δουλεία
douleia
slavery
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word δουλεία (douleia) is defined as slavery. It falls within the semantic domain of Royalty & Authority, suggesting a connection to power dynamics and social hierarchy. This word is used five times in the Bible, indicating its importance in certain contexts. In its definition as slavery, douleia implies a state of forced labor or subjugation, where individuals are subject to the control and authority of others. This meaning is significant in understanding the social and economic structures of ancient societies, where slavery was a common institution. The limited number of occurrences in the Bible suggests that douleia is not a widely used term, but its specific usage in certain passages may convey important themes related to power, authority, and social status.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
For you didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:21that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
Galatians 4:24These things contain an allegory, for these are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children to bondage, which is Hagar.
Galatians 5:1Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Hebrews 2:15and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.