your translation.

146 sections

Bad: Absalom's Servants [Absalom's Servants Obeyed a Bad Master;
Bad: Gehazi
Bad: Jeroboam
Bad: Job's Servants
Bad: Onesimus Before his Conversion
Bad: Servants of Abimelech
Bad: Servants of Abraham and Lot
Bad: Servants of Amon
Bad: Servants of Shimei
Bad: Servants of the High Priest
Bad: Ziba
Bad: Zimri
Bond of Christ
Bond of Saints
Bond of the Wicked
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Covetousness
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Deceit
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: do not Bear to be Exalted
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Eye-Service
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Gluttony
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Lying
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Men-Pleasers
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Quarrelsomeness
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Shall be Punished
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Stealing
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Unmerciful to Their Fellows
Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Will not Submit to Correction
Christ Condescended to the office of
Divided Into: Bond
Divided Into: Female
Divided Into: Hired
Divided Into: Male
Duties of, to Masters: Not to Answer Them Rudely
Duties of, to Masters: Not to Defraud Them
Duties of, to Masters: Not to Serve Them with Eye-Service, As Men-Pleasers
Duties of, to Masters: To Attend to Their Call
Duties of, to Masters: To be Anxious for Their Welfare
Duties of, to Masters: To be Earnest in Transacting Their Business
Duties of, to Masters: To be Faithful to Them
Duties of, to Masters: To be Industrious in Labouring for Them
Duties of, to Masters: To be Kind and Attentive to Their Guests
Duties of, to Masters: To be Profitable to Them
Duties of, to Masters: To be Prudent in the Management of Their Affairs
Duties of, to Masters: To be Subject to Them
Duties of, to Masters: To be Submissive Even to the Froward
Duties of, to Masters: To Bless God for Mercies Shown to Them
Duties of, to Masters: To Honor Them
Duties of, to Masters: To Obey Them
Duties of, to Masters: To Please Them Well in all Things
Duties of, to Masters: To Pray for Them
Duties of, to Masters: To Prefer Their Business to Their own Necessary Food
Duties of, to Masters: To Revere Them the More, when They are Believers
Duties of, to Masters: To Sympathise with Them
Early Mention of
Good: Captive Maid
Good: David's Servants
Good: Deborah
Good: Eliezer
Good: Jacob
Good: Jonathan's Armour Bearer
Good: Joseph
Good: Onesimus After his Conversion
Good: Servants of Boaz
Good: Servants of Centurion
Good: Servants of Cornelius
Good: Servants of Naaman
Hired: Anxiety of, for the End of Their Daily Toil, Alluded To
Hired: Called Hireling
Hired: Engaged by the Day
Hired: Engaged by the Year
Hired: Hebrew Slaves Serving Strangers to be Treated As
Hired: Hebrew Slaves Serving Their Brethren to be Treated As
Hired: If Foreigners not Allowed to Partake of the Passover Or
Hired: Not to be Oppressed
Hired: Often Oppressed and Their Wages Kept Back
Hired: Often Stood in the Market Place Waiting for Employment
Hired: Often Will Fed and Taken Care of
Hired: To be Esteemed Worthy of Their Hire
Hired: To be Paid Without Delay at the Expiration of Their Service
Hired: To Partake of the Produce of the Land in the Sabbatical
Persons Devoted to God So Called
Persons Devoted to the Service of Another So Called
Persons of Low Condition So Called
should be Compassionate to Their Fellows
should be Contented in Their Situation
should Follow Christ's Example
should Serve for Conscience Towards God
should Serve in Singleness of Heart
should Serve in the Fear of God
should Serve with Good Will
should Serve: As Doing the Will of God from the Heart
should Serve: As the Servants of Christ
should Serve: Heartily, As to the Lord, and not to Men
Slaves or Bond by Birth
Slaves or Bond by Purchase
Slaves or Bond of Others not to be Coveted or Enticed Away
Slaves or Bond: All Israelites Sold As, to be Free at the Jubilee
Slaves or Bond: Called Bondmen
Slaves or Bond: Captives Taken in War often Kept As
Slaves or Bond: Could not when Set Free Demand Wives or Children Procured
Slaves or Bond: Custom of Branding, Alluded To
Slaves or Bond: Engaged in the Most Menial offices
Slaves or Bond: Israelites Sold As, Refusing Their Liberty, to Have Their
Slaves or Bond: Israelites Sold to Strangers As, Might be Redeemed by Their
Slaves or Bond: Laws Respecting Marriage with Female
Slaves or Bond: Laws Respecting the Killing of
Slaves or Bond: Laws Respecting, often Violated
Slaves or Bond: Maimed of Injured by Masters to Have Their Freedom
Slaves or Bond: Masters to be Recompensed for Injury Done To
Slaves or Bond: More Valuable than Hired Servants
Slaves or Bond: Persons Belonging to Other Nations Might be Purchased As
Slaves or Bond: Persons of Distinction had Many
Slaves or Bond: Persons Unable to Pay Their Debts Liable to be Sold As
Slaves or Bond: Seeking Protection not to be Delivered up to Masters
Slaves or Bond: Seizing and Stealing of Men For, Condemned and Punished By
Slaves or Bond: Sometimes Intermarried with Their Master's Family
Slaves or Bond: Sometimes Rose to Rank and Station
Slaves or Bond: Strangers Sojourning in Israel Might be Purchased As
Slaves or Bond: Thieves Unable to Make Restitution Were Sold As
Slaves or Bond: To be Allowed to Rest on the Sabbath
Slaves or Bond: To be Furnished Liberally, when Their Servitude Expired
Slaves or Bond: To Participate in all National Rejoicings
Slaves or Bond: when Foreigners to be Circumcised
Slaves or Bond: when Israelites not to be Treated with Rigour
Slaves or Bond: when Israelites to Have Their Liberty After Six Years
The Property of Masters Increased by Faithful
The Subjects of a Prince or King So Called
The Term often Used to Express Humility
when Good are Blessed by God
when Good are Brethren Beloved in the Lord
when Good are Guided by God
when Good are Mourned Over After Death
when Good are Partakers of Gospel Privileges
when Good are Prospered by God
when Good are Protected by God
when Good are the Lord's Freemen
when Good are the Servants of Christ
when Good: Adorn the Doctrine of God Their Saviour in all Things
when Good: Bring God's Blessing Upon Their Masters
when Good: Deserve the Confidence of Their Masters
when Good: Have God with Them
when Good: Often Advanced by Master
when Good: Often Exalted
when Good: Shall be Rewarded
when Good: To be Honored
when Patient Under Injury are Acceptable to God

Bad: Absalom's Servants [Absalom's Servants Obeyed a Bad Master;

2 Samuel 13:28–29 Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” …
2 Samuel 14:30 Then Absalom said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire!” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

Bad: Gehazi

2 Kings 5:20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”

Bad: Jeroboam

1 Kings 11:26 Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king,

Bad: Job's Servants

Job 19:16 I call for my servant, but he does not answer, though I implore him with my own mouth.

Bad: Onesimus Before his Conversion

Philemon 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

Bad: Servants of Abimelech

Genesis 21:25 But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized,

Bad: Servants of Abraham and Lot

Genesis 13:7 And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land.

Bad: Servants of Amon

2 Kings 21:23 Then the servants of Amon conspired against him and killed the king in his palace.

Bad: Servants of Shimei

1 Kings 2:39 After three years, however, two of Shimei’s slaves ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. And Shimei was told, “Look, your slaves are in Gath.”

Bad: Servants of the High Priest

Mark 14:65 Then some of them began to spit on Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in His face.

Bad: Ziba

2 Samuel 16:1–4 When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer …

Bad: Zimri

1 Kings 16:9 However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him.

Bond of Christ

Psalm 40:6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require.
Hebrews 10:5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me.
Philippians 2:7–8 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. …

Bond of Saints

1 Corinthians 6:20 you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.
1 Corinthians 7:23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Bond of the Wicked

2 Peter 2:19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
Romans 6:16 Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?
Romans 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to escalating wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Covetousness

2 Kings 5:20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Deceit

2 Samuel 19:26 “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me,
Psalm 101:6–7 My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me. …

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: do not Bear to be Exalted

Proverbs 30:21–22 Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: …
Isaiah 3:5 The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the young will rise up against the old, and the base against the honorable.

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Eye-Service

Ephesians 6:6 And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Colossians 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Gluttony

Matthew 24:49 And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Lying

2 Kings 5:22 “Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘Look, two young men from the sons of the prophets have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two …
2 Kings 5:24 When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the gifts from the servants and stored them in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they departed.

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Men-Pleasers

Ephesians 6:6 And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Colossians 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Quarrelsomeness

Genesis 13:7 And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land.
Genesis 26:20 But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him.

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Shall be Punished

Matthew 24:50 The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate.

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Stealing

Titus 2:10 not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Unmerciful to Their Fellows

Matthew 18:30 But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt.

Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Will not Submit to Correction

Proverbs 29:19 A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.

Christ Condescended to the office of

Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Luke 22:27 For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.
John 13:5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.
Philippians 2:7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Divided Into: Bond

Genesis 43:18 But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as …
Leviticus 25:46 You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother.

Divided Into: Female

Genesis 16:6 “Here,” said Abram, “your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her.
Genesis 32:5 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’”

Divided Into: Hired

Mark 1:20 Immediately Jesus called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.
Luke 15:17 Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food, but here I am, starving to death!

Divided Into: Male

Genesis 24:34 “I am Abraham’s servant,” he replied.
Genesis 32:5 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’”

Duties of, to Masters: Not to Answer Them Rudely

Titus 2:9 Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,

Duties of, to Masters: Not to Defraud Them

Titus 2:10 not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.

Duties of, to Masters: Not to Serve Them with Eye-Service, As Men-Pleasers

Ephesians 6:6 And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Colossians 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

Duties of, to Masters: To Attend to Their Call

Psalm 123:2 As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy.

Duties of, to Masters: To be Anxious for Their Welfare

1 Samuel 25:14–17 Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed at them. …
2 Kings 5:2–3 At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. …

Duties of, to Masters: To be Earnest in Transacting Their Business

Genesis 24:54–56 Then he and the men with him ate and drank and spent the night there. When they got up the next morning, he said, “Send me on my way to my master.” …

Duties of, to Masters: To be Faithful to Them

Luke 16:10–12 Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. …
1 Corinthians 4:2 Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
Titus 2:10 not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.

Duties of, to Masters: To be Industrious in Labouring for Them

Nehemiah 4:16 And from that day on, half of my servants did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers stationed themselves behind all the people of Judah
Nehemiah 4:23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the guards with me changed out of our clothes; each carried his weapon, even to go for water.

Duties of, to Masters: To be Kind and Attentive to Their Guests

Genesis 43:23–24 “It is fine,” said the steward. “Do not be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, gave you the treasure that was in your sacks. I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. …

Duties of, to Masters: To be Profitable to Them

Luke 19:15–16 When he returned from procuring his kingship, he summoned the servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what each one had earned. …
Luke 19:18 The second servant came and said, ‘Master, your mina has made five minas.’
Philemon 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

Duties of, to Masters: To be Prudent in the Management of Their Affairs

Genesis 24:34–49 “I am Abraham’s servant,” he replied. …

Duties of, to Masters: To be Subject to Them

1 Peter 2:18 Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable.

Duties of, to Masters: To be Submissive Even to the Froward

Genesis 16:6 “Here,” said Abram, “your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her.
Genesis 16:9 So the angel of the LORD told her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.”
1 Peter 2:18 Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable.

Duties of, to Masters: To Bless God for Mercies Shown to Them

Genesis 24:27 saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”
Genesis 24:48 Then I bowed down and worshiped the LORD; and I blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who led me on the right road to take the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son.

Duties of, to Masters: To Honor Them

Malachi 1:6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we …
1 Timothy 6:1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.

Duties of, to Masters: To Obey Them

Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Titus 2:9 Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,

Duties of, to Masters: To Please Them Well in all Things

Titus 2:9 Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,

Duties of, to Masters: To Pray for Them

Genesis 24:12 “O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.

Duties of, to Masters: To Prefer Their Business to Their own Necessary Food

Genesis 24:33 Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”

Duties of, to Masters: To Revere Them the More, when They are Believers

1 Timothy 6:2 Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.

Duties of, to Masters: To Sympathise with Them

2 Samuel 12:18 On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the …

Early Mention of

Genesis 9:25–26 he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.” …

Good: Captive Maid

2 Kings 5:2–4 At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. …

Good: David's Servants

2 Samuel 12:18 On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the …

Good: Deborah

Genesis 24:59 So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men.
Genesis 35:8 Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bacuth.

Good: Eliezer

Genesis 24:1–67 By now Abraham was old and well along in years, and the LORD had blessed him in every way. …

Good: Jacob

Genesis 31:36–40 Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? …

Good: Jonathan's Armour Bearer

1 Samuel 14:6–7 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” …

Good: Joseph

Genesis 39:3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,
Acts 7:10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Good: Onesimus After his Conversion

Philemon 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

Good: Servants of Boaz

Ruth 2:4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, “The LORD be with you.” “The LORD bless you,” they replied.

Good: Servants of Centurion

Matthew 8:9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”

Good: Servants of Cornelius

Acts 10:7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants.

Good: Servants of Naaman

2 Kings 5:13 Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?”

Hired: Anxiety of, for the End of Their Daily Toil, Alluded To

Job 7:2 Like a slave he longs for shade; like a hireling he waits for his wages.

Hired: Called Hireling

Job 7:1 “Is not man consigned to labor on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired hand?
John 10:12–13 The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. …

Hired: Engaged by the Day

Matthew 20:2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

Hired: Engaged by the Year

Leviticus 25:53 He shall be treated like a man hired from year to year, but a foreign owner must not rule over him harshly in your sight.
Isaiah 16:14 And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble.”

Hired: Hebrew Slaves Serving Strangers to be Treated As

Leviticus 25:47 If a foreigner residing among you prospers, but your countryman dwelling near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan,
Leviticus 25:53 He shall be treated like a man hired from year to year, but a foreign owner must not rule over him harshly in your sight.

Hired: Hebrew Slaves Serving Their Brethren to be Treated As

Leviticus 25:39–40 If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. …

Hired: If Foreigners not Allowed to Partake of the Passover Or

Exodus 12:45 A temporary resident or hired hand shall not eat the Passover.
Leviticus 22:10 No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offering, nor may the guest of a priest or his hired hand eat it.

Hired: Not to be Oppressed

Deuteronomy 24:14 Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.

Hired: Often Oppressed and Their Wages Kept Back

Malachi 3:5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and …
James 5:4 Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.

Hired: Often Stood in the Market Place Waiting for Employment

Matthew 20:1–3 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. …

Hired: Often Will Fed and Taken Care of

Luke 15:17 Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food, but here I am, starving to death!

Hired: To be Esteemed Worthy of Their Hire

Luke 10:7 Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

Hired: To be Paid Without Delay at the Expiration of Their Service

Leviticus 19:13 You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.
Deuteronomy 24:15 You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

Hired: To Partake of the Produce of the Land in the Sabbatical

Leviticus 25:6 Whatever the land yields during the Sabbath year shall be food for you— for yourself, your manservant and maidservant, the hired hand or foreigner who stays with you,

Persons Devoted to God So Called

Psalm 119:49 Remember Your word to Your servant, upon which You have given me hope.
Isaiah 56:6 And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants — all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant—
Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—

Persons Devoted to the Service of Another So Called

Psalm 119:49 Remember Your word to Your servant, upon which You have given me hope.
Isaiah 56:6 And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants — all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant—

Persons of Low Condition So Called

Ecclesiastes 10:7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.

should be Compassionate to Their Fellows

Matthew 18:33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’

should be Contented in Their Situation

1 Corinthians 7:20–21 Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called. …

should Follow Christ's Example

1 Peter 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:

should Serve for Conscience Towards God

1 Peter 2:19 For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.

should Serve in Singleness of Heart

Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Colossians 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

should Serve in the Fear of God

Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Colossians 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

should Serve with Good Will

Ephesians 6:7 Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,

should Serve: As Doing the Will of God from the Heart

Ephesians 6:6 And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

should Serve: As the Servants of Christ

Ephesians 6:5–6 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. …

should Serve: Heartily, As to the Lord, and not to Men

Ephesians 6:7 Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,

Slaves or Bond by Birth

Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan.
Psalm 116:16 Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds.
Jeremiah 2:14 Is Israel a slave? Was he born into slavery? Why then has he become prey?

Slaves or Bond by Purchase

Genesis 17:27 And all the men of Abraham’s household— both servants born in his household and those purchased from foreigners— were circumcised with him.
Genesis 37:36 Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.

Slaves or Bond of Others not to be Coveted or Enticed Away

Exodus 20:17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Deuteronomy 5:21 You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house or field, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Slaves or Bond: All Israelites Sold As, to be Free at the Jubilee

Leviticus 25:10 So you are to consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be your Jubilee, when each of you is to return to his property and to his clan.
Leviticus 25:40–41 Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. …
Leviticus 25:54 Even if he is not redeemed in any of these ways, he and his children shall be released in the Year of Jubilee.

Slaves or Bond: Called Bondmen

Genesis 43:18 But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as …
Genesis 44:9 If any of your servants is found to have it, he must die, and the rest will become slaves of my lord.”

Slaves or Bond: Captives Taken in War often Kept As

Deuteronomy 20:14 But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city— all its spoil— you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you.
2 Kings 5:2 At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife.

Slaves or Bond: Could not when Set Free Demand Wives or Children Procured

Exodus 21:3–4 If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. …

Slaves or Bond: Custom of Branding, Alluded To

Galatians 6:17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

Slaves or Bond: Engaged in the Most Menial offices

1 Samuel 25:41 She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.”
John 13:4–5 So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. …

Slaves or Bond: Israelites Sold As, Refusing Their Liberty, to Have Their

Exodus 21:5–6 But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ …
Deuteronomy 15:16–17 But if your servant says to you, ‘I do not want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your household and is well off with you, …

Slaves or Bond: Israelites Sold to Strangers As, Might be Redeemed by Their

Leviticus 25:47–55 If a foreigner residing among you prospers, but your countryman dwelling near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan, …

Slaves or Bond: Laws Respecting Marriage with Female

Exodus 21:7–11 And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. …

Slaves or Bond: Laws Respecting the Killing of

Exodus 21:20–21 If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished. …

Slaves or Bond: Laws Respecting, often Violated

Jeremiah 34:8–16 After King Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people in Jerusalem to proclaim liberty, the word came to Jeremiah from the LORD …

Slaves or Bond: Maimed of Injured by Masters to Have Their Freedom

Exodus 21:26–27 If a man strikes and blinds the eye of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the eye. …

Slaves or Bond: Masters to be Recompensed for Injury Done To

Exodus 21:32 If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned.

Slaves or Bond: More Valuable than Hired Servants

Deuteronomy 15:18 Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.

Slaves or Bond: Persons Belonging to Other Nations Might be Purchased As

Leviticus 25:44 Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them.

Slaves or Bond: Persons of Distinction had Many

Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan.
Ecclesiastes 2:7 I acquired menservants and maidservants, and servants were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me,

Slaves or Bond: Persons Unable to Pay Their Debts Liable to be Sold As

2 Kings 4:1 Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”
Nehemiah 5:4–5 Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards. …
Matthew 18:25 Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.

Slaves or Bond: Seeking Protection not to be Delivered up to Masters

Deuteronomy 23:15 Do not return a slave to his master if he has taken refuge with you.

Slaves or Bond: Seizing and Stealing of Men For, Condemned and Punished By

Exodus 21:16 Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.
Deuteronomy 24:7 If a man is caught kidnapping one of his Israelite brothers, whether he treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. So you must purge the evil from among you.
1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching

Slaves or Bond: Sometimes Intermarried with Their Master's Family

1 Chronicles 2:34–35 Sheshan had no sons, but only daughters. He also had an Egyptian servant named Jarha. …

Slaves or Bond: Sometimes Rose to Rank and Station

Ecclesiastes 10:7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.

Slaves or Bond: Strangers Sojourning in Israel Might be Purchased As

Leviticus 25:45 You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or their clans living among you who are born in your land. These may become your property.

Slaves or Bond: Thieves Unable to Make Restitution Were Sold As

Exodus 22:3 But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft.

Slaves or Bond: To be Allowed to Rest on the Sabbath

Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work— neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates.

Slaves or Bond: To be Furnished Liberally, when Their Servitude Expired

Deuteronomy 15:13–14 And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. …

Slaves or Bond: To Participate in all National Rejoicings

Deuteronomy 12:18 Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose— you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the …
Deuteronomy 16:11 and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name — you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreigner, …
Deuteronomy 16:14 And you shall rejoice in your feast— you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you.

Slaves or Bond: when Foreigners to be Circumcised

Genesis 17:13 Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant.
Genesis 17:27 And all the men of Abraham’s household— both servants born in his household and those purchased from foreigners— were circumcised with him.
Exodus 12:44 But any slave who has been purchased may eat of it, after you have circumcised him.

Slaves or Bond: when Israelites not to be Treated with Rigour

Leviticus 25:39–40 If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. …
Leviticus 25:46 You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother.

Slaves or Bond: when Israelites to Have Their Liberty After Six Years

Exodus 21:2 If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything.
Deuteronomy 15:12 If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free.

The Property of Masters Increased by Faithful

Genesis 30:29–30 Then Jacob answered, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock have thrived under my care. …

The Subjects of a Prince or King So Called

Exodus 9:20 Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter,
Exodus 11:8 And all these officials of yours will come and bow before me, saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that, I will depart.” And hot with anger, Moses left Pharaoh’s presence.

The Term often Used to Express Humility

Genesis 18:3 “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.
Genesis 33:5 When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob answered, “These are the children God has graciously given your servant.”
1 Samuel 20:7 If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions.
1 Kings 20:32 So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.”

when Good are Blessed by God

Matthew 24:46 Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.

when Good are Brethren Beloved in the Lord

Philemon 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.

when Good are Guided by God

Genesis 24:7 The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me from my father’s house and my native land, who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’— He will send His angel before you so that you can …
Genesis 24:27 saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”

when Good are Mourned Over After Death

Genesis 35:8 Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bacuth.

when Good are Partakers of Gospel Privileges

1 Corinthians 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Colossians 3:11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.

when Good are Prospered by God

Genesis 39:3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,

when Good are Protected by God

Genesis 31:7 And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.

when Good are the Lord's Freemen

1 Corinthians 7:22 For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.

when Good are the Servants of Christ

Colossians 3:24 because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

when Good: Adorn the Doctrine of God Their Saviour in all Things

Titus 2:10 not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.

when Good: Bring God's Blessing Upon Their Masters

Genesis 30:27 But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.”
Genesis 30:30 Indeed, you had very little before my arrival, but now your wealth has increased many times over. The LORD has blessed you wherever I set foot. But now, when may I also provide for my own household?”
Genesis 39:3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,

when Good: Deserve the Confidence of Their Masters

Genesis 24:2 So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh,
Genesis 24:4 but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.”
Genesis 24:10 Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed with all manner of good things from his master in hand. And he set out for Nahor’s hometown in Aram-naharaim.
Genesis 39:4 Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned.

when Good: Have God with Them

Genesis 31:42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.”
Genesis 39:21 the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
Acts 7:9–10 Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him …

when Good: Often Advanced by Master

Genesis 39:4–5 Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned. …

when Good: Often Exalted

Genesis 41:40 You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”
Proverbs 17:2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.

when Good: Shall be Rewarded

Ephesians 6:8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Colossians 3:24 because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

when Good: To be Honored

Genesis 24:31 “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
Proverbs 27:18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.

when Patient Under Injury are Acceptable to God

1 Peter 2:19–20 For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. …