Slavery in the Bible

 

The bible addresses slavery in many ways. Slavery was a common and accepted part of life in the ancient society, including the cultures described in the Bible. The bible included many guidelines on how slaves could be treated showing fairness, compassion and dignity. The Bible doesn't condemn slavery outright but sets  rules  like requiring fair treatment, limiting terms for Hebrew slaves, and protecting slaves from severe abuse. Although the Bible permitted slavery, it regulated the practice in ways that, for its time, introduced moral responsibilities for masters and certain rights for slavery. 

Slaves in the Old Testament had rights including protection from abuse, ability to own their own possessions, opportunities for redemption and freedom; partly extending from God freeing his people from slavery in Egypt. There were 2 types of slavery. Hebrew  Hebrew slaves which were Israelites who could become slaves,usually because of debt. They were to be freed after six years. Then there were Foreign slaves which Non-Israelites that could be kept as slaves for life , but they were still expected to be treated fairly. An example of this was Exodus 21:20-21 - “When a man sticks his slave, male or female, with a rod and the slave dies under his hand, he shall be avenged.” This passage addresses punishment for masters who kill slaves. Overall the  Old Testament didn’t outlaw slavery, but it did set rules to make it more humane compared to other ancient cultures. 

Slavery during the new testament was a normal part of a Roman society. The New Testament doesn’t directly ban slavery, but it teaches how Christians should treat one another, including slaves and masters. Slaves were encouraged to obey their master respectfully. An example of this the five passages that contain the new testaments where “slavery as a social institution is endorsed and slaves are called to obey their masters ‘in everything’ (Eph 6:5-9; Col 3:22-4:1; Tim 6:1-2; Tit 2:9-10; Pet 2:18-20). This was meant to help christians live peacefully in society. It didn't fight slavery directly but it taught love,fairness. Which later inspired many christians to work against slavery. 

The Bible’s relationship with slavery is complex, but Christian abolitionists developed several powerful arguments showing how biblical principals fundamentally opposed slavery. A few Bible quotes that show this are, Galatians 3:28- “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This was meant to speak on the spiritual equality regardless of social status. Another one is, 

Isaiah 61:1 - Speaking of God’s mission to “proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners”- a passage Jesus quoted about his own ministry.

Schirrmacher, Thomas (2018). The Humanisation of Slavery in the Old Testament. Wipf and Stock. p. 44-48,51

https://www.bibledingers.com/post/wvw-does-the-bible-support-slavery-leviticus-25-44-46 

https://michaelpahl.com/2017/01/27/the-bible-is-clear-god-endorses-slavery/ 

https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-slavery.html

AI disclosure: After taking noted while watching the Supreme Court video, I used Microsoft Copilot to smooth the text and format it in a readable way. I then edited the AI generated text. I added photos to the text. I expanded on the AI-generated text by adding some of my personal thoughts and opinions.