from δουλεύω; slavery (ceremonially or figuratively):--bondage.
Transliteration:douleía
Pronunciation:doo-li'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun δουλεία (douleía), Strong's `{{G1397}}`, denotes "slavery," "bondage," or "servitude." It is derived from the verb δουλεύω (`{{G1398}}`), "to serve as a slave," and is closely related to the noun δοῦλος (`{{G1401}}`), "a slave" or "bondservant." The core meaning of δουλεία is a state of absolute subjection, where one's will is entirely subservient to another. This is not merely service, but an involuntary or inescapable condition of being owned or controlled. Its semantic range extends beyond literal physical slavery to encompass ceremonial or figurative forms of enslavement, particularly spiritual or moral bondage. It implies a lack of freedom, autonomy, and inherent rights, often leading to oppression or a burdensome existence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δουλεία appears predominantly in the Pauline epistles and the book of Hebrews, where it is almost exclusively used in a metaphorical or theological sense, rather than referring to literal physical slavery.
1. **Bondage to Sin:** In Romans, Paul contrasts the δουλεία of sin with the freedom found in Christ. He writes in [[Romans 6:6]] concerning the "body of sin" that we should "no longer be enslaved to sin" (οὐκέτι δουλεύειν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ), using the verb form, and then in [[Romans 6:17]], he praises believers for having become obedient from the heart, being "set free from sin" (ἐλευθερωθέντες δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας). The concept of δουλεία here highlights humanity's natural state of being captive to sinful desires and actions prior to redemption.
2. **Bondage to the Law:** A significant use of δουλεία is found in Galatians, where Paul vehemently argues against returning to the δουλεία of the Mosaic Law. In [[Galatians 4:24]], referring to the allegory of Hagar and Sarah, he describes Hagar as representing "Mount Sinai, which bears children for slavery" (εἰς δουλείαν), contrasting her with Sarah, who represents freedom. He further warns in [[Galatians 5:1]], "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" (ζυγῷ δουλείας). Here, the Law, when pursued as a means of righteousness, is depicted not as a path to liberty but as a burdensome system that exposes sin and leads to spiritual bondage, incapable of imparting life. This δουλεία is a spiritual state of striving under obligation, rather than living by grace through faith.
3. **Bondage to Elemental Spirits/Worldly Principles:** In [[Galatians 4:3]], Paul speaks of believers prior to Christ as being "enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world" (ὑπὸ τὰ στοιχεῖα τῆς κοσμοῦ ἦμεν δεδουλωμένοι), again using the verb form. This suggests a δουλεία to the basic principles or rudimentary forms of religious or philosophical systems that lack the fullness of Christ.
4. **Bondage to the Fear of Death:** The author of Hebrews uses δουλεία to describe the human condition before Christ's liberating work. In [[Hebrews 2:15]], it is stated that Christ "might deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery" (ὅσοι φόβῳ θανάτου διὰ παντὸς τοῦ ζῆν ἔνοχοι ἦσαν δουλείας). This highlights a profound existential δουλεία rooted in the universal human dread of mortality, which Christ's victory over death decisively breaks.
### Related Words & Concepts
δουλεία is intricately linked with several other significant biblical terms and concepts, illuminating its full scope:
* **δουλεύω (`{{G1398}}`)**: The verb "to serve as a slave." This active form emphasizes the *act* of serving in bondage, whereas δουλεία refers to the *state* of being enslaved. For example, δουλεύω is used in [[Romans 7:6]] regarding serving in the new way of the Spirit, contrasting with the old way of the written code.
* **δοῦλος (`{{G1401}}`)**: The noun "slave" or "bondservant." This refers to the person in the state of δουλεία. Believers are called δοῦλοι of Christ, signifying willing, devoted service, distinct from the involuntary δουλεία to sin or the Law.
* **ἐλευθερία (`{{G1657}}`) / ἐλευθερόω (`{{G1659}}`)**: "Freedom" and "to set free." These are the direct antonyms of δουλεία and δουλεύω. The New Testament consistently presents Christ's work as bringing ἐλευθερία from δουλεία to sin, Law, and death ([[John 8:36]], [[Romans 8:2]], [[Galatians 5:1]]).
* **νόμος (`{{G3551}}`)**: "Law." The Law, particularly the Mosaic Law, is frequently contrasted with grace as a source of δουλεία when pursued as a means of salvation ([[Galatians 3:23-25]], [[Galatians 4:21-31]]).
* **ἁμαρτία (`{{G266}}`)**: "Sin." Sin is portrayed as a master to whom humanity is enslaved, leading to death ([[Romans 6:6]], [[Romans 6:17]], [[Romans 6:20]]).
* **πνεῦμα (`{{G4151}}`)**: "Spirit." The Holy Spirit is presented as the agent of liberation from δουλεία to sin and the Law, leading to the spirit of adoption ([[Romans 8:15]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δουλεία is profound, highlighting the radical nature of salvation in Christ. It defines the human predicament before God's redemptive intervention and underscores the glorious liberty offered through the Gospel.
1. **The Universal Human Condition:** δουλεία to sin and death is presented as the default state of all humanity apart from Christ. This spiritual bondage is not merely a moral failing but an inherent inability to escape the dominion of sin, leading inevitably to death and separation from God.
2. **The Law's Role:** While holy and good, the Law, when misunderstood or misapplied, leads to a δουλεία of works-righteousness. It reveals sin but cannot empower one to overcome it, thus trapping individuals in a cycle of striving and condemnation. The Law served to expose humanity's δουλεία to sin, thereby pointing to the need for a savior.
3. **Christ's Liberating Work:** The central theological message concerning δουλεία is that Christ's death and resurrection decisively break these bonds. He liberates believers from the δουλεία of sin, the δουλεία of the Law, and the δουλεία to the fear of death. This liberation is not merely a change of status but a profound spiritual transformation.
4. **Sonship vs. Slavery:** A key aspect of this liberation is the transition from a "spirit of δουλεία" (πνεῦμα δουλείας) to a "spirit of adoption as sons" (πνεῦμα υἱοθεσίας) ([[Romans 8:15]]). This signifies a change from a relationship based on fear and obligation to one of intimate love and filial privilege, where believers can cry out "Abba, Father!"
5. **True Freedom:** The freedom from δουλεία is not license for sin but freedom to serve God in righteousness and holiness. Believers are no longer slaves to sin but δοῦλοι of God and of righteousness, a willing and joyful servitude that is the essence of true liberty ([[Romans 6:18]], [[Romans 6:22]]).
### Summary
The Greek term δουλεία (`{{G1397}}`) fundamentally denotes a state of "slavery" or "bondage," characterized by absolute subjection and lack of freedom. In the New Testament, its primary application is metaphorical, describing the spiritual condition of humanity apart from Christ. It highlights the δουλεία to sin, the δουλεία to the Mosaic Law when used as a means of salvation, and the δουλεία to the existential fear of death. Theologically, δουλεία serves as a crucial backdrop against which the liberating power of the Gospel is illuminated. Christ's redemptive work is portrayed as the definitive act that frees believers from these various forms of spiritual bondage, transitioning them from a spirit of slavery to a spirit of adoption, enabling them to live in true freedom as δοῦλοι of God.
TRV