Bondservant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bondservant

[ˈbɒndˌsɜː.vənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

Biblical term

A bondservant is a person who serves another without wages, as a slave or serf.

Synonyms

serf, servant, slave.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bondservant	Used in historical or religious contexts to describe someone who is legally bound to serve another person for a period of time. In ancient times, a bondservant would work for their master until they were freed
slave	Harsh term referring to someone who is owned by another person and is forced to work without freedom; carries strong negative connotations due to historical and contemporary abuses. Slaves were treated as property and had no rights or freedoms of their own
servant	General term for a person employed to perform domestic or personal tasks, often with less emphasis on restriction or ownership compared to other terms. The household employed a servant to help with the cleaning and cooking duties
serf	Commonly found in feudal systems of medieval Europe, where a serf was tied to working on a lord's land. During the Middle Ages, the serf was obligated to till the lord's land and in return got protection

Examples of usage

He chose to become a bondservant to repay his debt.
The bondservant worked tirelessly for his master.
The concept of a bondservant was common in ancient societies.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

Historical context

In historical contexts, a bondservant was a person who was bound to service without pay for a certain period of time.

Synonyms

bondman, indentured servant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bondservant	A person who serves another and is under contractual obligation but without the implication of ownership. Often used in historical or biblical texts. In ancient times, many people lived as bondservants, working for their masters to repay debts. The novel described the life of a bondservant in colonial America.
indentured servant	Refers to someone who works for another person under a contract for a fixed period in exchange for things like transportation, food, and lodging. Commonly used to describe labor systems in the 17th-19th centuries. The young man became an indentured servant to pay for his passage to the New World. Indentured servants played a significant role in the economic development of early American colonies.
bondman	Old-fashioned term for a male slave or serf, indicating a man who is bound to serve another person without freedom. It has a negative connotation due to associations with slavery. The bondman toiled under the hot sun, lacking the hope of freedom. In medieval times, a bondman was tied to the land and the will of his lord.

Word

Description / Examples

bondservant

A person who serves another and is under contractual obligation but without the implication of ownership. Often used in historical or biblical texts.

In ancient times, many people lived as bondservants, working for their masters to repay debts.
The novel described the life of a bondservant in colonial America.

indentured servant

Refers to someone who works for another person under a contract for a fixed period in exchange for things like transportation, food, and lodging. Commonly used to describe labor systems in the 17th-19th centuries.

The young man became an indentured servant to pay for his passage to the New World.
Indentured servants played a significant role in the economic development of early American colonies.

bondman

Old-fashioned term for a male slave or serf, indicating a man who is bound to serve another person without freedom. It has a negative connotation due to associations with slavery.

The bondman toiled under the hot sun, lacking the hope of freedom.
In medieval times, a bondman was tied to the land and the will of his lord.

Examples of usage

The bondservant worked on the plantation for seven years.
She became a bondservant to escape poverty.
Many immigrants became bondservants in exchange for passage to the New World.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term comes from the combination of 'bond,' meaning obligation, and 'servant,' referring to someone who works for others.
In ancient societies, such as those in the Roman Empire, bondservants played a role in household and agricultural work.
The legal obligations governing bondservants varied widely across cultures and eras, often leading to different treatment compared to freed persons.

Cultural Contexts

In biblical contexts, bondservants are often mentioned, illustrating the historical practice of servitude as part of community life.
Some cultures, like those in feudal societies, relied on a system where bondservants were tied to the land and served their lords.
In modern discussions about labor, the term can evoke the idea of commitment and loyalty in employer-employee relationships.

Literature

In literature, bondservants often symbolize themes of sacrifice and duty, exploring the human condition within societal structures.
Notable works, like Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist,' draw on the experiences of bondservants to critique social injustices of the time.
In religious texts, bondservants are often depicted as righteous figures who fulfill their obligations faithfully.

Legal Aspects

Bondservants have differing rights depending on jurisdiction, and legal frameworks evolved to protect them in many societies.
In some regions, laws have historically provided means for bondservants to earn their freedom through certain terms of service or payment.
Contemporary discussions around servant leadership often reference bondservants as an analogy for serving with humility and dedication.

Psychology

The choice to become a bondservant is often influenced by feelings of loyalty and deep emotional ties to those they serve.
Studies show that individuals in bondservant-like relationships may experience a complex mix of fulfillment and entrapment.
The commitment to serve others can impact one's identity, leading to a sense of purpose or, conversely, a loss of autonomy.

Origin of 'bondservant'

The term 'bondservant' has its origins in the Old English word 'būend,' which means 'dweller' or 'inhabitant.' Over time, it evolved to refer to a person who is bound to service or slavery. In biblical times, bondservants were common and played various roles in society. The concept of bondservice has been prevalent throughout history, with different forms and practices in various cultures and civilizations.