### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **doulóō**, represented by `{{G1402}}`, is derived from **doûlos** `{{G1401}}` and means **to enslave**, either literally or figuratively. It appears 11 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The term describes the state of being brought into bondage, becoming a servant, or being given over to a controlling power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1402}}` is used to describe several forms of bondage. It can refer to literal, physical enslavement, such as when God foretold that Abraham's seed would be brought into **bondage** in a strange **land** `{{G1093}}` and be treated evil for four hundred years [[Acts 7:6]]. Figuratively, it describes a state of spiritual immaturity, where people were in **bondage** under the basic **elements** `{{G4747}}` of the **world** `{{G2889}}` [[Galatians 4:3]]. The term is also used negatively to describe being brought into **bondage** to **corruption** `{{G5356}}` [[2 Peter 2:19]] or being **given** to much **wine** `{{G3631}}` [[Titus 2:3]]. Conversely, it illustrates a positive transfer of allegiance, where believers, once freed from sin, **become the servants** of **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` and **God** `{{G2316}}` ([[Romans 6:18]], [[Romans 6:22]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of enslavement and its opposite, freedom:
* `{{G1401}}` **doûlos** (slave, servant): The root noun from which `{{G1402}}` is derived, defining the state of a **slave** or **servant**. Paul uses this to describe his relationship to Christ, stating he would not be a **servant** of Christ if he still pleased men [[Galatians 1:10]].
* `{{G1659}}` **eleutheróō** (to liberate, make free): This verb is the direct antonym to being enslaved. It is used in tandem with `{{G1402}}` to show a transfer of allegiance, where believers are **made free** from **sin** `{{G266}}` and then **become servants** to God [[Romans 6:22]].
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (a sin): This represents one of the primary powers that enslaves individuals. The Bible states that being **made free** from **sin** is the prerequisite for becoming a **servant** of **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` [[Romans 6:18]].
* `{{G5356}}` **phthorá** (corruption, decay): This signifies the decay and ruin that enslaves those who are overcome by it. Those who promise **liberty** `{{G1657}}` to others can themselves be **servants** of **corruption**, demonstrating the deceptive nature of this bondage [[2 Peter 2:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1402}}` revolves around the transition from a state of enslavement to sin to a state of servitude to God.
* **Bondage to Sin and the World:** Humanity is depicted as being in **bondage** to spiritual forces. Before Christ, believers were held in **bondage** under the **elements** `{{G4747}}` of the **world** `{{G2889}}` [[Galatians 4:3]]. False teachers are described as being overcome and brought into **bondage** to **corruption** `{{G5356}}` [[2 Peter 2:19]].
* **Liberation into New Servitude:** Salvation is not presented as an absolute freedom from service, but as a liberation from a destructive master to a life-giving one. Upon being **made free** `{{G1659}}` from **sin** `{{G266}}`, a believer becomes a **servant** to **God** `{{G2316}}`, with the ultimate result being **holiness** `{{G38}}` and **everlasting** `{{G166}}` **life** `{{G2222}}` [[Romans 6:22]].
* **Voluntary Service:** The concept can also be a willed act of devotion. Though **free** `{{G1658}}` from all men, Paul made himself a **servant** to all in order to **gain** `{{G2770}}` the **more** `{{G4119}}` for the gospel [[1 Corinthians 9:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1402}}` is a crucial term that defines the human condition in relation to ruling powers. It contrasts the destructive, involuntary **bondage** to sin, corruption, and worldly principles with the liberating, voluntary servitude to God and righteousness. The word powerfully illustrates the biblical theme that freedom is found not in the absence of a master, but in becoming a **servant** to God, which leads to **holiness** `{{G38}}` and **everlasting life** `{{G2222}}` [[Romans 6:22]].
TRV