22 [a](A)Slaves, obey those who are your [b]human masters in everything, (B)not with [c]eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work [d]heartily, (C)as for the Lord and not for people, 24 (D)knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward [e]of (E)the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you (F)serve. 25 For (G)the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and [f](H)that without partiality.

Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, (I)knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:22 I.e., slaves in first-century Roman culture
  2. Colossians 3:22 Lit masters according to flesh
  3. Colossians 3:22 I.e., working only when watched
  4. Colossians 3:23 Lit from the soul
  5. Colossians 3:24 I.e., consisting of
  6. Colossians 3:25 Lit there is no partiality

22 [a]Servants, obey in all things them that are your [b]masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord: 23 whatsoever ye do, work [c]heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; 24 knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 For he that doeth wrong shall [d]receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. [e]Masters, render unto your [f]servants that which is just and [g]equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:22 Greek Bondservants.
  2. Colossians 3:22 Greek lords.
  3. Colossians 3:23 Greek from the soul.
  4. Colossians 3:25 Greek receive again the wrong.
  5. Colossians 4:1 Greek Lords.
  6. Colossians 4:1 Greek bondservants.
  7. Colossians 4:1 Greek equality.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance(A) from the Lord as a reward.(B) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.(C)

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,(D) because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.