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10 lines
1.0 KiB
Markdown
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# servant, slave, slavery
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## Definition
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A servant is a person who works for another person, either by choice or by force. The word for "slave" can also mean "servant." The surrounding text usually makes it clear which word fits better in that context.
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* Some servants or slaves are an important part of their master's household and are treated almost like members of the family. In the Old Testament, a person could choose to become a lifetime servant or slave to his master.
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* A slave is a kind of servant who is the property of the person he works for. Just as people buy clothing and animals, in some parts of the world, people buy people. The person who buys a slave is called his "owner" or "master." Some masters treat their slaves very cruelly while other masters treat their slaves very well.
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* In biblical times, some people willingly put themselves into a form of slavery for the purpose of paying back debts.
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* People who obey God through faith in Christ are often called His "servants." Christians are also called "slaves to righteousness."
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