Slavery was recognized and regulated by the Mosaic law, which imposed limits and protections on the existing institution. The gospel’s teaching of human dignity and brotherhood stands opposed to oppression and exploitation.
Definition
A slave is a person held in bondage or compelled to serve another. The Mosaic law recognized the existing institution of slavery and regulated it with provisions concerning treatment and ordinary rights; it did not establish the institution. Biblical words for slave are often translated “servant,” “bondman,” or “bondservant.”
Biblical Usage
Scripture refers to slavery under the Mosaic law and uses “slaves” in Revelation 18:13, where the underlying Greek expression means “bodies.” The sources describe the spirit of the gospel as hostile to slavery in every form.
Historical Background
Slavery in biblical times had no exact modern parallel. The Mosaic regulations addressed existing customs, including the treatment of servants and the status of persons acquired from surrounding peoples.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Jer. 2:14 (A.V.), but not there found in the original. In Rev. 18:13 the word “slaves” is the rendering of a Greek word meaning “bodies.” The Hebrew and Greek words for slave are usually rendered simply “servant,” “bondman,” or “bondservant.” Slavery as it existed under the Mosaic law has no modern parallel. That law did not originate but only regulated the already existing custom of slavery (Ex. 21:20, 21, 26, 27; Lev. 25:44-46; Josh. 9:6-27). The gospel in its spirit and genius is hostile to slavery in every form, which under its influence is gradually disappearing from among men.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The institution of slavery was recognized, though not established, by the Mosaic law with a view to mitigate its hardship and to secure to every man his ordinary rights. I. Hebrew slaves.—
