Slavery in the Bible

Slavery was a reality in the world of the Bible, and it is discussed as early as the Book of Genesis.

Slavery Was Common in the Old Testament World

Typically, slaves were in household or domestic slavery. We see this illustrated in Hagar who lived in the home of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 16:1). National slavery was also common throughout the Old Testament (OT) period. For example, the entire Israelite population was made slaves under the Egyptians (Exodus 1).

Also, people could be sold into slavery, as happened to Joseph when his brothers sold him for twenty shekels of silver against his consent (Genesis 37:28). People became slaves after being captured in war. People were kidnapped into slavery too, but this practice was forbidden in OT law (Exodus 21:16) for Israelites to practice.

In Israel, people became slaves in other ways. A person who could not pay their debts could offer themselves as a slave to make restitution (Exodus 21:2-6). A thief who could not repay what he had stolen could be sold as a slave in order to make restitution. Children born of slave parents would become slaves from birth.

Slaves Could Become Free in Israel

Israelite law governed how slaves were to be treated (Exodus 21; Deuteronomy 15). If a master beat or harmed a slave, then the slave could go free (Exodus 21:26-27). No Hebrew was to permanently be a slave to another Hebrew. After six years of service, a slave was to be released. And in the Year of Jubilee, no matter how long a person had been a slave, they were to be released (Leviticus 25:37-43). A slave could choose to remain a slave if they desired. A slave could buy their freedom, or another person could buy their freedom.

Slavery Was Common in the New Testament World

Slavery was an established reality in the ancient world across cultures and existed in the Roman Empire at the time of the New Testament’s (NT) writing.  The writers of the NT didn’t reflect on the institution as much as they provided guidance for Christians on how to handle it. Christian slaves were told to obey their masters, and masters were warned that God watched how they treated those under their authority (Colossians 3:22-4:1). Paul instructed slaves who go could gain their freedom to take the opportunity to do so (1 Corinthians 7:21).

The Bible makes clear that in Christ social distinctions are meaningless. Whether you are rich or poor, Jew or Gentile, slave or free, all are siblings in God’s family. As such, slaves were members of God’s church. Their slavery wouldn’t keep them from serving God in significant ways.

The Bible’s Goal Is Spiritual Redemption

The Bible’s main goal is not social reform, but spiritual redemption. This redemption will change us into the sort of people who will not tolerate slavery, but the Bible’s goal is not to change government and social policies.

We All Serve Someone or Something

In the NT, slavery is a helpful picture of our relationship to sin. The Bible teaches that we are all naturally slaves to sin. We are unable to be freed from the chains of sin without the redemption of Christ. Freedom from sin doesn’t mean we can live our lives however we choose. Freedom allows us to live lives that are obedient to God.

The truth is, we all serve someone or something. Once we are freed from slavery to sin, we become slaves to Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1; Titus 1:1). The concept of being a slave to Jesus shows that we are not our own. We are under the authority and lordship of Jesus Christ. Far from being a negative thing, this is the best news possible. We have the privilege of serving a gracious master who loves us so much that he gave his life for us (John 3:16).