Ephesians 6:8 kjv
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Ephesians 6:8 nkjv
knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
Ephesians 6:8 niv
because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
Ephesians 6:8 esv
knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.
Ephesians 6:8 nlt
Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
Ephesians 6 8 Cross References
Verse | Text | Reference |
---|---|---|
Eph 6:8 | Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord | Encouragement for faithful service |
Gal 6:7-8 | For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap... | Law of sowing and reaping |
Col 3:23-24 | And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men | Doing all to the glory of God |
Matt 6:3-4 | But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth | Reward from the Father |
Matt 25:34-40 | Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father... | The sheep and the goats |
Prov 11:17 | The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh | Reward for mercy |
Prov 19:17 | He that hath a favour toward the poor lendeth unto the LORD... | God repays those who help the poor |
Heb 10:35-36 | Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward | Perseverance and reward |
Rom 2:6-8 | Who will render to every man according to his deeds | God's judgment according to deeds |
1 Cor 3:8 | Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour | Stewardship and reward |
Rev 22:12 | And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be | Christ's return and rewards |
Luke 6:35 | But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great | Reward for loving enemies |
2 Thess 3:13 | But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. | Encouragement to persevere |
John 13:17 | If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them | Blessing in obedience |
Rom 12:20 | For in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head | Kindness overcomes evil |
1 Peter 1:6-7 | That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold... shall be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ | Tested faith and its outcome |
Ps 62:12 | Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest unto every man according to his work | God's justice and mercy |
Mark 9:41 | For a cup of water to drink indeed, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward | Reward for small acts of kindness |
Titus 2:11-14 | For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people of his own, zealous of good works. | Grace and good works |
Phil 1:6 | Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ | God's faithfulness in completing work |
Ephesians 6 verses
Ephesians 6 8 Meaning
Knowing that whatever good each person does, the Lord will repay them. This principle emphasizes that faithful actions are acknowledged and rewarded by God, not from human merit but by divine grace and justice. The reward is not conditional on perfection but on the sincerity and consistency of one's efforts in serving God and others.
Ephesians 6 8 Context
This verse is found within the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, specifically in chapter 6, which addresses instructions for Christian living within various relationships, including those between children and parents, servants and masters, and in the spiritual realm. In this section, Paul is addressing slaves and masters, urging slaves to obey their masters wholeheartedly as if serving Christ himself, not just outwardly to please men, but in sincerity of heart. Verse 8 directly follows the command for slaves to do the will of God from the heart. This understanding of diligent, sincere service, rooted in obedience to God, naturally leads to the assurance that such actions are recognized and rewarded by the Lord. The overall context is one of Christian conduct and mutual submission within the body of Christ and society, emphasizing that all actions are ultimately performed before God and subject to His judgment and reward.
Ephesians 6 8 Word analysis
- knowing (eidōs) - from eidō, "to see, perceive, know"; participle in present tense, indicating continuous awareness or understanding. It implies an experiential knowledge.
- that (hoti) - conjunction, introducing the content of the knowledge.
- whatever (hosa) - neuter plural of hos, meaning "how much" or "how great." It encompasses any amount or kind of good deed.
- good (agathon) - good, benefit, excellence, moral goodness. Refers to actions that align with God's will and character.
- thing (pragma) - deed, act, work, matter. Specifically refers to an action or a good work performed.
- any (heis) - one, anyone. Singular pronoun emphasizing that this applies to every individual believer.
- man (anthrōpos) - human being, man, person. Can refer to a male or humankind in general.
- doeth (poiei) - from poieō, "to do, make, perform, cause." Present tense, indicative mood, signifying habitual or continuous action.
- the same (touto) - neuter singular of houtos, "this." Refers back to the "good thing."
- shall he receive (komisei) - from komizō, "to bring, convey, receive." Future tense, passive voice, meaning "he will be repaid" or "he will receive back." The passive voice emphasizes that the repayment comes from an external source, namely the Lord.
- of (para) - preposition indicating source or origin.
- the Lord (tou Kuriou) - genitive singular of Kurios, "Lord." Refers to Jesus Christ, who is recognized as Lord and Master in the context of Christian service.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- whatever good thing any man doeth: This phrase encapsulates the entirety of virtuous actions performed by any individual. It underscores the breadth of accountability for all good deeds, irrespective of their perceived magnitude. The emphasis is on the intention and execution of good, pleasing to God.
- the same shall he receive of the Lord: This clause assures a response from God. The "same" implies a commensurate return, and "receive of the Lord" points to God as the ultimate dispenser of reward, emphasizing His divine recognition and recompense, whether in this life or the life to come. The passive voice ("shall he receive") highlights that this reward is conferred by God.
Ephesians 6 8 Bonus section
The concept of receiving according to one's deeds is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, forming a crucial part of the moral and covenantal framework God establishes with humanity. This principle undergirds the accountability that accompanies the new life in Christ. While salvation is by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9) and not by works, the consequences and rewards within the Kingdom of God are linked to the believer's actions and faithfulness. This verse resonates with the Old Testament principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7), highlighting that actions have consequences, and God ensures that good actions receive a just return. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise is seen in Christ's promised return, when He will reward every faithful servant according to their works (Rev 22:12).
Ephesians 6 8 Commentary
This verse serves as a powerful motivator for diligent and sincere service, particularly for those in subordinate positions, like slaves in the first century. It grounds our good works not in the pursuit of human praise or external validation, but in the knowledge of God's omnipresence and ultimate justice. Every act of kindness, every effort to do right, every faithful service rendered with a willing heart is seen by God. This "seeing" by the Lord is not a passive observation but an active engagement that promises a recompense. This assurance liberates believers from the fear of being overlooked or unacknowledged by others. The reward is guaranteed by God's nature – He is just and faithful. This doesn't mean every good deed will result in immediate earthly rewards, but that all labor in the Lord has an eternal aspect of recompense. The nature of this reward can vary; it encompasses present blessings, future commendation from Christ, and eternal rewards in heaven.
- Practical Usage: Believers are encouraged to perform their duties faithfully, whether at work, in family, or in ministry, with the understanding that their Heavenly Father notices and will reward their genuine efforts, even when they are unseen by others. For example, a student studying diligently for exams, even when tired, is acting on this principle, knowing that their effort honors God. Similarly, a caregiver showing patience and kindness to a difficult individual is acting in accordance with this truth, trusting that the Lord will acknowledge their compassionate labor.