What Does the Bible Say About Slavery?
What Does the Bible Say About Slavery? The Bible regulated slavery in the ancient world, planted seeds for its abolition (Philemon, Galatians 3:28), and ultimately inspired the abolition movement.
Key verse: Galatians 3:28 (KJV)
The Bible regulated slavery in the ancient world, planted seeds for its abolition (Philemon, Galatians 3:28), and ultimately inspired the abolition movement.
The Bible regulated slavery in the ancient world, planted seeds for its abolition (Philemon, Galatians 3:28), and ultimately inspired the abolition movement.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:28 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Biblical slavery was complex and different from the chattel slavery of the American South. Old Testament regulations humanized the practice: Hebrew slaves served limited terms (Exodus 21:2), were to be treated well (Deuteronomy 15:12-15), and kidnapping people for slavery was punishable by death (Exodus 21:16). Paul's letter to Philemon urged a master to receive his runaway slave Onesimus 'not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved' (Philemon 1:16). Galatians 3:28 declares, 'There is neither bond nor free... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.' 1 Timothy 1:10 lists 'menstealers' (slave traders) among the lawless. While the Bible didn't immediately abolish the institution, its principles of human dignity, equality before God, and love for neighbor provided the theological foundation that drove William Wilberforce and others to abolish the slave trade.
Key Scripture References
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
"Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved."
"And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Justice?
The Bible reveals God as perfectly just and calls His people to pursue justice for the oppressed, the poor, and the vulnerable as an expression of His character.
What Does the Bible Say About Race and Ethnicity?
The Bible teaches that all humans are created in God's image, descended from one blood, and equal before Him regardless of ethnicity.
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
How Many Books Are in the Bible?
The Bible contains 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Galatians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Galatians on day 320 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Slavery?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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