The Hebrew noun eved denotes a servant, slave, or bondservant. Occurring over 800 times in the Old Testament, it is one of the most theologically rich words in the Hebrew Bible. It describes both human servitude and, most profoundly, the honored role of being a "servant of the LORD" — a designation given to Moses, David, the prophets, and Israel as a nation.
In Israel, eved described household servants, slaves acquired by purchase or conquest, and those born into service. But the term was elevated to its highest honor when applied to those in covenant relationship with God. To be called eved YHWH (Servant of the LORD) was the greatest title a person could receive — given to Moses (Joshua 1:2), David (Psalm 89:3), and preeminently to the Suffering Servant of Isaiah (Isaiah 52:13–53:12).
The Servant Songs of Isaiah (42, 49, 50, 52–53) develop eved into a messianic figure who bears the sins of many, offering a framework that the New Testament applies to Jesus. Servanthood in the Hebrew Bible is not degradation but divine calling.