Means “being in slavery,” and may refer to the law (Gal. 4:24), righteousness (Rom. 6:18), God (Rom. 6:22), wine (Tit. 2:3), sin (Rom. 6:6), men (John 8:33), and Christ (Rom. 1:1, &c.). This phrase is, however, frequently used with particular reference to the law, and a legal spirit that is opposed to the Holy Ghost (Gal. 4:5) and to the law of liberty (James 2:12). It is also commonly used of those who have not settled peace with God, and are still trying by the works of the, law to become just before God (Rom. 4:7 Gal. 5:1). It is well to remember that the word is as equally applicable to the new “bondage” we are brought unto to Christ (1 Cor. 7:22) as to the old (of sin and the law), from which we are delivered.