What Does the Bible Say About Slaves?

Understanding Slaves in the Bible

Explore what the Bible says about slaves. This collection of 9 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.

Top 8 Verses About Slaves

1. 1

   Exodus 21:16

   “And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.”

   KJV
2. 2

   Job 31:13

   “If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;”

   KJV
3. 3

   John 8:34

   “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.”

   KJV
4. 4

   Galatians 3:28

   “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

   KJV
5. 5

   Ephesians 6:5

   “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;”

   KJV
6. 6

   Colossians 3:22

   “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:”

   KJV
7. 7

   Colossians 4:1

   “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.”

   KJV
8. 8

   Philemon 1:16

   “Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?”

   KJV

How to Study What the Bible Says About Slaves

1. 1

   Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.

2. 2

   Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about slaves. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.

3. 3

   Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.

4. 4

   Memorise at least one key verse about slaves and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.

Practical Application

Studying what the Bible says about slaves is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:

• Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on slaves needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.

• Share what you have learned about slaves with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.

• Pray through the key verses about slaves, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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