A bondservant, also referred to as a bond-servant or slave in some translations, is someone who voluntarily commits to serve a master for a period of time or for life. The concept originates in the Bible and refers to someone who, out of love, respect, and devotion, pledges to serve their master faithfully.
In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was held in bondage in Egypt before God delivered them out of slavery. After that, God commanded them not to enslave their fellow Israelites but allowed them to take slaves from the nations around them (Leviticus 25:44-46). Rules were put in place to limit the time an Israelite could keep a fellow Hebrew as a slave (Exodus 21:2-6). Slaves from other nations could be kept indefinitely and passed down to children as inheritance (Leviticus 25:44-46).
The New Testament speaks metaphorically of believers as “bondservants of Christ” who willingly serve their master, Jesus Christ, out of love and devotion. Several notable figures are described as bondservants, including Paul, James, Peter, Jude and other early church leaders. The Greek word doulos, often translated “bondservant” or “slave,” refers to one who gives themselves up to the will of another.
Here are some key things the Bible teaches about bondservants:
1. Bondservants commit voluntarily out of love and devotion.
In the Old Testament, an Israelite could voluntarily become a bondservant to a master if they loved and respected them (Exodus 21:5-6). They were not forced into service. Similarly, New Testament believers are urged to live as bondservants of Christ out of love for their Savior (1 Corinthians 7:22-23).
2. They demonstrate humility and obedience to their master.
A bondservant recognizes the authority of their master and submits in humility and obedience. As bondservants of Christ, believers are called to obey God’s commands and align their will with His (Matthew 6:24, John 14:15, 1 John 5:3).
3. Their primary identity is as servants, not slaves.
The emphasis is on the attitude and commitment of a bondservant. Though sometimes translated “slave,” the Greek word doulos focused more on service and devotion. Believers are to see themselves as servants of a loving master, not slaves forced into labor (Matthew 20:26-28).
4. Their service is an act of worship and stewardship.
Bondservants served their masters faithfully as an act of worship and stewardship. In the same way, believers serve God out of reverence for Him and to steward well what He has given them (Colossians 3:22-24). Their service flows from devotion.
5. They give up personal rights and freedoms.
Bondservants relinquished rights, freedoms and control over their lives to their master. Similarly, Christians are called to surrender their rights and freedoms to Christ as His bondservants (1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Corinthians 7:23).
6. Their position in the household is one of submission.
As part of the master’s household, bondservants occupied a position of submission to the master’s authority. Believers are reminded that as God’s bondservants, they are not above their master (Matthew 10:24, Luke 6:40).
7. They are completely dependent on their master.
Bondservants relied on their master for provision and protection. Christians acknowledge their complete dependence on God for everything they need (Psalm 18:2, Psalm 40:17).
8. Their service witnesses to the nature of their master.
A household of bondservants reflected well or poorly on the master. When believers serve God as devoted bondservants, it gives a powerful witness to God’s goodness and lordship (Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12).
9. They prioritize their master’s interests above all else.
A bondservant was to prioritize their master’s interests rather than seeking their own (Philippians 2:19-24). As God’s servants, Christians are called to seek His kingdom first, not their own interests (Matthew 6:33).
10. Their identity is tied to belonging to their master.
Bondservants took on their master’s identity and were considered part of the household. Followers of Christ share in His identity and inheritance as children of God (Galatians 4:7, Romans 8:17).
As modern readers, we must be careful not to impose all the negative connotations of slavery onto the biblical imagery of bondservice. While forced slavery is reprehensible, the willing devotion and lifetime service of a bondservant in biblical times carried a very different meaning. It represented the highest level of commitment, love and sacrifice.
When we as believers surrender our lives to Christ and take on the role of bondservants to our Master, it signals a shift from self-interest to wholehearted devotion to God and His purposes. We no longer view ourselves as autonomous but rather as belonging completely to the Lord in loving service.
Just as the Old Testament bondservants were released in the Year of Jubilee, Christ has purchased our freedom from slavery to sin and death through his death on the cross. And yet as beneficiaries of His redemption, we gladly and voluntarily commit our lives afresh to Him each day in grateful service as His bondservants.
The New Testament authors eloquently capture this reframed perspective:
You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20)
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. (1 Corinthians 7:22)
Paul, a bondservant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God… (Romans 1:1)
James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ… (James 1:1)
Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ… (2 Peter 1:1)
Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ and brother of James… (Jude 1:1)
This radical, countercultural posture of servanthood defined the early church. And it still stands in stark contrast to the self-centeredness and entitlement of today’s culture. When we embrace the mindset of a bondservant, it frees us from striving and releases us to rest and delight in serving our good and generous Master.
What a privilege to give our lives in service to the One who gave His life for us – to become bondservants of Christ out of thankful hearts set free to worship, follow and adore Him.
