What Does the Bible say About Slavery

The Bible addresses slavery in multiple passages across both the Old and New Testaments, and its teachings have been interpreted in many different ways over time. In the Old Testament while scripture does not strictly say to abolish the idea of slavery, instead passages state instructions for slaves and masters who unfortunately live in the system, to cooperate with Godly behavior, if it is unavoidable. Slavery was accepted as part of the economic and social structure, but it included various regulations intended to provide some level of protection for slaves. The biblical perspective on slavery presents a complex narrative that has shaped centuries of theological and social debates. When I examine the scripture, I find that the Bible operates within the cultural assumptions of its ancient context while simultaneously containing morals and principals that have been interpreted in different ways.

According to Open Bible in the New Testament, Paul's letters reveal this complexity most clearly. I observe that passages like Ephesians 6:5-9 and Colossians 3:22-4:1 instruct slaves to obey their masters while commanding masters to treat slaves well. Paul's letter to Philemon demonstrates this tension perfectly—he returns the slave Onesimus but appeals for kindness. Yet I also note that 1 Corinthians 7:20-24 suggests freedom is preferable, and Galatians 3:28 declares there is "neither slave nor free" in Christ.

        It's also very interesting to hear different people’s opinions regarding this topic. Christians came to see slavery as incompatible with the heart of the gospel. They emphasized that although the Bible acknowledges slavery as part of the ancient world, the broader biblical themes point toward justice, mercy, and freedom. Abolitionists in the 18th and 19th centuries frequently appealed to passages like

Verse Genesis 1:27
"So God created Man in His own image, in 
the image of God Created Him."

which teaches that all people are created in the image of God, and Galatians 3:28, which declares that in Christ there is “neither slave nor free.” These Christians argued that the biblical vision of human equality and dignity calls for the end of slavery, even if the institution was not explicitly condemned in biblical times.  

The Bible and Slavery The Bible and Slavery states how Biblical scholars and historians often approach the question of slavery in the Bible differently than faith communities. From a historical-critical perspective, the Bible reflects the social, economic, and cultural realities of the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world, where slavery was deeply embedded in society. Scholars point out that in Ancient Israel, slavery functioned as a form of indentured servitude often tied to debt or war, and the laws in the Old Testament sought to regulate and limit abuses within that system.

St. Peters Basilica, Vatican City, Rome Italy.

I find that the historical impact is particularly revealing. Eighteenth and nineteenth century slavery defenders cited Paul's household codes as divine approval, while abolitionists emphasized creation in God's image and Jesus's ministry to be oppressed. This demonstrates how the same texts supported opposing interpretations and perspectives. Today's scholarly consensus acknowledges that while biblical texts regulate slavery within their cultural context, the broader emphasis on human dignity and justice provides foundation for anti-slavery positions. Understanding this requires careful consideration of historical context and hermeneutical principles.