Ephesians 6:5 kjv
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Ephesians 6:5 nkjv
Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
Ephesians 6:5 niv
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Ephesians 6:5 esv
Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,
Ephesians 6:5 nlt
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.
Ephesians 6 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Eph 6:6 | ...not with eyeservice, as pleasing men,... | Serving with sincerity |
| Col 3:22 | Servants, obey in all things your masters... | Obeying earthly masters |
| Col 3:23 | And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men; | Doing all work heartily as unto the Lord |
| 1 Pet 2:18 | Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. | Subjecting to masters with reverence |
| 1 Tim 6:1 | Let as many as are bondservants count their own masters worthy of all honour, | Honoring masters |
| Heb 13:17 | Obey them that have the rule over you,... | Obeying leaders |
| Titus 2:9 | To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. | Gentleness towards all |
| Rom 13:1-2 | Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God... | Submission to governing authorities |
| Phil 2:14 | Do all things without murmurings and disputings; | Doing all without complaining |
| Gen 39:3-5 | And his master saw that the Lord was with him,... | God's presence with the obedient |
| Matt 23:11 | But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. | Service as greatness |
| Luke 6:46 | And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? | Obedience to Christ's words |
| John 13:13 | Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. | Recognizing Christ as Master |
| John 13:14 | If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. | Master washing feet as example |
| Acts 10:34 | Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: | God shows no partiality |
| Gal 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. | Unity in Christ regardless of status |
| 1 Cor 7:20 | Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. | Abiding in one's calling |
| 1 Cor 7:22 | For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. | Freedmen of Christ as servants |
| Eph 5:22 | Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. | Submission to husbands as to the Lord |
| Col 3:18 | Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. | Wives submitting to husbands |
| 1 Tim 5:4 | But if any widow have children or grandchildren, let them learn first to shew piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. | Piety to family |
| Col 3:24 | Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. | Receiving reward from the Lord |
Ephesians 6 verses
Ephesians 6 5 Meaning
Slaves are called to obey their earthly masters with sincerity and respect. This obedience should stem from an inner devotion to Christ, mirroring the way they would serve Christ Himself.
Ephesians 6 5 Context
This verse is part of a larger section in Ephesians addressing the practical outworking of faith within different relationships in society. Paul has just spoken to parents (verses 4) and now turns his attention to slaves. The instruction is situated within a broader exhortation for believers to live harmoniously and faithfully within their specific social roles, reflecting their new identity in Christ. The historical context of the Roman Empire involved a widespread system of slavery, and Paul’s instruction here addresses how Christians within that system were to conduct themselves, not as an endorsement of the system itself, but as a means to live out their faith authentically within its realities.
Ephesians 6 5 Word Analysis
- Ὡς (hōs) - "as" or "like." Indicates the manner or way in which something is done.
- Χριστῷ (Christō) - "Christ." The source and model of true obedience and service.
- δούλοι (douloi) - "slaves," "servants." Refers to individuals in a position of servitude or bondage.
- τῶν (tōn) - "of the" (genitive plural). Modifies "fleshly masters."
- κατὰ (kata) - "according to," "in relation to." Used here to denote a distinction between earthly and spiritual masters.
- σάρκα (sarka) - "flesh." Refers to physical, earthly, human nature.
- κυρίων (kyriōn) - "masters," "lords" (genitive plural). Refers to the owners or authorities over slaves.
- ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) - "men," "humans" (genitive plural). Specifies "fleshly masters" as human beings.
- ἐν (en) - "in," "with." Indicates the presence or possession of something.
- φόβου (phobou) - "fear," "reverence," "awe." Suggests a deep respect, not necessarily terror.
- τρόμου (tromou) - "trembling," "anxiety." Conveys a sense of seriousness and earnestness in their submission.
- εἰλικρινείας (eilikrineias) - "sincerity," "purity," "integrity." Emphasizes genuineness of heart and motive.
- τῆς (tēs) - "of the" (genitive singular feminine). Modifies "sincerity."
- καρδίας (kardias) - "heart." The center of one's being, affections, and will.
Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:
- "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh": This phrase directly instructs slaves to obey their human masters. The qualification "according to the flesh" distinguishes these masters from Christ, who is the ultimate Master.
- "not with eyeservice, as pleasing men": This is implied in the subsequent verse, emphasizing that obedience should not be superficial, done only to impress the master.
- "but in singleness of heart, as unto Christ": This provides the proper motivation and attitude. Obedience should be wholehearted, with a pure intention, reflecting a commitment to Christ Himself.
Ephesians 6 5 Bonus Section
The understanding of "fear" (φόβος - phobos) here is crucial. It is not paralyzing terror, but a reverential awe and respect befitting the authority granted, acknowledging God's hand in that authority. The "singleness of heart" (εἰλικρινείας καρδίας - eilikrineias kardias) speaks to undivided loyalty and sincerity. This internalized obedience, driven by devotion to Christ, transforms a potentially oppressive human relationship into an arena for spiritual growth and witness. It is a counter-cultural statement against a society often characterized by hypocrisy and self-serving motives.
Ephesians 6 5 Commentary
The call to obey "according to the flesh" highlights the earthly and temporary nature of human authority. The qualification "as unto Christ" shifts the focus to the eternal and ultimate Lord. This does not mean obeying in disobedience to God's higher law, as the Bible is clear on not obeying human commands that contradict divine commands. The sincerity and reverence commanded are rooted in an inner disposition of the heart, not mere outward conformity. This principle elevates the daily work and service of a slave to a form of worship, a testimony to their devotion to Christ. It underscores that Christian duty transcends social status, with all actions performed with integrity being accountable to God.