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Philemon 16 – Definition of Slave – Doulous
V.16 – Slave
Definitions:
- Thayer gives two definitions that fit this passage: “a slave, bondman, man of servile condition, one who gives himself wholly to another’s will”, and “a servant, attendant”. (ibid., Thayer’s, p.1402.)
- Trench defines it as, “one that is in permanent relation of servitude to another, his will altogether swallowed up in the will of the other.” (ibid., Trench, p.30.)
- Albert Barnes does not believe “doulous” necessarily means “slave.” He believes that Onesimus could have been in another position such as attendant. (PHILEMON, Albert Barnes, p.305.) While it is true that “doulos” can mean “attendant,” the whole tone of the letter is that of protection for Onesimus and healing for Philemon. That is why a letter accompanied the returning slave and why Paul used the psychological language of euphemisms and love.
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