δουλεία
douleía
G1397 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The state or condition of being a slave; bondage, servitude, or subjection to another's will or authority. In broader contexts, describes any enforced or involuntary state of dependence or subjection, not limited to physical enslavement but extending to figurative senses such as spiritual, moral, or legal subjection.
Semantic Range
slavery, bondage, servitude, subjection, forced service, involuntary subjection (literal or figurative), a legal or social status of non-freedom
Root / Etymology
From the verb δουλεύω (to serve as a slave, to be in bondage), which derives from the noun δοῦλος (slave, bond-servant), with the abstract noun ending -εία indicating a state or condition. Ultimately, all relate to λύω (to bind, loosen) via an original root meaning "bound person."
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the classical period, δουλεία refers directly to literal slavery or bondage, the social and legal condition of being a slave (δοῦλος), and is contrasted with ἐλευθερία (freedom, liberty). In Hellenistic and New Testament contexts, the term is frequently used metaphorically to denote various kinds of non-physical bondage—such as subjection to sin, the law, fear, or decay (cf. Rom 8:15, 8:21; Gal 4:24), as well as social or hierarchical relationships marked by lack of autonomy. The term does not carry the later, more racially-charged associations of modern chattel slavery, but denotes a loss or absence of freedom through subjection to external control, whether human, systemic, or spiritual. English translations such as "slavery" or "bondage" often capture only part of its semantic field, sometimes missing its metaphorical or legal nuances within ancient contexts. Contrasted with πολιτεία (citizenship, rights of a citizen) and ἐλευθερία. In the LXX, commonly renders Hebrew עֲבֹדָה (avodah, service/slavery).
Translation Consistency
δουλεία primarily denotes the state of being a slave or in enforced subjection. “Slavery” is the most natural, common English rendering, covers both literal and figurative senses (spiritual, legal, moral bondage), and matches the majority of existing P2 occurrences.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δουλεύω; slavery (ceremonially or figuratively):--bondage.
Root Family
δουλεία (douleia) — slavery, bondage, servitude, subjection
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1397-02 |
δουλείας | douleias | N GEN F SG |
of slavery | of slavery | of slavery | 4 |
G1397-01 |
δουλείαν | douleian | N ACC F SG |
slavery | slavery | slavery | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1397-02 |
Romans 8:15 | δουλείας | douleias | N GEN F SG |
of slavery | of slavery | of slavery |
G1397-02 |
Romans 8:21 | δουλείας | douleias | N GEN F SG |
bondage | of slavery | of slavery |
G1397-01 |
Galatians 4:24 | δουλείαν | douleian | N ACC F SG |
slavery | slavery | slavery |
G1397-02 |
Galatians 5:1 | δουλείας | douleias | N GEN F SG |
of slavery | of slavery | of slavery |
G1397-02 |
Hebrews 2:15 | δουλείας | douleias | N GEN F SG |
to bondage | of slavery | of slavery |