οἰκέτης

From the study of Romans 14:4

Range of meaning

A member of a household (oikos) in servile status: a household slave or domestic, as opposed to a field or mine slave. It is sometimes used loosely of household dependants in general. It is less common than doulos (slave) and puts more weight on belonging to a particular house.

Against the English

KJV, BSB, ESV, NASB and NIV say "servant". To modern ears that suggests a hired employee or butler who could quit. YLT's "domestic" is closer. "Household slave" is the plain sense.

How it drifted

Since early modern English, "servant" has often stood in for both doulos and oiketēs. As slavery faded from English life, "servant" came to mean paid service, and the ownership the word carried was lost.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Septuagint it is used for household slaves (e.g. Gen 9:25; Exod 21:26–27, the master's slave). The papyri use it for domestic slaves. Elsewhere in the NT: Luke 16:13 ("no oiketēs can serve two masters"), Acts 10:7, 1 Pet 2:18 (household slaves told to submit to their masters).

From the study of 1 Peter 2:18

Range of meaning

A member of the household staff, almost always a slave. It comes from oikos ("house, household"). In classical and Koine Greek it is a common word for a domestic slave, as opposed to a field or mine slave. It is close in meaning to doulos ("slave") but points to belonging to and working inside a particular house. Such slaves could be cooks, nurses, stewards, tutors, secretaries or general labourers. Some were trusted and educated, but all were legally property.

Against the English

KJV, BSB, WEB, ESV and NASB say "servants." NIV and NLT say "slaves." YLT says "domestics." In 1611 "servant" covered bonded and unfree labour as well as hired help. Today it suggests a paid domestic employee or something like a butler, which hides the fact that these people were owned.

How it drifted

The KJV tradition's "servant" stayed in later revisions after the English word narrowed to mean hired, free service. Some modern translations keep "servants" while noting "slaves" in the margin.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) it often translates Hebrew ʿeved ("slave, servant"), e.g. Gen 9:25 and Exod 21:26–27, the law on a master who strikes out a slave's eye or tooth. Sirach 33:25–33 gives advice on handling an oiketēs. Philo and Josephus use it of domestic slaves. Elsewhere in the NT: Luke 16:13 ("no oiketēs can serve two masters"), Acts 10:7, Rom 14:4.

From the study of Luke 16:13

Range of meaning

Household slave or domestic servant, a member of the household (oikos) staff. Narrower and more intimate than doulos in general.

Against the English

BSB, KJV and WEB use 'servant', YLT uses 'domestic'. 'Servant' loses both the slave status and the household setting.

Used elsewhere in the period

Common in classical Greek and the papyri for household slaves. Used in the Septuagint (e.g. Gen 9:25; Prov 17:2) and at Acts 10:7 and Rom 14:4 ('who are you to judge another's household slave?').