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Why is doulos translated servant instead of slave?

Discussion in 'Bible Versions & Translations' started by Luke2427, Nov 17, 2010.

  1. Luke2427

    Luke2427 Active Member

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  2. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    We are born, live and will die "slaves". No question.

    Issue is to WHOM we will be "slaves".

    I am a "slave" to Christ because of Him knowing me and giving me His grace. But still a "slave".

    Modern Christians do not want to yield perceived "rights" and submit to being a slave . . of ANYONE. Makes me wonder for those types if they might really still be slaves of sin and not even regenerate. Or just ignorant?
     
  3. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Or perhaps Blind
     
  4. glfredrick

    glfredrick New Member

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    Any student of the Greek will rightly understand that the common usage of the word doulos is slave.

    We tend to shy away from the word "slave" because of the negative connotations left over from American slavery.

    But, the Scriptures are true. We are either doulos to sin (our father, the devil) or doulos to Christ.
     
  5. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    DOULOS [-ous] in the KJV

    As an OBJECT

    For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my
    servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
    Matthew 8:9 (AV 1873)

    Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart In peace, according to thy word:
    Luke 2:29 (AV 1873)

    but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
    Revelation 10:7 (AV 1873)


    As the SUBJECT

    The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
    Matthew 10:24 (AV 1873)

    And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
    2 Timothy 2:24 (AV 1873)

    Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
    Titus 2:9 (AV 1873)
     
  6. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    Remember also that when we are translating from another language we use the language we understand. In old English times, we had bond-servants, servants and slaves. Slightly different meanings, but often used interchangeably.

    Then. what was a slave or a servant in Koine Greek and what was the common understanding of the term then,not now, but then.

    A slave does as he is told and no argument. A bond-servant or servant does the same thing. The difference being that a slave is unpaid whilst a servant may or may not be paid a wage.

    Essentially, whether we read slave or servant, there is no difference given the context.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  7. webdog

    webdog Active Member
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    To the Jewish audience, they would understand to become a slave was a voluntary action when a debt could not be repaid. They agreed to become property of the debtor serving him. Servant and slave are interchangeable given the context, but not if we hold to OUR 21st century understanding of slavery in modern times. Has nothing to do with what Dr. Bob's perception is.
     
    #7 webdog, Nov 17, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 17, 2010
  8. webdog

    webdog Active Member
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    ........................................
     
    #8 webdog, Nov 17, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 17, 2010
  9. robycop3

    robycop3 Well-Known Member
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    We tendta think of a slave as one held in involuntary servitude by force ot threatta force, and not as one who willingly submits to another person, people, or dominating influence. When one becomes a slave to CHRIST, it's voluntary, and because that person WANTS to be His slave. He does NOT use force to keep anyone His slave, and, when the time comes, He will pay us for our willing slavery to Him, making us no longer slaves, but co-heirs with Him of His Father's promises.
    And yes, there's an American sub-conscience that thinx of slavery as a state of forceful involuntary servitude such as that forced upon black people in America before the end of the Civil War. Thus, we avoid the word. I certainly don't mention it when witnessing to blacks or other "minority"folx.
     
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