Does the Bible condone slavery?

Understanding the Bible’s perspective on slavery requires careful examination of its historical, cultural, and theological contexts. In this post, we’ll explore how slavery is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, what it meant in ancient times, and how Christians have interpreted these passages throughout history.

Slavery in the Ancient World

To understand what the Bible says about slavery, it’s important to recognize that slavery in the ancient world was a widespread institution. In societies such as Egypt, Babylon, Greece, and Rome, slavery was a fundamental part of the economic and social structure. People became slaves through war, debt, birth, or as punishment for crimes. Ancient slavery could range from harsh and dehumanizing to arrangements where slaves held positions of responsibility.

Slavery in the Old Testament

The Old Testament contains laws regulating slavery, especially in books like Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. For example, Exodus 21 provides detailed rules about Hebrew and foreign slaves. Hebrew slaves could not be held indefinitely; they were to be freed after six years of service (Exodus 21:2). There were protections against severe mistreatment, such as a slave being set free if injured by their master (Exodus 21:26-27). Leviticus 25:39-43 urges Israelites not to treat fellow Hebrews as slaves but as hired workers and relatives.

However, the Old Testament also allows for the ownership of foreign slaves (Leviticus 25:44-46), who could be inherited as property. These texts reflect the realities of the ancient Near East, where slavery was part of the fabric of life. The regulations in the Law of Moses were intended to mitigate abuses and introduce a measure of dignity and protection, but did not abolish the institution itself.

The New Testament Approach

In the New Testament, slavery is also mentioned, as it was a common feature of Roman society. Many of the earliest Christians were slaves, and some members of the early church were slave owners. Paul and other New Testament writers address slaves and masters directly in their letters. For example, Ephesians 6:5-9 and Colossians 3:22-4:1 instruct slaves to obey their earthly masters and masters to treat their slaves justly and fairly. The book of Philemon is a personal letter from Paul to a Christian slave owner, urging him to welcome back his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a “beloved brother.”

It’s important to note that the New Testament does not explicitly call for the abolition of slavery. Instead, it encourages Christians to act with love, justice, and equality within the societal structures of the time. Galatians 3:28 proclaims that in Christ “there is neither slave nor free,” which points to a spiritual equality that transcends earthly social distinctions. While the New Testament acknowledges the existence of slavery, it sows seeds of transformation by emphasizing the inherent worth of every individual.

Interpreting the Bible’s Stance

Given these biblical passages, does the Bible condone slavery? The answer is complex. The Bible does not explicitly condemn slavery as an institution, nor does it call for its outright abolition in the societies in which it was written. Instead, it provides regulations intended to limit abuses, protect the vulnerable, and encourage humane treatment. In this sense, the Bible accommodates itself to the social realities of the ancient world without directly challenging them.

At the same time, the overarching message of the Bible is one of human dignity, compassion, and liberation. The story of the Exodus, in which God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, stands as a powerful symbol of God’s desire for freedom and justice. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize love for neighbor, humility, and the breaking down of barriers between people. Many Christians interpret these broader themes as fundamentally incompatible with the institution of slavery.

The Bible and the Abolition Movement

Throughout history, Christians have been both proponents and opponents of slavery, often citing the Bible in support of their views. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the abolitionist movement in Europe and America drew deeply from biblical principles of justice and equality. Leaders like William Wilberforce and Frederick Douglass argued that true Christian faith demanded the end of slavery, interpreting the Bible’s message as one of liberation for the oppressed.

Conclusion: Slavery and Biblical Ethics Today

Today, nearly all Christians reject slavery as fundamentally opposed to the teachings of Christ and the biblical affirmation of human dignity. To read the Bible well is to recognize both its historical context and its call to love and justice—a call that ultimately points beyond all forms of oppression and towards the freedom and equality of all people.