Introduction

Understanding the original Greek words in the Bible provides critical insights into the text’s meaning and context. The word “δουλόω” (doulóō) is particularly significant as it directly relates to the concept of slavery and servitude, both literal and metaphorical. This verb is frequently used in the New Testament to describe actions of subjugation, both physical and spiritual. By exploring δουλόω, we can better comprehend how the early Christian community understood and articulated the concepts of service, obedience, and spiritual bondage, which were vital to their worldview and theological framework.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: δουλόω (doulóō) [doo-LOH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the root word “δοῦλος” (doûlos), meaning “slave” or “servant.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (first conjugation, regular)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To enslave: The primary meaning of δουλόω is to enslave or bring into subjection, often with the implication of imposing severe restrictions or limitations on freedom.
• To make a servant: It can also mean to make someone a servant, binding them to service either physically, as in slavery, or metaphorically, as in spiritual or moral obligations.
• To bring into bondage: This sense extends to the spiritual or metaphorical, indicating the act of subjugating one’s will or desires to a higher authority or principle.

The verb δουλόω shares a semantic field with other Greek words related to subjugation and service, such as “καταδουλόω” (katadoulóō), which also means to enslave but with a stronger connotation of oppressive or degrading subjugation. Another related word is “δουλεύω” (douleúō), which means to serve as a slave or to be in bondage, but without the active sense of making someone else a slave that δουλόω implies.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: δουλόω is a regular verb of the first conjugation. It follows standard Greek verb conjugation patterns.
• Linguistic Features: The verb is typically used in the active voice when referring to the act of enslaving or subjugating another. In the passive voice, it can indicate the state of being enslaved or subjugated.

Conjugation Chart:

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: Describes δουλόω primarily as a verb meaning to enslave, with applications both literal and metaphorical. It emphasizes the word’s use in contexts where individuals are brought under the control or power of others, either through physical enslavement or spiritual/moral submission.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Expands on the metaphorical usage of δουλόω, noting its significance in describing the Christian concept of being “enslaved” to righteousness or to Christ, highlighting the paradox of freedom through servitude in Christian theology.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Discusses δουλόω in the context of New Testament teachings, particularly how it relates to the transformation from slavery to sin to becoming “slaves” of righteousness, as described by Paul in his epistles.

Scripture References:

• Romans 6:18: “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves (δουλωθέντες) to righteousness.”
• 1 Corinthians 7:23: “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves (δοῦλοι) of human beings.”
• Titus 2:3: “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves (δεδουλωμένας) to much wine.”

Classical Usage:

In classical Greek literature, δουλόω was used primarily in the context of war and conquest, where it described the act of enslaving defeated peoples or subjugating them to the conquerors’ will.

• Herodotus, Histories 3.14: “…ἐδούλωσε πᾶσαν τὴν Ἰωνίαν…” (he enslaved all of Ionia).
• Xenophon, Anabasis 7.7.33: “…καὶ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους δούλωσε” (and he enslaved the men).
• Plutarch, Lives 27.6: “καὶ τοὺς πολίτας δούλωσαν” (and they enslaved the citizens).

Summary of δουλόω (G1402: doulóō)

The Greek verb δουλόω (doulóō) encapsulates the act of enslaving or bringing into bondage, with significant implications in both physical and spiritual contexts. Its usage in the New Testament reveals a profound theological concept of becoming “slaves” to righteousness, transforming the negative connotations of slavery into a positive, voluntary submission to God’s will. This word’s application in classical Greek literature further emphasizes its role in describing subjugation and control, making it a crucial term for understanding ancient and Biblical views on power, authority, and freedom.

Did You Know?

The verb δουλόω is part of a family of words related to servitude in Greek, all derived from the root “δέω” (déō), meaning “to bind.” This root concept of binding is central to the Greek understanding of slavery and service, influencing how these ideas were expressed in literature, philosophy, and theology throughout antiquity.