The Greek word “douloo”

Lord willing, these studies will resume on 9/19.  We hope you will continue to be part of this study group after this break.

Limited to Acts 7:6; Rom. 6:18, 22; 1 Cor. 7:15; 9:19; Gal. 4:3; Tit. 2:3; 2 Pet. 2:19, the Greek verb “douloo” meant “subject,” “be in bondage,” “enslave.”  With the exception of Acts 7:6, this term is always figurative in the New Testament.

“A definition of slavery is offered in 2 Pet. 2:19:  What overcomes us, enslaves us. Though free, Paul has voluntarily forgone his rights for his work’s sake in 1 Cor. 9:9.  Commitment to God (or his opponents) is at issue in Rom. 6:18 and Gal. 4:3” (Kittel, Abridged Edition, p. 186).  “In contrast to being enslaved, Christians are freed by Christ to be responsible doúloi of God” (ibid).