servant, slave; in the NT a person owned as a possession for various lengths of times (Hebrew slaves no more than seven years, Gentile slaves without time limit), of lower social status than free persons or masters; slaves could earn or purchase their freedom a male slave, or servant, of various degrees, Mt 8,9, and frequently ; a servitor, person of mean condition, Flp 2,7 feminine δούλη , a female slave; a handmaiden, Łk 1,38.48; Dz 2,18 δοῦλος , used figuratively, in a bad sense, one involved in moral or spiritual thraldom, J 8,34; Rz 6,17.20; 1 Kor 7,23 2 P 2,19 in a good sense, a devoted servant or minister, Dz 16,17 Rz 1,1 one pledged or bound to serve, 1 Kor 7,22 2 Kor 4,5