Freedman; Freeman

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

frēd´man , frē´man  : The term occurs in  1 Corinthians 7:22;  Colossians 3:11 , and  Revelation 6:15 , and represents two slightly different words. In  1 Corinthians 7:22 the word is ἀπελεύθερος , apeleútheros , "a freeman," one who was born a slave and has received freedom. In this case it refers to spiritual freedom. He that was in bondage to sin has been presented with spiritual freedom by the Lord. In  Revelation 6:15 the word is simply ἐλεύθερος , eleútheros , "a free man" as opposed to a slave.