Topical Bible

What Does the Bible Say About Slaves?

Here are 9 Bible verses about slaves, ordered by how relevant readers found them, with the King James Version and the modern Berean Standard Bible side by side.

  1. #1Colossians 4:1

    Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

    BSBMasters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

  2. #2Exodus 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.

    BSBWhoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.

  3. #3Ephesians 6:5

    Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

    BSBSlaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

  4. #41 Peter 2:18

    Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

    BSBServants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable.

  5. #5Philemon 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?

    BSBno longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.

  6. #6Galatians 3:28

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

    BSBThere is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

  7. #7Colossians 3:22-25

    Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

    BSBSlaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

  8. #8John 8:34

    Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

    BSBJesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

  9. #9Job 31:13-15

    If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?

    BSBIf I have rejected the cause of my manservant or maidservant when they made a complaint against me, what will I do when God rises to judge? How will I answer when called to account? Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb?

Verse rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY). Scripture: KJV & BSB (public domain).

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