Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect(A) and fear, and with sincerity of heart,(B) just as you would obey Christ.(C) Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,(D) doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,(E) because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do,(F) whether they are slave or free.

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours(G) is in heaven, and there is no favoritism(H) with him.

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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