The Bible and slavery

The Bible contains several references to slavery. The Bible uses the Hebrew term ebed to refer to slavery; however, ebed has a much wider meaning than the English term slavery, and in several circumstances it is more accurately translated into English as servant or hired worker. It is common for a person to voluntarily sell oneself into slavery for a fixed period of time either to pay off debts or to get food and shelter. Although slavery is now ... more

The Bible contains several references to slavery. The Bible uses the Hebrew term ebed to refer to slavery; however, ebed has a much wider meaning than the English term slavery, and in several circumstances it is more accurately translated into English as servant or hired worker. It is common for a person to voluntarily sell oneself into slavery for a fixed period of time either to pay off debts or to get food and shelter. Although slavery is now universally condemned as a crime against humanity, it was customary in antiquity, and taken for granted as part of the economy and society of the time. The Bible does not regard it as an abomination, and regulates its practice, and occasionally compels the enslavement of others. Slavery existed in different forms, though the essential definition of slavery is that of ownership by another, usually understood as with compelled service. Sometimes what is referred to in the Bible as "slaves" or "servants" are Hebrews who agreed to forgo normal... less