Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 7916: שָׂכִיר (sakhir) • A hired servant or laborer.
• Strong's Hebrew 7936: שָׂכַר (sakar) • To hire, to engage for service.

These Hebrew terms similarly denote individuals who are employed for wages, reflecting the broader biblical theme of labor and compensation. The use of μίσθιος in the New Testament aligns with these Hebrew concepts, emphasizing the role of hired labor in both agricultural and domestic settings.

Usage: The term μίσθιος is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who are employed for wages, typically in a servile or labor-intensive capacity. It conveys the idea of someone who is not a permanent member of a household but is temporarily engaged for specific tasks.

Context: The Greek term μίσθιος appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight the economic and social structures of the time. It is used to describe individuals who are employed for specific tasks and are compensated with wages. This term is notably used in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:17-19), where the younger son, after squandering his inheritance, reflects on the condition of his father's hired servants. He acknowledges that even the μίσθιοι in his father's house have more than enough bread, which contrasts with his own dire situation. This reflection leads him to return to his father, seeking forgiveness and a place among the hired servants. The use of μίσθιος in this parable underscores themes of repentance, humility, and the gracious provision of the father, who represents God.

The concept of a hired servant in the biblical context often implies a temporary and less secure position compared to that of a bondservant or a member of the household. Hired servants were typically employed for specific tasks, such as tending to fields or livestock, and their relationship with their employer was primarily transactional. This term reflects the socio-economic realities of the ancient world, where labor was often hired on a short-term basis to meet immediate needs.