Predica Verbum
Vol 6 No 1 (2026): Vol 6 No 1 (2026): Jurnal Predica Verbum Vol. 6 No. 1 (June) 2026

Slavery in the Pentateuch and Its Relevance to Human Trafficking in Asia: A Theological Review

Ragil Kristiawan (Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Kristus Alfa Omega)
Sungduk Yun (K.A. Staatliche Musikhochschule in Stuttgart)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Jun 2026

Abstract

Human trafficking in Asia has reached an alarming level, with victims trapped in forced labor, sex trafficking, forced marriage, and other forms of exploitation. Meanwhile, the Pentateuch is often misunderstood as legitimizing slavery, whereas its laws actually contain principles of liberation and protection for the oppressed. This study aims to analyze the concept of slavery in the Pentateuch (Ex. 21, Lev. 25, Deut. 15) and to establish its relevance to the phenomenon of human trafficking in Asia, as well as to formulate theological implications for the Church's response. Using qualitative library research with a descriptive-analytical approach and liberation hermeneutics, this study finds that the slave laws in the Pentateuch emphasize the limitation of slavery periods, protection for escaped slaves, restoration through the Year of Jubilee, and voluntary service based on love. These principles are highly relevant for addressing the root causes of human trafficking, such as poverty, corruption, and weak policies. This study concludes that the Church in Asia is called to be an agent of liberation, providing protection, advocacy, holistic recovery, and preventive education for victims and vulnerable communities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

predicaverbum

Publisher

Subject

Religion

Description

Predica Verbum: Jurnal Teologi dan Misi is a journal that publishes the results of academic studies and research in the fields of biblical theology, systematic theology, and ...