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Slaves and Masters

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect[a] and trembling, in singleness of heart, as you obey Christ,(A) not with a slavery performed merely for looks, to please people, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the soul. Render service with enthusiasm, as for the Lord and not for humans, knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord, whether we are enslaved or free.

And, masters,[b] do the same to them. Stop threatening them, for you know that both of you have the same Lord[c] in heaven, and with him there is no partiality.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 6.5 Or fear
  2. 6.9 In Gk the same word is used for master and Lord
  3. 6.9 In Gk the same word is used for master and Lord

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