Dictionary of Biblical Words:
This simile is used of the whole church or assembly of God in Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 10 and 12.; Eph. and Col. only; elsewhere the word “BODY” means a literal body. This body is declared to be the church (Col. 1:24) (as composed only of true believers). It is a part of Christ, who is the Head, while all Christians are members, whether Jews or Gentiles. For by the cross, out of the side of Christ (1 John 5) is this new body formed, wherein there is neither Jew nor Gentile (1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 3:11). There is one Spirit in the whole (Eph. 4; 1 Cor. 12 &c.) In Eph. 5 the type of Adam and Eve is evidently alluded to, and the Church presented as the bride, but specially as part of the man (his body). This type is used in three ways—local, general, and universal. Locally, it includes all true Christians in any one place (1 Cor. 12:27); generally, it includes all true Christians on earth at any one time (Eph. 4:12); universally, it is composed of all true believers from Pentecost to the rapture of the saints (Eph. 1:23). The body can never be mutilated, nor can any member of it be lost.
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(Sclavonian). Slavery came about under Hebrew institutions. (1) By poverty, when a man sold himself to cancel debt (Lev. 25:39); (2) by theft, when restitution could not be made (Ex. 22:3); (3) by parents selling their daughters as concubines (Ex. 21:7-11). It ended (1) when the debt was paid; (2) on the year of Jubilee (Lev. 25:40); (3) at the end of six years of service (Ex. 21:2; Deut. 15:12). This as to Hebrews. As to non-Hebrew slaves, by far the most numerous class, they were purchased (Lev. 25:45); or captured in war (Num. 31:26,40). They were freed if ill treated (Ex. 21:26-27); to slay one was murder (Lev. 24:17,22); they were circumcised and had religious privileges (Gen. 17:12-13).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
This word occurs in the AV only in Revelation 18:13, where it should read “bodies,” as in the margin. See SERVANTS.
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
from 4982; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
KJV Usage:
bodily, body, slave