How the Bible Addresses Slavery

The Holy Bible

Slavery is definitely one of the most difficult and sensitive topics in human history, and the Bible’s mentioning of it has been the subject of  countless debates. Understanding what the Bible says about slavery requires careful consideration of historical context, language, and the different genres within Scripture. While the topic is quite touchy, researching it carefully can show how biblical texts have influenced both social and ethical discussions throughout history. Although it doesn’t explicitly call for slavery to end, it does provide guidance on how people should treat one another, emphasizing fairness, justice, and dignity.

In the Old Testament, slavery was widely practiced, and there were laws to regulate it. For example, Hebrew slaves were said to be released after six years of service. Even though this still allowed slavery, that rule shows that the Bible aimed to limit the length of servitude and provide some protections to slaves. It’s important to know that these laws were different for Jewish slaves and foreigners. Foreigners were able to be kept as permanent slaves, while Jewish slaves were given rights and opportunities for release. These distinctions reflect the social and cultural norms of the ancient world rather than offering a full moral endorsement of slavery.

"Onesimus and Perfection" - Simply Gospel

The New Testament approaches the topic differently, focusing more on ethics, responsibility, and human relationships. While it does not call for the abolition of slavery, it repeatedly emphasizes that all people are equal in the eyes of God and deserve fair treatment. One of the clearest examples of this is found in Paul’s letter to Philemon. In this letter, Paul asks the slave owner Philemon to welcome his runaway slave, Onesimus, not as property but as a beloved brother in Christ. This appeal highlights spiritual equality and respect, showing that moral principles of love and fairness were considered more important than social hierarchies. It suggests that the way we treat others, even within an existing system, should reflect compassion and human dignity.

William Wilberforce

The Bible’s teachings on slavery were later used by both critics and reformers. In history, some slaveholders misused Scripture to justify the practice, pointing to passages that regulated slavery rather than condemned it. At the same time, abolitionists drew on the Bible’s ethical teachings—such as justice, equality, and love for one another—to argue for the end of slavery. Figures like Frederick Douglass and William Wilberforce cited biblical principles to highlight the humanity of enslaved people and the moral obligation to oppose oppression.

Frederick Douglass

Overall, the Bible’s approach to slavery is complex. On one hand, it acknowledges slavery as a part of ancient societies and provides regulations for it. On the other hand, it consistently promotes values that challenge mistreatment and emphasize fairness, respect, and equality. For modern readers, these teachings offer an opportunity to reflect on human rights and the ethical treatment of all people. The Bible may not directly tell us to abolish slavery, but its principles encourage us to prioritize justice, dignity, and compassion in all our interactions.

Understanding slavery in the Bible requires balancing historical context with ethical reflection. By looking closely at the texts and considering their broader messages, we can better appreciate how Scripture addresses both the realities of its time and the timeless call to treat others with fairness and respect.

*AI Disclosure: portions of this blog post were assisted by AI.