Ephesians 6 8

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 verses

Ephesians 6 8 meaning

Ephesians 6:8 communicates a fundamental principle of divine justice: every act of goodness performed by an individual will be recognized and rewarded by God. This divine recompense is administered by the Lord, entirely irrespective of a person's social status, whether they are in a position of servitude or freedom. It underscores God's impartial judgment and commitment to righteous dealing.

Ephesians 6 8 Context

Ephesians 6:8 is situated within Paul's practical exhortations concerning household relationships, specifically in a section often referred to as a "household code" (Eph 5:22-6:9). Following instructions for wives, husbands, children, and fathers, Paul addresses slaves (Eph 6:5-8) and masters (Eph 6:9). This verse acts as a crucial bridge, linking the advice given to slaves – to serve heartily as if for Christ – with a foundational principle applicable to all individuals within the household structure and beyond. The broader context of Ephesians calls believers to "walk worthy of the calling" (Eph 4:1) by embodying the love and unity of Christ in all their relationships and spheres of life, including social structures prevalent in the Roman world. It challenges conventional hierarchical views by placing human actions under the ultimate judgment of the impartial Lord.

Ephesians 6 8 Word analysis

• knowing (εἰδότες - eidotes): A present participle, indicating a settled, continuous state of knowing, not merely a fleeting awareness. It implies a fundamental understanding and firm conviction that should actively shape one's conduct. This knowledge serves as the underlying motivation for faithful service and good deeds.
• that whatever (ὃ ἐάν τι - ho ean ti): Translates as "whatsoever" or "whatever kind of thing," signifying an indefinite and comprehensive scope. It emphasizes that no good act is too small or insignificant to escape divine notice.
• good (ἀγαθὸν - agathon): Refers to that which is intrinsically good, morally excellent, beneficial, and in accordance with God's nature and will. It goes beyond mere human niceness to encompass acts motivated by love and done for God's glory.
• anyone does (ποιήσῃ - poiēsē): A timeless, aorist subjunctive, stressing the act itself without regard to who does it or when. It means to "make, do, accomplish, practice." This term highlights active engagement in performing righteous actions.
• this he will receive back (τοῦτο κομιεῖται - touto komiseitai): "This" (τοῦτο) refers back directly to "whatever good anyone does." "κομιεῖται" (komisetai) means to receive back what is due, to collect, recover, or obtain what is one's own. It denotes a definite recompense or reward, implying something that is earned or rightfully returned, not merely an unmerited gift. It’s a guaranteed return, not a possibility.
• from the Lord (ἀπὸ Κυρίου - apo Kyriou): Emphasizes the divine source of this justice and recompense. "Κυρίου" (Kyriou) is Lord, likely referring to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate judge and arbiter of all things in the new covenant. This highlights that the ultimate authority and source of reward are not human masters or systems, but God Himself.
• whether he is (εἴτε - eite): A disjunctive conjunction, introducing two alternative, contrasting categories, showing that the principle applies universally across them.
• a slave or free (δοῦλος εἴτε ἐλεύθερος - doulos eite eleutheros): These two terms represent the primary and most significant social distinction in the Greco-Roman world, encompassing nearly all individuals in society in terms of status and personal liberty. "δοῦλος" (doulos) refers to a bondservant, someone in absolute servitude, while "ἐλεύθερος" (eleutheros) signifies one who is free from bondage. The phrase categorically declares God's impartiality across these human-defined social barriers.

Ephesians 6 8 Bonus section

This verse's assertion that all good acts will be recompensed by "the Lord" challenges the pervasive patron-client system and societal norms of the Roman Empire, where recognition and reward largely flowed from higher-status patrons. Paul emphatically shifts the source of ultimate approval and reward from human patrons or masters to God, thus profoundly empowering those at the bottom of the social hierarchy and re-orienting the motivation for ethical living. It implies that true value and eternal worth are not derived from one's social standing or visible accolades but from one's alignment with God's will and the performance of genuine good. This principle applies not only to slave-master relationships but extends to all spheres of life, reminding every believer that their faithful stewardship, selfless service, and integrity in daily tasks contribute to an eternal record with God, regardless of any temporal acknowledgment or benefit. It undercuts any form of meritocracy based on human power or status and firmly establishes God's impartial justice as the governing rule for His kingdom.

Ephesians 6 8 Commentary

Ephesians 6:8 is a powerful declaration of God's universal and impartial justice, offering a profound motivation for Christian conduct. It functions as the ultimate encouragement for anyone, particularly those in seemingly low or unrecognized positions (like slaves in the ancient world), to perform every good deed with diligence and integrity. The "knowing" underscores that this is a foundational truth of the Christian faith; it's not a suggestion but a reality upon which believers should operate. Every action of intrinsic goodness, no matter how small, how hidden, or to whom it is rendered, is observed and recorded by the ultimate authority, the Lord Himself. The assurance that one will receive back (κομιεῖται) signifies a guaranteed, future recompense that aligns with God’s faithfulness. The most radical aspect is the explicit declaration of God’s impartiality: social standing (slave or free) holds absolutely no weight in God’s economy of reward. This principle profoundly relativizes human social hierarchies, asserting that a faithful slave's righteous actions are as valuable and rewardable in God's eyes as those of a free person or even a master. It liberates believers from seeking human approval or fearing human injustice, directing their focus instead to Christ's all-seeing and righteous judgment.

Practical examples:

• A hidden act of kindness toward a colleague by an unrecognized employee.
• Diligently performing one's daily duties, even if tedious or thankless.
• Exercising patience and forgiveness when unappreciated by those in authority.
• Sacrificing personal comfort to serve the vulnerable without expectation of human praise.