“Slave” From 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).
“Servant” From Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(server). In a broad Bible sense, subject, assistant, person under tribute; in special sense, bondman or slave, by right of purchase, pledge for indebtedness, or indenture; which relationship was carefully guarded by Mosaic law (Lev. 25:39-55; Deut. 15:12-18). [SLAVE.]
“Servant” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
1. The words ebed and δοῦλος (those most commonly used for “servant”) convey the idea of bondmen or slaves. Some were bought with money and some were taken in war (compare Ex. 22:3). Such a servant, if circumcised, might among the Israelites eat of the Passover—as bought he belonged to the family; but a hired servant might not (Ex. 12:44-45; compare Lev. 22:11). (So Gentiles, though aliens, bought with the blood of Christ, have all the privilege of grace.) Children born of these would also be the property of the master (Ex. 21:4). This form of servitude, though a result of sin, was recognized by the Mosaic law, and rules were given respecting it, and for the protection of the slaves.
In the New Testament Paul sent back Onesimus, a runaway slave, to his master, who was a Christian, and did not demand his liberation; but he beautifully puts before Philemon that he should possess Onesimus no longer as a slave, but as a brother beloved. The effects of sin were in the world, and God did not introduce Christianity in order to set the world right; but, while shedding light upon everything, and proclaiming grace to all, God’s purpose was “to take out of the nations a people for His name.” Christianity inculcated equal treatment of slaves, as we see in several of the epistles in which masters are addressed: men-stealers are condemned (1 Tim. 1:10).
Christian bondservants are declared to be the Lord’s “freemen” (1 Cor. 7:22), and words of encouragement are addressed to them.
Paul, James, Peter, and Jude all call themselves “bondmen of the Lord,” and Christians generally are thus designated. The Lord Himself said, “I am among you as he that serveth” (Luke 22:27); and now in heaven He serves His own as Intercessor and Advocate. He speaks also of a future day when He will gird Himself, make His servants sit down, and will come forth and serve them, thus being a minister to servants! (Luke 12:37).
2. παῖς, “a child,” irrespective of age, and hence used for servant (Matt. 8:6,8,13; Matt. 14:2; Luke 7:7; Luke 12:45; Luke 15:26; Acts 4:25). The word is applied to Christ (Matt. 12:18; Acts 3:13, 26—translated “Son;” Acts 4:27, 30—translated “child;” and to Israel and to David in Luke 1:54,69.
3. οἰκέτης “household servant” (Luke 16:13; Acts 10:7; Rom. 14:4; 1 Pet. 2:18).
4. ὑπηάτης, “one under authority,” an official servant (Matt. 26:58; Mark 14:54,65; John 18:36). Also translated “minister” and “officer.”
5. θεράπων, “retainer, servant” (Heb. 3:5).
6. μισθωτός, μίσθιος, “hired servant” (Mark 1:20; Luke 15:17,19; compare Matt. 20). The word is translated “hireling” in John 10:12-13. See DEACON, and SLAVE.
“Handmaid, Handmaiden” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
These words often refer in scripture to a female slave, as applied to Hagar the Egyptian (Gen. 25:12); but were also used by women themselves as a term of humility, as when Hannah spake to Jehovah and to Eli (1 Sam. 1:11,16,18); as Abigail to David (1 Sam. 25:24-41); and by Mary and Elizabeth as handmaids of the Lord (Luke 1:38, 48).
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Transliteration:
shiphchah
Meaning:
feminine from an unused root meaning to spread out (as a family; see 4940); a female slave (as a member of the household)
KJV Usage:
(bond-, hand-)maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant