•The strong Greek word doulos cannot be accurately translated in English as servant or bond servant; the HCSB translates this word as slave, not out of insensitivity to the legitimate concerns of modern English speakers, but out of a commitment to accurately convey the brutal reality of the Roman empire’s inhumane institution as well as the ownership called for by Christ.

Cross references

In other versions

and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.

He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.

He sent his servants to summon those invited to the banquet, but they didn’t want to come.

When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!

And he sent his slaves to summon those who had been invited to the wedding celebration, and they did not want to come.

And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

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