Slaves and Masters

Slaves, obey your human[a] masters(A) with fear and trembling,(B) in the sincerity(C) of your heart, as you would Christ. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing God’s will(D) from your heart. Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people,(E) knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening(F) them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism(G) with him.(H)

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Footnotes

  1. 6:5 Lit according to the flesh

Advice for Slaves and Masters

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear, trembling, and sincerity, as when you obey[a] the Messiah.[b] Do not do this only while you’re being watched in order to please them, but be like slaves of the Messiah,[c] who are determined to obey God’s will. Serve willingly, as if you were serving the Lord and not merely people,[d] because you know that everyone will receive a reward from the Lord for whatever good he has done, whether he is a slave or free.

Masters, treat your slaves[e] the same way. Do not threaten them, for you know that both of you have the same Master in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

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Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 6:5 Lit. as to
  2. Ephesians 6:5 Or Christ
  3. Ephesians 6:6 Or Christ
  4. Ephesians 6:7 Lit. as to the Lord and not people
  5. Ephesians 6:9 Lit. treat them