Concise Bible Dictionary:
These were distinct from the house servants who were generally slaves. Hired servants were engaged by the day and paid at the close of the day. A servant hired by the priest was not regarded as one of the family, and was not allowed to eat of the holy things, whereas the slaves were considered a part of the family (Lev. 19:13; Lev. 22:10; Deut. 15:18; Deut. 24:14; Job 14:6; Mal. 3:5). They are contrasted in the New Testament with the Shepherd who owned the sheep (Matt. 20:1-8; Luke 15:17,19; John 10:12-13).