Bible Dictionaries
Hireling
Holman Bible Dictionary
A worker paid wages; a laborer; a hired hand. The work of hired laborers was generally difficult (Job 7:1-2 ). Mosaic law required paying workers at the close of the day so that they might provide for their families (Deuteronomy 24:14-15 ). Workers were frequently exploited (Malachi 3:5; James 5:4 ). John 10:12-13 contrasts the cowardice of a hired shepherd with an owner's self-sacrificing concern for his sheep.
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Hireling'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hbd/​h/hireling.html. 1991.