What Is a Handmaid?
- Velma Thomas
- Dec 6, 2025
- 4 min read
Have you ever wondered what it means to be a handmaid of the Lord? You may already be one and not realize it. And if you are not, you can begin today.
In this article we’ll look at:
What a handmaid is
The requirements of being a handmaid
The benefits of living as a handmaid
What is a Handmaid?
A handmaid is someone who makes herself available to God, allowing His will to be done in her life, and willingly serving others without expecting anything in return. A true handmaid gives of herself freely, showing no partiality, helping anyone in need, even those who may not appreciate it. She serves not for human recognition but to please God, trusting that her reward will come from Him.
Biblical Examples of Handmaids
Eve: The First Handmaid
In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Eve became Adam’s helpmate, assisting him in the work God gave him. While Scripture doesn’t detail every task she did, we know Adam cared for the garden and animals alone before Eve’s creation. God gave Adam exactly what he needed: a partner, a handmaid, to help him.
Mary: The Handmaid of the Lord
Luke 1:26–38 tells us that when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, she was troubled by his words, yet she surrendered herself fully to God’s will: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” Even at great personal risk, Mary believed God and accepted His call to bear Jesus. She embodies what it means to be a handmaid—trusting God’s plan, even when it seems impossible.
Sarah and Hagar: A Lesson in Waiting on God
In Genesis 16, Sarah grew impatient for God’s promise of a child and gave her maid Hagar to Abraham. Hagar bore Ishmael, but this was not the child of promise. Sarah’s choice brought pain and division because she took matters into her own hands instead of waiting on God.
Gen 21:7-12
"And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.
But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing.[a]
So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.”
And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son.
But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named."
The lesson is clear:
Being a handmaid means surrendering to God’s timing, not forcing our own. Although Hagar Sarah’s handmaid did listen to Sarah, and had a child for Abraham. Sarah and Abraham didn’t wait on God. Doing things on your own can cause confusion, divisions, and misery. Sarah was displeased with Hagar to the point of casting out her and Abraham’s son. Hagar was disappointed for being cast out with her son, and Abraham was disappointed having to cast out the boundwoman and his son, especially his son. Surrender to God’s will, wait no His timing, and things will be better.
Phoebe: A Handmaid for the Church
Paul commends Phoebe in Romans 16:1–2 as a servant of the church. She faithfully assisted the saints, offering herself for the good of others. Her example shows that being a handmaid includes practical service and encouragement for the body of Christ.
Priscilla and Aquila: Teachers in the Way of God
Acts 18:24–26 tells how Priscilla and her husband Aquila instructed Apollos, a gifted preacher, more accurately in the ways of God. Their willingness to help him grow in understanding demonstrates that being a handmaid is not just about material service, but also spiritual support and teaching.
Being a Handmaid Today
Being a handmaid extends beyond Bible times; it is a calling for believers today.
Handmaids serve in their communities:
Sharing the gospel in revivals, prisons, colleges, and nursing homes
Visiting the sick and caring for the homeless
Providing food, clothing, and hygiene items during disasters
Encouraging others with testimonies of God’s goodness
Jesus said in Matthew 25:35–40 that when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick or imprisoned, we are serving Him. A handmaid embraces this truth, seeing every act of kindness as service unto the Lord.
The Call to Be a Handmaid
A handmaid can be anyone who is willing to sacrifice time, goods, or energy to meet the needs of others.
It may not always be easy. Sometimes people are ungrateful or dismissive, but the call remains: show love, serve with joy, and let God’s will be done.
When you give, remember Luke 6:38: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that today will be a new beginning for Your child. Lead them on the path You have chosen, showing love and kindness to all. Remind them that serving others is truly storing up blessings in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Takeaway: To be a handmaid is to live a life of surrender, service, and faith. Start today—allow God to use you to bless others, and in doing so, you’ll find yourself blessed beyond measure.
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