Bible Dictionary

Bondage

The state of being under the control of another; slavery or captivity.

Quick Reference

Total Entries

516

Entry Position

60 of 516

Letter

B

Meaning

The state of being under the control of another; slavery or captivity.

Key Scriptures

  • Exodus 13:3
  • Exodus 20:2
  • Deuteronomy 6:12
  • Jeremiah 34:13
  • John 8:33-36
  • Romans 8:15
  • Galatians 4:24-31
  • Galatians 5:1

Also Called

servitude

Original Language

Hebrew

עֲבֹדָה

avodah

service; bondage

Greek

δουλεία

douleia

slavery; bondage

Meaning

Bondage is the state of being under the control of another; slavery or captivity.

It refers to a condition in which freedom is restricted.


Biblical Usage

In Scripture, bondage refers to slavery, captivity, or servitude.

The term is used both for literal bondage, such as Israel’s slavery in Egypt, and for other forms of bondage described throughout the Bible.


Key References

  • Exodus 13:3
  • Exodus 20:2
  • Deuteronomy 6:12
  • Jeremiah 34:13
  • John 8:33-36
  • Romans 8:15
  • Galatians 4:24-31
  • Galatians 5:1

  • Slavery
  • Captivity
  • Liberty
  • Servant
  • Deliverance

Study More

Continue your Bible study by exploring related Scriptures, dictionary terms, and connected topics.

Scriptures

  • Exodus 13:3
  • Exodus 20:2
  • Deuteronomy 6:12
  • Jeremiah 34:13
  • John 8:33-36
  • Romans 8:15
  • Galatians 4:24-31
  • Galatians 5:1

Related Terms

Study Topics

bondage slavery captivity freedom