← G1399 G1401 →

δοῦλον

doûlon

G1400 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Neuter form of δοῦλος (“slave, bondservant”); denotes an entity that is subject to ownership or control, in a state of servitude. Refers to that which is enslaved or functioning as property, and in some contexts is used to express a personified or collective state of being enslaved or subjected (e.g., 'a slave thing,' 'a means of enslavement').

Semantic Range

enslaved thing, thing belonging to a master, instrument or object in slavery, collective or impersonal reference to those or that which is enslaved, a means or instrument of subservience or subjection

Root / Etymology

Neuter form of δοῦλος, itself of uncertain etymology but widely attested in ancient Greek; perhaps related to Mycenaean do-e-ro (slave), but ultimate origin unknown.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The neuter δοῦλον occurs rarely in Greek literature compared to the masculine δοῦλος, more often referring to a class of objects or conceptual entities that are regarded as enslaved or as instruments of service or subordination. In the Koine period, particularly in documentary and epigraphic sources, neuter forms like δοῦλον can sometimes describe objects, animals, or collectives viewed as property. In the New Testament and Septuagint, the masculine form (δοῦλος) is standard for human subjects; the neuter is mainly a grammatical form that might appear in lists, generalizations, or to refer to non-personal entities. The later English tradition as “servant” often downplays the more precise historical sense of 'slave' or 'bondservant' inherent in the Greek. There is no distinction in the Greek between chattel and other forms of enslavement, although context sometimes clarifies. Compare with ὑπηρέτης (attendant, assistant), which implies service without the legal status of slavery.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of δοῦλος; subservient:--servant.

Root Family

δοῦλον (doulon) — enslaved entity, slave, property under ownership, that which is subjected

Root δουλ- to enslave, to serve as a slave, to be under control or ownership

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1400-01 δοῦλα doula ADJ.S ACC N PL slaves enslaved things as enslaved things 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1400-01 Romans 6:19 δοῦλα doula ADJ.S ACC N PL slaves enslaved things as enslaved things
G1400-01 Romans 6:19 δοῦλα doula-2 ADJ.S ACC N PL slaves enslaved things as enslaved things
← G1399 Greek Lexicon G1401 →