Slave; Slavery
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
. Slavery existed among humankind from ancient times and was known before the Flood (Gen. 9:25). The ancient patriarchs possessed many slaves or servants (Gen. 12:5; 14:14). People became slaves through capture in war (Deut. 20:10–11; 21:10), inability to pay debts (2 Kings 4:1; Isa. 50:1; Matt. 18:25), inability to make restitution for theft (Ex. 22:1–3), or marriage to a person of servile status (Gen. 14:14; 15:3). In extreme need a person might sell himself into servitude (Lev. 25:39).
Scripture cited
Genesis 9:25Genesis 12:5Deuteronomy 20:104 Kingdoms 4:1Esaias 50:1Matthew 18:25Exodus 22:1Genesis 14:14Leviticus 25:39