### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word δοῦλον (doûlon), Strong's `{{G1400}}`, is the neuter singular form of the noun δοῦλος (doûlos, `{{G1401}}`). While δοῦλος primarily denotes a "slave" or "bondservant"—one who is entirely at the disposal of another, lacking personal rights and owing absolute obedience—its neuter form δοῦλον points to "that which is subservient" or the *state* or *quality* of being subservient. It can function adjectivally, modifying a neuter noun, or substantively, referring to a thing or concept characterized by servitude. Unlike a hired servant, a δοῦλος is owned, and δοῦλον carries this profound implication of absolute ownership and inherent subjugation. It is not merely service, but an existence defined by the will of a master.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that while δοῦλον (doûlon) is grammatically the neuter singular form of δοῦλος, its direct occurrences in the New Testament as a standalone *neuter noun* meaning "servant" are exceedingly rare. Most instances of the word δοῦλον in the New Testament are actually the accusative masculine singular form of δοῦλος (`{{G1401}}`), meaning "a slave" or "a servant" (e.g., [[Matthew 8:9]], [[Matthew 10:24]], [[Romans 6:17]], [[Romans 6:20]]). In these cases, it refers to a male person.
However, when δοῦλον is truly functioning as the neuter form (as implied by its `{{G1400}}` Strong's entry), it emphasizes the concept of "subservience" or "bondage" in a more abstract or adjectival sense. For example, the neuter plural δουλα appears in [[Romans 6:19]], where Paul speaks of yielding "your members as slaves (δουλα) to righteousness." Here, the neuter form highlights the *condition* or *function* of the members as being in a state of subservience to righteousness, rather than identifying them as individual slaves. Thus, δοῦλον (neuter) points to the inherent quality or state of being completely subject to another's will, a profound theological concept within the New Testament.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of δοῦλον is enriched by its close lexical family:
* δοῦλος (`{{G1401}}`): The foundational noun for "slave" or "bondservant," from which δοῦλον (neuter) derives. This term signifies complete ownership and lack of personal rights.
* δουλεία (`{{G1397}}`): A noun meaning "slavery," "bondage," or "servitude." This word directly captures the *state* or *condition* of being a δοῦλος, which δοῦλον (neuter) implicitly conveys.
* δούλευω (`{{G1398}}`): The verb "to serve," "to be enslaved," or "to be in bondage." It describes the action or state of a δοῦλος.
* δουλόω (`{{G1396}}`): The verb "to enslave" or "to make a slave of."
These terms collectively paint a picture of absolute allegiance and submission. They stand in contrast to other Greek words for service that imply a more voluntary or contractual relationship, such as:
* διάκονος (`{{G1249}}`): "Deacon" or "minister," one who serves willingly, often in a religious or administrative capacity.
* ὑπηρέτης (`{{G5257}}`): An attendant, assistant, or subordinate, often referring to an official's aide.
* θεράπων (`{{G2324}}`): A medical attendant or servant, one who renders service, often implying care or healing.
### Theological Significance
While δοῦλον (neuter) is not frequently used as a standalone noun for "servant," its underlying meaning as "that which is subservient" or the *state* of subservience carries profound theological weight. The concept of absolute subservience, inherent in the δοῦλος word group, is central to understanding the believer's relationship with God. Before conversion, humanity is depicted as δοῦλοι (slaves) to sin ([[Romans 6:17]], [[Romans 6:20]]). Through Christ, believers are freed from this bondage but are simultaneously called to become δοῦλοι of righteousness ([[Romans 6:18]]) and δοῦλοι of God ([[Romans 6:22]]).
This transformation from slavery to sin to willing subservience to God is a core paradox of Christian faith. True freedom is found not in autonomy, but in complete, willing submission to the divine Master. The neuter δοῦλον subtly reinforces the idea that this is not merely an action, but a fundamental *state of being*—a complete reorientation of one's entire existence to the will and purpose of God. It signifies a life utterly devoted, where personal will is surrendered to the Master's command, leading to holiness and eternal life.
### Summary
The Greek word δοῦλον (`{{G1400}}`) represents the neuter singular form of δοῦλος (`{{G1401}}`), signifying "that which is subservient" or the *state* of being a slave/bondservant. While most occurrences of δοῦλον in the New Testament are the masculine accusative singular of δοῦλος, its grammatical identity as a neuter form emphasizes the abstract concept of absolute subservience and ownership. This word, along with its lexical family (δουλεία `{{G1397}}`, δούλευω `{{G1398}}`), underscores the profound biblical truth that humanity is always in a state of subservience to something—either sin or God. For the believer, δοῦλον encapsulates the radical call to a life of complete, willing, and joyful submission to Christ, where true liberty and spiritual flourishing are paradoxically discovered in being fully owned by God.
TRV