Handmaid
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
In the Old Testament, the term handmaid translates Hebrew words for female slaves or servants, serving as a linguistic marker of humility, respectful self-deprecation, and social subordination.
What is the meaning of Handmaid in the Bible?
In the Old Testament, the term handmaid translates Hebrew words for female slaves or servants, serving as a linguistic marker of humility, respectful self-deprecation, and social subordination.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the status of handmaids illuminates the intricate social hierarchies and economic realities of ancient Israel, helping readers grasp how domestic servitude influenced family dynamics and legal standing within biblical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Handmaid in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Handmaid clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.