### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **douleía**, represented by `{{G1397}}`, is a term for **slavery** or **bondage**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to describe a state of servitude, primarily in a figurative or ceremonial sense, rather than literal, physical slavery.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1397}}` consistently describes a spiritual condition from which believers are freed. It is presented as a "yoke of **bondage**" that stands in direct opposition to the liberty given by Christ [[Galatians 5:1]]. Romans contrasts the "spirit of **bondage**" which leads to fear, with the "Spirit of **adoption**" [[Romans 8:15]]. It is used allegorically to describe the covenant from Mount Sinai, which "gendereth to **bondage**" [[Galatians 4:24]]. The term also defines the universal human condition of being held "subject to **bondage**" by the fear of death [[Hebrews 2:15]] and the state of creation itself, which awaits deliverance from the "**bondage** of corruption" [[Romans 8:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of bondage:
* `{{G1657}}` **eleuthería** (freedom): This word serves as the direct antonym to bondage. It is the state of **liberty** into which Christ has freed believers [[Galatians 5:1]] and the "glorious **liberty**" that is the hope of God's children [[Romans 8:21]].
* `{{G2218}}` **zygós** (yoke): This term provides a powerful metaphor for the oppressive nature of servitude. Scripture warns believers not to become entangled again with the "**yoke** of bondage" [[Galatians 5:1]].
* `{{G5401}}` **phóbos** (fear): This emotional state is directly linked to bondage. The spirit of bondage brings **fear**, whereas the Spirit of adoption brings a father-child relationship [[Romans 8:15]]. Humanity is described as being in bondage through the **fear** of death [[Hebrews 2:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1397}}` is significant in understanding salvation.
* **A State of Spiritual Slavery:** `{{G1397}}` describes the condition of humanity apart from Christ. This is a bondage to spiritual forces and principles, such as a legalistic covenant [[Galatians 4:24]], the fear of death [[Hebrews 2:15]], and the decay of creation [[Romans 8:21]].
* **The Antithesis of Christian Freedom:** The concept of bondage is consistently set against the liberty believers have in Christ. Believers are called to "stand fast" in the freedom purchased for them and not return to a yoke of bondage [[Galatians 5:1]].
* **Deliverance from Fear to Adoption:** Bondage is characterized by a spirit of fear. The gospel replaces this with the Spirit of adoption `{{G5206}}`, fundamentally changing a believer's relationship with God from one of fearful slavery to one of intimate sonship [[Romans 8:15]].
### Summary
In summary, **douleía** `{{G1397}}` is a crucial term that defines the figurative **bondage** from which Christ liberates people. It represents a spiritual state of oppression marked by fear and servitude to sin, death, and the law. Its usage throughout scripture highlights the profound shift a believer experiences, moving from a "spirit of bondage" to the "glorious liberty" and adoption as children of God.
TRV