Does the Bible Support Slavery?

Introduction:

Many in the African American community have wrestled with the idea that the Bible supports slavery—especially because slaveowners misused Scripture to justify centuries of brutal oppression. This false teaching has caused some to distance themselves from God and reject the Bible altogether. But the truth is: slavery in the Bible is not the same as the slavery practiced in America.

God never approved of the cruel, race-based, generational slavery seen in the transatlantic slave trade or any similar system.

In this Bible study, we’ll uncover the truth about what the Bible actually says about slavery, explain how biblical servanthood worked, and show why the God of love never endorsed the slavery that oppressed African people.

1. Slavery in the Bible Was About Debt—Not Race or Ownership:

Exodus 21:2 (NKJV) – “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing.”

Biblical slavery, more accurately called servanthood, was a temporary system for repaying debts or surviving poverty. It was not based on race, and it was not lifelong or abusive. Servants worked for a set time and were released after six years—debt-free. This system offered structure, not cruelty—a way out, not a trap.

2. Servanthood in Scripture Had Limits and Freedom Built In:

Leviticus 25:39-40 (NKJV) – “If one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor… you shall not compel him to serve as a slave. As a hired servant… he shall serve you until the Year of Jubilee.” In the Bible, there were strict laws protecting servants. Every seven years, all debts were canceled. In the Year of Jubilee (every 50 years), everyone returned to their families and land. Compare that to American slavery, which was generational, racial, and lifelong, with no legal pathway to freedom.

3. God Condemns Forced, Abusive Slavery:

Exodus 21:16 (NKJV) – “He who kidnaps a man and sells him… shall surely be put to death.”

Deuteronomy 24:7 (NKJV) – “If a man is found kidnapping any of his brethren… and mistreats him or sells him, then that kidnapper shall die.”

Slavery in America was built on kidnapping, torture, and racism. The Bible explicitly condemns this type of slavery and says it deserves the death penalty. God’s Word is clear: Abusing or enslaving people against their will is a sin.

4. God Punished Egypt for Enslaving His People:

Exodus 1:13-14 (NKJV) – “So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor… and made their lives bitter with hard bondage…”

Exodus 14:27-28 (NKJV) – “…The LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Not so much as one of them remained.”

The Israelites were enslaved unjustly in Egypt, and God responded with plagues, judgment, and deliverance. He parted the Red Sea for His people and destroyed Pharaoh’s army. This shows that God stands against oppressive slavery—not with it.

5. The Bible Encourages Freedom from Injustice:

1 Corinthians 7:21 (NKJV) – “Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it.”
Paul acknowledges that some believers were servants, but he clearly says: If you can be free, choose freedom. Freedom, not bondage, is the heart of God. The Bible never tells people to accept injustice without hope—it points them to deliverance.

6. We Are All Made in God’s Image:

Genesis 1:27 (NKJV) – “So God created man in His own image…”

1 John 4:8 (NKJV) – “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

Every human being—regardless of race or background—is made in God’s image. That means equal value, equal dignity, and equal worth.

God is love. And love does not oppress, abuse, or enslave. To say God supports slavery is to deny His very nature.

In Conclusion:

The Bible does not support the slavery that was inflicted on African people. That system of abuse, racism, and generational oppression was a sin against God and humanity. Those who used Scripture to defend slavery were twisting God’s Word for evil purposes.

Here’s what the Bible really teaches:

Biblical servanthood was temporary and debt-based—not race-based. There were laws protecting servants and ensuring their freedom.

God condemned forced slavery and punished nations who practiced it. The Bible calls all people to seek freedom. Every person is made in God’s image—and God is love. Don’t let misinformation turn you away from the truth. The same God who freed Israel from Egypt is the same God who offers freedom, justice, and healing today. He does not side with the oppressor—He delivers the oppressed.