Brief overview of δουλεία (G1397: douleía)

• δουλεία (douleía) [doo-lay-EE-ah]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek word δοῦλος (doulos), meaning “slave” or “servant.” It indicates a state or condition of servitude.
• Part of Speech: Noun.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

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• Slavery: The word δουλεία (douleía) primarily denotes a state of slavery or bondage. It refers to the condition of being under the control or dominion of another, often in the context of physical or social servitude.
• Servitude: It can also imply a broader sense of servitude, not only in a literal, physical sense but also metaphorically, referring to subjugation to sin, law, or other forms of spiritual or moral bondage.
• Subjection: Another key meaning of δουλεία (douleía) is the idea of being subjected or subordinated to a higher authority, whether it be a person, law, or spiritual force.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Composition: The word δουλεία (douleía) is a noun derived from the verb δουλεύω (douleúō), which means “to serve” or “to be a slave.” The suffix “-εία” (-eía) is often used to form abstract nouns in Greek, emphasizing the state or condition described by the root word. In this case, it emphasizes the condition of being in slavery or bondage.
• Usage in Context: The term δουλεία (douleía) is frequently used in the New Testament to describe both physical slavery and metaphorical bondage to sin or the law. It contrasts with the concept of freedom (ἐλευθερία, eleuthería) in Christ, as seen in the Pauline epistles.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: BDAG describes δουλεία (douleía) as referring to both literal slavery and metaphorical bondage. It is used to describe a condition where an individual is under the control of another, particularly in the context of spiritual slavery, such as being bound to sin or the law.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s emphasizes the metaphorical usage of δουλεία (douleía) in the New Testament, particularly in Paul’s letters, where it is contrasted with the freedom offered in Christ. It highlights the transition from a state of bondage to the law to the liberty of grace.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ focuses on the classical use of δουλεία (douleía), noting its application to both physical slavery and broader forms of subjugation or control in Greek literature. The term is often used in legal and social contexts to describe a person’s status or condition in society.
• Scripture References:
• Romans 8:15: “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'”
• Galatians 4:24: “Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.”
• Hebrews 2:15: “And deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

• Homer, Iliad: The concept of δουλεία (douleía) in Homer’s Iliad is seen in the portrayal of slaves and the condition of servitude, emphasizing the loss of freedom and autonomy experienced by those captured in war.
• Plato, Republic: Plato uses the concept of δουλεία (douleía) metaphorically in Republic to discuss the soul’s bondage to base desires, illustrating the philosophical idea of moral enslavement to passions.
• Aristotle, Politics: Aristotle discusses δουλεία (douleía) in Politics when examining the institution of slavery as a natural and legal condition, reflecting the societal norms of ancient Greece.

Summary of δουλεία (G1397: douleía)

The Greek word δουλεία (douleía), transliterated as douleía and pronounced [doo-lay-EE-ah], primarily denotes a state of slavery or bondage. Derived from the word doulos (slave), it reflects a condition of being under the control or subjugation of another, whether physically, socially, or spiritually. In the New Testament, δουλεία (douleía) is often contrasted with the concept of freedom in Christ, highlighting the transition from bondage to law or sin to the liberty found in grace. The term is used both in literal and metaphorical senses, emphasizing the loss of freedom and the experience of subjugation. Classical Greek literature also reflects these themes, where δουλεία (douleía) is used to discuss both the societal institution of slavery and the philosophical idea of moral or spiritual bondage.