In this article, we will explain to you what does the Bible say about slavery and also share some of the most important KJV Bible verses related to slavery.
What Does The Bible Say About Slavery?
The Bible addresses the issue of slavery in several passages, offering both instructions for slaves and guidelines for slave owners. In the Old Testament, slavery was a common practice in ancient societies, and the Bible includes regulations for the treatment of slaves in the Israelite community.
In Leviticus 25:44-46, it states, “Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property. You can bequeath them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly.”
While these verses may seem to condone the practice of slavery, it is important to note that the Bible also contains principles of justice, mercy, and compassion that are meant to guide the treatment of slaves. In Exodus 21:16, it states, “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.” This verse clearly condemns the act of kidnapping and the forced enslavement of individuals.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of slavery in his letters to the early Christian communities. In Ephesians 6:5-9, Paul instructs slaves to obey their earthly masters with respect and fear, just as they would obey Christ. He also urges masters to treat their slaves with kindness and fairness, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven.
Overall, while the Bible does not explicitly condemn the practice of slavery, it does provide principles for the just treatment of slaves and guidelines for both slaves and their owners. It is important to interpret these passages in their historical context and to consider the overarching message of love, justice, and compassion that the Bible promotes. Ultimately, the Bible teaches that all individuals are created in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect.
KJV Bible Verses on slavery
Here are the top 10 KJV Bible Verses on slavery:
1. Exodus 21:16 – “And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.”
2. Leviticus 25:39 – “And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:”
3. Leviticus 25:44 – “Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.”
4. Deuteronomy 24:7 – “If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.”
5. Jeremiah 34:14 – “At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear.”
6. Ephesians 6:9 – “And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”
7. Colossians 4:1 – “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.”
8. 1 Timothy 1:10 – “For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;”
9. Philemon 1:16 – “Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?”
10. 1 Peter 2:16 – “As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”