LaRosa Johnson

Slaves for Christ

A word study on the Greek word δουλος and its use in the New Testament Scriptures.

We will walk through Scripture sampling its varying uses in the New Testament.

We will then key in on a particular use of the word, as it pertains to the life of present day believers and their relationship with Jesus Christ and God the Father.

Introduction

The basic word for slave in the New Testament is δουλος #1401.

A related term is δουλη, which is the word for a female slave.

Related terms include: δουλευω, δουλοω, καταδουλοω, and others.

Vocabulary

Most English translations only translate this word as “slave” when it refers to the following:Actual slavery.Bondage to an inanimate object or reality (i.e.

sin or righteousness).When slavery is personalized in the text,

translators generally do not translate it as “slave.”

Vocabulary

The substitution of “bond-servant” or “servant” for “slave” is largely confined to Biblical translation and early American times, and is generally translated as slave in other Greek literature (BDAG). In other words, they’re trying to be politically correct.

There are 6 Greek words for “servant” and δουλος is not one of them.

Vocabulary

Differences between slaves & servants:Servants were hired workers that were paid;

slaves were not hired, but owned.Servants could quit if/when they desired;

slaves could not.Servants could have more than one job; slaves

solely worked for their master.LaRosa’s opinion: Not using “slave” causes

the text to lose some of its power, forcefulness, and meaning.

Vocabulary

Greeks found their personal dignity in the fact that they were free, and able to do according to their own will. Slavery was a repugnant idea to them.

In Greek religious literature, they never referred to themselves as slaved of their gods, instead they considered themselves to be friends (φιλος) to their gods.

Slavery, then, involves the removal of human autonomy and is replaced with an alien will that takes precedence over one’s own.

Slavery in the Greek Mind

A slave to a Master (Matt. 8:9; 10:24*; 13:27; 1 Tim. 6:1; Titus 2:9; Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22).

A Slave to a Free Man (1 Cor. 7:21; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:11; Rev. 6:15; 13:16).

A Slave in contrast to being a fellow Christian (Philemon 16).

δουλος literally translated as "slave"

The Kenosis (Philippians 2:7).Washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1ff, 16).Even as a Son to God the Father, He allowed

the Father’s will to take precedence over His own, like a slave (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38).

Jesus Christ as a Slave

A title used by & of the Apostles to show their submission to Christ (Acts 4:29; 16:17; Rom. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Jas. 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:1; Jude 1; Rev. 1:1).

As a sign of submission and openness to serve their fellow believers (1 Cor. 9:19; 2 Cor. 4:5; Gal. 1:10; Eph. 6:6).

Disciples/Apostles as Slaves

Formerly a slave to sin and the flesh (John 8:34, 35; 2 Pet. 2:19).

We were purchased by God to be His slaves (1 Cor. 7:21-23).

As slaves of God, we choose whether or not we will obey Him or our previous master (1 Pet. 2:16; Rom. 6).

The Christian as a Slave

In being slaves to God, we have the best slave master possible because we are not only slaves, but we are called His sons (John 15:15; Gal. 4:7).

Since we have a kind slave master in God, who loves us, let us live lives that are pleasing to Him.

Not only Slaves, but Sons