The phrase “under hire” in the Bible typically refers to a servant or worker who is contracted to perform duties for pay, as seen in passages discussing laborers and their compensation (e.g., Matthew 20:1-16). This concept highlights the social and economic arrangements of servitude and employment in biblical times.
Scripture
13 “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning.”
14 You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
“Under Hire” Meaning in the Bible
The phrase “under hire” in the biblical context primarily denotes the relationship between laborers and their employers, exemplified in parables and teachings that elucidate social and economic dynamics. In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, where a landowner hires workers at different times of the day but pays them all the same wage. This parable emphasizes God’s grace and the divine economy of justice, challenging human notions of fairness. The idea of being “under hire” reflects the reality of economic dependence and the societal structures that governed labor relations in ancient times, underscoring the need for equity in treatment and compensation.
Furthermore, labor and compensation resonate throughout the biblical text, engaging with themes of justice and stewardship. In Leviticus 19:13, the law explicitly commands, “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning.” This directive exemplifies care for the welfare of the laborer, implying a divine interest in upholding the dignity of those who work “under hire.” Such passages encapsulate broader moral and ethical obligations regarding labor practices, extending beyond mere economic transactions to encompass respect, fairness, and community integrity. Hence, the notion of being “under hire” is intricately linked to a comprehensive biblical ethic that calls for justice and compassion in human relationships.
The biblical theme surrounding the concept of being “under hire” extends beyond laborers and employers, echoing the broader societal values of justice, accountability, and community support within ancient Israel. In the wisdom literature, particularly in the book of Proverbs, we find advice about the fair treatment of workers, emphasizing the moral duty of employers. Proverbs 3:27-28 advises against withholding good from those to whom it is due when it is in one’s power to act. This passage points to the expectation that those who hire laborers must fulfill their obligations in a timely manner, reinforcing the ethical dimension of economic relationships.
Additionally, the concept of “under hire” is intertwined with the call for justice in the prophetic texts. The prophets frequently addressed economic exploitation and the maltreatment of the poor, issuing warnings against those who would oppress the laborers within their communities. In Jeremiah, for example, the call for righteousness includes the fair treatment of all, particularly those vulnerable in society, such as hired workers. The moral underpinning of these calls reflects a broader understanding that societal health relies on equitable treatment of all individuals, regardless of their economic status. Thus, the notion of being “under hire” not only denotes an economic arrangement but also embodies the ethical imperatives that command fairness, care, and communal responsibility toward all who contribute to society’s well-being.
The Concept of Servitude and Labor
In biblical times, the phrase “under hire” often referred to individuals who were employed or contracted to perform work for a specific period or task. This concept highlights the nature of servitude, where individuals would enter into agreements to provide labor in exchange for compensation. It reflects the social and economic structures of ancient societies, where labor was a vital component of community life and the economy. The idea of being “under hire” emphasizes the responsibilities and obligations that come with employment, both for the worker and the employer.
Divine Provision and Human Responsibility
The notion of being “under hire” can also be interpreted in the context of divine provision and human responsibility. In the biblical narrative, God often provides for His people, and this provision can be seen as a form of divine hiring, where individuals are called to fulfill specific roles or tasks in service to God and others. This perspective encourages believers to recognize their responsibilities in the world, understanding that their work is not just for personal gain but also a means of contributing to the greater good and fulfilling God’s purposes.
The Value of Fair Treatment and Justice
Another broader meaning of “under hire” relates to the principles of fairness and justice in labor relations. The Bible emphasizes the importance of treating workers with dignity and respect, advocating for fair wages and humane working conditions. This understanding calls for a moral obligation among employers to ensure that those “under hire” are not exploited but are compensated justly for their labor. It reflects a broader biblical theme of justice, where the treatment of workers is a reflection of one’s character and adherence to God’s commandments.
How to Embrace Servanthood for a Better Christian Life
Embracing servanthood is a transformative journey that can deepen your faith and enrich your Christian life in profound ways. Start by recognizing that Jesus Himself modeled servanthood, washing the feet of His disciples and teaching us that true greatness comes from humility and service to others (John 13:12-15). To embody this spirit, look for opportunities in your daily life to serve those around you—whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbor in need, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend. Remember, servanthood isn’t just about the big gestures; it’s often found in the small, everyday acts of kindness and love. As you step out of your comfort zone and put others first, you’ll not only reflect Christ’s love but also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life dedicated to serving. Let your heart be open to the needs of others, and watch how God uses your willingness to serve to transform both your life and the lives of those you touch.
Bible References to “Under Hire” Meaning:
Deuteronomy 24:14-15: 14 “You shall not oppress a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns.
15 You shall give him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets (for he is poor and counts on it), lest he cry against you to the Lord, and you be guilty of sin.
Jeremiah 22:13-14: 13 “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages,”
14 Who says, ‘I will build myself a great house
with spacious upper rooms,’
who cuts out windows for it,
paneling it with cedar
and painting it with vermilion.
Malachi 3:5-6: 5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.”
6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.
Matthew 20:1-16: 1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.”
2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And he said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’
5 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’
7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’
8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’
9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.
10 And when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius.
11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house,
12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’
13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you.
15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’
16 So the last will be first, and the first last.
Luke 10:7-8: 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.
8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.
James 5:1-6: 5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.
2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.
4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.