“For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.” - 1 Cor. 7:22
We are starting a new series of articles, where once a month we will do a word study to some words that are found in the bible.
The Bible was originally written not in English, but Hebrews for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament. As the Bible gets translated into different languages, the meanings and weight of words may evolve, as the languages evolve. Words and phrases, as used in Biblical times, may differ from how they are used in our current cultural contexts too.
“doulos”
The first word that we will be looking at in this series is, “servant”. In particular, the word as found in 1 Corinthians 7:22. The verse, and the passage surrounding it, tells us that:
- Jesus has redeemed us from our previous bondage
- Our new master is now Jesus, the Lord of all lords
- Our ultimate allegiance and servitude is towards Lord Jesus
- This defines our identity as Christians: servants of Lord Jesus Christ
But what comes to mind when we look at the word “servant”?
Modern Day “Servants”
In our local context, perhaps when we think of servants we think of hired domestic helpers. Or, we might think of people being employed as “civil servants”. In our culture, both possess a fairly decent amount of rights and protection against different forms of abuse. Paul certainly wasn’t writing from our time and culture. So, it is illuminating to have a right understanding that we take a deeper look into the word.
Biblical Times “doulos”
One of the blessings of our time is that we have readily-accessible bible study tool to help us have a better understanding of God’s Word. Using a concordance, we will find that there are 5 different Greek words that the New Testament writers have used that have been translated as “servant”: θεράπων (therapon) 1x, οἰκέτης (oiketes) 4x, παῖς (pais) 24x, διάκονος (diakonos) 27x and δοῦλος (doulos) 126x. The word that Paul used in this verse is “doulos”.
Greek words, like those of any language, have a range of meanings depending on the usage. This is called semantic range, or word groups. A bible dictionary will show us a range of meanings for “doulos”, along with the different nuances. However, they commonly describe a person who is a “bond-servant” or, “slave”, a term more familiar to us. The term describes a person who has been bought with a price, whose life, and service, now belongs exclusively to his or her master. One can either be forced into, or freely enter into, such service. This was a common practice during the gospel period.
Implications To The New Testament Christian
In 1 Corinthians 7:22, when Paul says that we are “servants” of Christ, we are not merely “domestic servants” but are “slaves” to Him. We have been bought through His blood and we live for Jesus. In the light of this identity of ours, there are 3 areas that are worth our consideration:
1. ”Doulos”, Obey Your Lord
When the master issues a command, it is the servant’s duty to obey. As the “doulos” of Christ, what is our attitude when it comes to the teachings and instructions of our Lord? Do we humbly obey them or do we continually resist, making excuses for ourselves?
2. The Lord Provides For The “Doulos”
To us, being a “doulos” may conjure thoughts of restrictions or even abuse. However, it is actually comforting, for it is the responsibility of the master to provide for the needs of his slaves. And our Lord Jesus is not some abusive tyrant, but our good and loving King. It is this reason that our Lord says, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”
3. Be a “Doulos” To One Another
Our duty as “doulos” isn’t limited just towards our Lord Jesus. Paul says “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant (doulos): Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:26-28). We are called by our Lord to be servants to one another in the church. For Jesus himself ministered to us greatly when he made the atonement for our redemption on the cross of calvary.