av.dut denotes a condition of servitude from which people seek relief or to which they may seek to return.

The attested use describes a condition of servitude: Ezra speaks of life within it while receiving reviving and help, and Nehemiah recalls a rebellious proposal to return to it.

1. A condition of servitude · dominant

   In Ezra 9:8 and Ezra 9:9, the construct-form noun occurs in statements that the speakers are servants and that God gives them reviving, kindness, and rebuilding help while they remain in this condition. In Nehemiah 9:17, the construct-form noun is the destination proposed when the people appoint a head to return in rebellion; the APB renders the clause "to return to their slavery."

   Ezra 9:8Ezra 9:9Nehemiah 9:17

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB presents the noun as "slavery" in all three verses, in present statements in Ezra and in a return-to clause in Nehemiah. This rendering is treated as confirmation of the clauses' overall presentation.