Ephesians 6:5-9
Amplified Bible
5 [a]Slaves, be obedient to those who are your earthly masters, with respect for authority, and with a sincere heart [seeking to please them], as [service] to Christ— 6 not in the way of eye-service [working only when someone is watching you and only] to please men, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart; 7 rendering service with goodwill, as to the Lord, and not [only] to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether [he is] slave or free.
9 You masters, do the same [showing goodwill] toward them, and give up threatening and abusive words, knowing that [He who is] both their true Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with Him [regardless of one’s earthly status].
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Ephesians 6:5 Slavery was common in New Testament times (as well as in ancient Israel). One might become a slave through conquest, the commission of a crime, or destitution. Slaves were required to do their masters’ bidding and work without compensation (cf Luke 17:7-10). Elsewhere Paul advises slaves not to dwell on their circumstances, and to earn their freedom if they can (1 Cor 7:21). The admonitions here accurately reflect the slave/master relationship in the Roman Empire; since they were not compensated, slaves sometimes did only what they had to do to avoid punishment, and masters could be cruel disciplinarians.
Ephesians 6:5-9
New American Standard Bible
Slaves and Masters
5 (A)Slaves, be obedient to those who are your [a]masters according to the flesh, with (B)fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, (C)as to Christ; 6 (D)not [b]by way of [c]eye-service, as (E)people-pleasers, but as (F)slaves of Christ, (G)doing the will of God from the [d]heart. 7 With goodwill [e]render service, (H)as to the Lord, and not to people, 8 (I)knowing that (J)whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, (K)whether slave or free.
9 And masters, do the same things to them, and (L)give up threatening, knowing that (M)both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is (N)no partiality with Him.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Ephesians 6:5 I.e., earthly masters, as in first-century Roman culture
- Ephesians 6:6 Lit according to
- Ephesians 6:6 I.e., only when the master is watching
- Ephesians 6:6 Lit soul
- Ephesians 6:7 Lit rendering
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