Slavery is a deeply troubling and painful subject that has existed throughout human history, and it is one that many people find difficult to reconcile with the teachings of Christianity. The Bible, as both a religious and historical document, includes references to slavery in both the Old and New Testaments. However, these references are complex and need to be understood in their historical and cultural context to fully grasp their significance.
While slavery in biblical times was different from the racial and abusive systems that existed later in history, the scriptures offer profound insights on human dignity, justice, and the treatment of others, which are essential for Christians to understand today. The Bible doesn’t explicitly condemn slavery in the way modern readers might expect, but it does provide guidelines that emphasize the fair and humane treatment of slaves. Furthermore, the message of the Bible—freedom through Christ and the inherent worth of all individuals—lays the foundation for the abolition of unjust systems of slavery.
In this article, we will explore 30 Bible verses on slavery, focusing on how the scriptures address the issue in the context of ancient societies, and how Christian principles of love, equality, and justice can guide us in applying biblical truths to contemporary issues of injustice, including modern forms of slavery.
The Old Testament: Slavery in Ancient Israel
In the Old Testament, slavery was a common practice in the ancient world, and the Israelites themselves were once enslaved in Egypt. However, the law given to Israel by God provided various protections for slaves, as well as regulations for their treatment.
1. Exodus 21:2-6
“When you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing. If he comes in alone, he shall go out alone; if he comes in with a wife, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master gives him a wife, and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out alone. But if the servant plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his servant forever.”
This passage outlines the Hebrew practice of servitude. It’s important to note that Hebrew slaves were to be freed after six years, indicating a system with a built-in end date. The relationship between master and servant was meant to be regulated by fairness.
2. Exodus 21:16
“Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.”
This verse condemns the practice of kidnapping and human trafficking, which was a serious crime. It emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the idea that no one should be forcibly enslaved.
3. Leviticus 25:39-40
“If your brother becomes poor beside you and sells himself to you, you shall not make him serve as a slave. He shall be with you as a hired worker and as a sojourner. He shall serve with you until the Year of Jubilee.”
This passage reflects the idea of offering help to those in poverty without exploiting them. It introduces the concept of the Year of Jubilee, when all land was to be returned to its original owners, and those who were enslaved due to poverty would be set free.
4. Deuteronomy 15:12-15
“If your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, he shall serve you six years, and in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you. And when you let him go free from you, you shall not let him go empty-handed. You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your winepress. As the Lord your God has blessed you, you shall give to him.”
Again, this law emphasizes both the humane treatment of servants and the requirement to set them free after a period of service. The provision to send them away with gifts is a demonstration of compassion and generosity.
The New Testament: Slavery in the Early Christian Church
By the time of the New Testament, slavery was deeply entrenched in the Roman Empire, and the early Christian Church faced the challenge of how to respond to the institution. Though the New Testament does not directly condemn slavery, it presents the gospel’s transformative power to change the hearts of individuals, laying the foundation for the eventual abolition of slavery.
5. Matthew 7:12
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
This famous verse, known as the Golden Rule, encapsulates the heart of Christian ethics. In the context of slavery, it calls for the fair and humane treatment of others, suggesting that slaves should be treated as one would want to be treated.
6. Matthew 23:11-12
“The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Jesus turned traditional social hierarchies upside down, teaching that true greatness comes through serving others, not oppressing them. This reflects the Christian ideal that all people are of equal worth in God’s eyes.
7. Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
Jesus’ mission included proclaiming freedom to those who were oppressed. While this is primarily spiritual liberation, it also speaks to the broader biblical theme of justice and liberation for all those held in bondage.
8. 1 Corinthians 7:21-23
“Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity. For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise, he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.”
Paul offers guidance to slaves in the Corinthian church, suggesting that spiritual freedom in Christ is far more important than physical freedom. However, he also acknowledges the possibility of gaining freedom when the opportunity arises.
9. Ephesians 6:5-9
“Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ… masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.”
Paul provides instructions to both slaves and masters. For slaves, he encourages obedience, but for masters, he stresses that they should treat their slaves with fairness and dignity, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven.
10. Colossians 3:22-25
“Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.”
This passage reinforces the Christian teaching of doing everything as service to God. It speaks to the dignity of labor and encourages slaves to work with integrity, while also reminding masters that they will be held accountable by God for how they treat their servants.
Christian Principles and the End of Slavery
Though the Bible does not explicitly call for the abolition of slavery, it provides principles that, over time, have led Christians to fight against the injustice of slavery. The core Christian message of love, freedom, and the equality of all people before God has been a driving force behind the abolition movements, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries.
11. Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This verse highlights the radical equality of all believers in Christ. It teaches that our status in society—whether as slave or free—is secondary to our identity in Christ.
12. Philemon 1:15-16
“For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”
In this letter to Philemon, Paul encourages the Christian slave owner to receive his runaway slave, Onesimus, not just as a slave but as a brother in Christ. This appeal reflects the idea that Christian relationships transcend social hierarchies.
13. 1 Timothy 1:9-10
“Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine…”
This passage lists “enslavers” alongside other sinful practices, suggesting that the practice of enslaving others is contrary to God’s will.
Conclusion
Slavery, as an institution, was deeply entrenched in the societies of biblical times. However, the principles outlined in the Bible—such as the inherent dignity of every person, the call to love one’s neighbor, and the equality of all in Christ—undoubtedly laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery. While the Bible does not provide a direct condemnation of slavery, its teachings on justice, fairness, and human dignity provide a strong foundation for Christian engagement with issues of human rights, freedom, and justice. As we reflect on these 30 Bible verses on slavery, we are reminded of the Christian call to treat others with love and respect, to seek justice, and to work for the freedom and dignity of all people.
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