Ephesians 6 9

Ephesians 6:9 kjv

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Ephesians 6:9 nkjv

And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

Ephesians 6:9 niv

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 is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Ephesians 6:9 esv

Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Ephesians 6:9 nlt

Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don't threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.

Ephesians 6 verses

Ephesians 6 9 Meaning

Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, remembering that you too have a Master in heaven.

Ephesians 6 9 Context

This verse is part of Paul's exhortations to various relationships within the household, specifically addressing masters. Chapter 6 begins with instructions for children and parents, then moves to slaves and masters. This entire section provides practical guidance for Christian conduct in everyday life, grounded in believers' identity in Christ. Historically, slavery was a pervasive societal structure in the Roman Empire, and Paul's instructions aim to transform these relationships through the lens of Christian faith, not to abolish the institution itself, but to redefine the interactions within it. The directive to masters reflects a radical equality in Christ, as both masters and slaves are ultimately under God's authority and will be judged impartially.

Ephesians 6 9 Word Analysis

• And (καὶ - kai): Conjunction connecting this command to the preceding one addressed to slaves.
• masters (οἱ κύριοι - hoi kurioi): Plural noun meaning "lords" or "masters." It emphasizes the position of authority.
• likewise (ὁμοίως - homoiōs): Adverb meaning "in the same way" or "similarly." This links the masters' responsibility to the slaves' obedience, highlighting reciprocity in godly conduct.
• do the same to them (ταῦτα ποιεῖτε εἰς αὐτούς - tauta poieite eis autous): "Do these things to them." Refers back to the principles of sincerity, respect, and diligence mentioned in the preceding verse for slaves. The instruction is to exhibit the same Christ-like attitude.
• meaning that you also (τὸ καὶ ὑμᾶς - to kai hymas): "that you also." Introduces the reason and the grounding for this equitable treatment.
• have a Master (ἔχετε κύριον - echete kurion): "You have a Lord." Directly states the divine authority over the masters, a crucial perspective shift.
• in heaven (ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς - en tois ouranois): Locative phrase indicating God's heavenly realm, emphasizing His ultimate authority and perspective.

Words Group Analysis

• "Masters, likewise do the same to them": This phrase emphasizes mutuality and reflects a key Pauline theme: the transformation of existing social structures through the Gospel, not by outward revolution, but by inner transformation and redefined relationships. It commands masters to treat their slaves with the same spirit of sincere service and respect that slaves are called to show their masters.
• "Remembering that you also have a Master in heaven": This is the foundation for equitable treatment. It grounds their conduct not in the subordinate's status but in the superior's (their own) ultimate Lord, who shows no favoritism. This acknowledgment of a shared Lord implies shared humanity and accountability before God.

Ephesians 6 9 Bonus Section

The use of "master" (kyrios) for both the human authority and God in heaven highlights the profound leveling effect of Christianity. While not immediately dismantling the institution of slavery, Paul's teaching here laid the groundwork for its eventual undermining by emphasizing the inherent worth of all individuals before God. It challenged the masters to see their slaves not as mere property but as fellow beings with a shared heavenly Lord, promoting a relationship based on spiritual kinship and mutual accountability rather than purely on power dynamics. The phrase "justly and fairly" (eucharistēs kai isotēta) implies treating them with benevolence, providing what is right and equitable, and maintaining a sense of impartiality.

Ephesians 6 9 Commentary

Paul instructs Christian masters to treat their slaves justly and fairly. This directive is rooted in the understanding that both master and slave share a common Lord in heaven. This heavenward perspective corrects any notion of inherent superiority based on earthly status. Masters are to provide for their slaves with benevolence, devoid of harshness or undue threat. They should treat them with the same sincere heart and respect that slaves owe to Christ. This principle elevates the human dignity of the enslaved person and transforms the master-slave relationship into one governed by love and justice, mirroring Christ's love for His people.

Practical usage examples:

• A manager who treats all their employees, regardless of their role, with respect and ensures fair compensation and working conditions.
• An elder in a church who serves members with humility, recognizing they too are servants of Christ.
• Anyone in a position of authority extending kindness and understanding, remembering their ultimate accountability to God.