G1397 — Douleia (Slavery / Bondage) | USMC Ministries Lexicon

G1397 · Greek · New Testament

δουλεία

Douleia

Noun, feminine

Slavery / Bondage

Definition

The Greek douleia (G1397) means slavery, bondage, or servitude — the condition of being a doulos (slave). In the New Testament it is used of spiritual bondage to sin, fear, and the elemental powers.

Usage & Theological Significance

Douleia frames one of Paul's most profound contrasts: 'The Spirit you received does not make you slaves (douleia) so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption' (Romans 8:15). The cross is the emancipation proclamation of the kingdom — freedom from the douleia of sin, law, and death for the glorious freedom of children of God.

Key Bible Verses

Romans 8:15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves (douleia), so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.

Galatians 4:24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves (douleia).

Hebrews 2:15 And free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Romans 6:16 When you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey — whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness.

John 8:34 Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

Related Words

External Resources

📚 STEP Bible 📘 Blue Letter Bible 📗 Bible Hub (Interlinear + HELPS)