1 Timothy 1:10 "Enslavers"

[dronald]

Hey everyone. I’ve been looking at 1 Timothy 1:10 and the English translation of the Greek word ἀνδραποδισταῖς
which literally means “man stealer.” Many translations translate it as enslaver and I would like to have a better idea as to why. Is there any literature or history or perhaps Greek speakers who can help me out here?

I’m trying to make the case that the Bible is against slavery clearly, but someone stated that the word really just means kidnapper. Thanks!

 

[claymcdermott]

Strong’s Concordance seems to be of the opinion that it literally translates as “abductor,” but it is always used in the context of abducting people to sell them into slavery.

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

The argument is that the Law of Moses is against abducting into slavery (=enslavement) along with sleight of hand, murder etc, rather than something to tie up church doctrines.

The law of the state I believe allowed some abductions into slavery and, in some localities at some times, any law disallowing some of them might not be enforced, hence their own law was not purely academic but was a practical yardstick.