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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Colossians 4:1 Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/colossians/4-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/51_Col_04_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Colossians 4:1 - Fellow Workers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/colossians/4-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/colossians/4-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/colossians/">Colossians</a> > <a href="/colossians/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/colossians/3-25.htm" title="Colossians 3:25">◄</a> Colossians 4:1 <a href="/colossians/4-2.htm" title="Colossians 4:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/colossians/4.htm">New International Version</a> Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/nlt/colossians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven. <a href="/esv/colossians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/blb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Masters, give to the slaves that which is righteous and that which is equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/kjv/colossians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/nkjv/colossians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/nasb_/colossians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/nasb/colossians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. <a href="/nasb77/colossians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. <a href="/lsb/colossians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Masters, show to your slaves what is right and fair, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. <a href="/amp/colossians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/csb/colossians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Masters, deal with your slaves justly and fairly, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven. <a href="/hcsb/colossians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven. <a href="/asv/colossians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/cev/colossians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Slave owners, be fair and honest with your slaves. Don't forget that you have a Master in heaven. <a href="/erv/colossians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/gwt/colossians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Masters, be just and fair to your slaves because you know that you also have a master in heaven. <a href="/gnt/colossians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Masters, be fair and just in the way you treat your slaves. Remember that you too have a Master in heaven. <a href="/isv/colossians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/msb/colossians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/net/colossians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven. <a href="/nheb/colossians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/wbt/colossians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/wey/colossians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Masters, deal justly and equitably with your slaves, knowing that you too have a Master in Heaven. <a href="/web/colossians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/colossians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The masters: give that which is righteous and equal to the servants, having known that you also have a Master in the heavens. <a href="/blb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Masters, give to the slaves that which is righteous and that which is equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/ylt/colossians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> The masters! that which is righteous and equal to the servants give ye, having known that ye also have a Master in the heavens. <a href="/slt/colossians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Lords, render ye to servants Justice and equality; knowing that ye also have a Lord in the heavens.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/colossians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal: knowing that you also have a master in heaven. <a href="/cpdv/colossians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You masters, supply your servants with what is just and equitable, knowing that you, too, have a Master in heaven. <a href="/nabre/colossians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, realizing that you too have a Master in heaven. <a href="/nrsvce/colossians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/colossians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> MASTERS, do to your servants that which is just and fair; knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/colossians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Masters, practice equality and justice with your Servants and be aware that you also have a Master in Heaven.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/colossians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Masters, give to your servants what is just and equal, for you know that you have a Master in heaven.<CM> <a href="/godbey/colossians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Masters, award unto the servants that which is right and equal; knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/haweis/colossians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> MASTERS, afford to your servants that which is just, and an equivalent, knowing that ye also have a Master in the heavens.<CM> <a href="/mace/colossians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> as for you, masters, give to your servants what is just and suitable: considering that you also have a master in heaven. <a href="/wey/colossians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Masters, deal justly and equitably with your slaves, knowing that you too have a Master in Heaven. <a href="/worrell/colossians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Masters, render justice and equity to your servants, knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven. <a href="/worsley/colossians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and ye masters, render to your servants justice and equity, knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. <a href="/parallel/colossians/4-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q-K-qsfihQ?start=720" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm">Fellow Workers</a> 1<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hoi (Art-VMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: kyrioi (N-VMP) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Masters,</a> <a href="/greek/3930.htm" title="3930: parechesthe (V-PMM-2P) -- From para and echo; to hold near, i.e. Present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion.">supply</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">your</a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulois (N-DMP) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">slaves</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with what</a> <a href="/greek/1342.htm" title="1342: dikaion (Adj-ANS) -- From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.">is right</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2471.htm" title="2471: isotēta (N-AFS) -- Equality; equality of treatment, fairness. Likeness; by implication, equity.">fair,</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: eidotes (V-RPA-NMP) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">since you know</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">also</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echete (V-PIA-2P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">have</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrion (N-AMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">a Master</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranō (N-DMS) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven.</a> 2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Ephesians 6:9</a> And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him. <a href="/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16</a> no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord. <a href="/james/5-4.htm">James 5:4</a> Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. <a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a> In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/luke/6-31.htm">Luke 6:31</a> Do to others as you would have them do to you. <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1-2</a> All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles. <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18-20</a> Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. / For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a> There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. <a href="/romans/2-11.htm">Romans 2:11</a> For God does not show favoritism. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">1 Corinthians 7:22</a> For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. <a href="/deuteronomy/24-14.htm">Deuteronomy 24:14-15</a> Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. / You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. <a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Leviticus 19:13</a> You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. <a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm">Proverbs 22:2</a> The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all. <a href="/job/31-13.htm">Job 31:13-15</a> If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or maidservant when they made a complaint against me, / what will I do when God rises to judge? How will I answer when called to account? / Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb? <a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a> “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div> Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.give.<a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Leviticus 19:13</a> Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.<a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-43</a> And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: … <a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12-15</a> And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee… ye.<a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:8</a> If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.<a href="/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8,9</a> But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren… <a href="/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48-51</a> But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/philippians/1-25.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/philippians/2-27.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/acts/24-22.htm">Fairly</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Fairness</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-16.htm">Grant</a> <a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/colossians/1-20.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-12.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-31.htm">Justly</a> <a href="/colossians/3-24.htm">Master</a> <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-8.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Render</a> <a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Right</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/colossians/3-24.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/colossians/3-19.htm">Treat</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-4.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-14.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/titus/1-8.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Fairly</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Fairness</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-7.htm">Grant</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-10.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-10.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-9.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-10.htm">Justly</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-6.htm">Master</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Render</a> <a href="/colossians/4-4.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-10.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-20.htm">Treat</a><div class="vheading2">Colossians 4</div>1. <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">He exhorts them to be fervent in prayer;</a> 5. <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">to walk wisely toward those who are not yet come to the true knowledge of Christ.</a> 10. <a href="/colossians/4-10.htm">He salutes them, and wishes them all prosperity.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/colossians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Masters, In the Roman world, masters had significant authority over their slaves. The term "masters" here refers to those in positions of authority, particularly in a household or business context. This reflects the social structure of the time, where slavery was a common institution. The Bible addresses masters directly, indicating their responsibility and accountability before God.supply your slaves with what is right and fair, This phrase emphasizes the ethical treatment of slaves, which was countercultural in a society where slaves had few rights. The call to provide what is "right and fair" suggests a standard of justice and equity that transcends cultural norms. This aligns with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and treating others as one would want to be treated (<a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a>). It also reflects the Old Testament laws that called for fair treatment of servants (<a href="/deuteronomy/24-14.htm">Deuteronomy 24:14-15</a>).since you know that you also have a Master in heaven. This phrase reminds masters of their own accountability to God, who is the ultimate authority. It underscores the Christian belief that all people, regardless of social status, are equal before God and will be judged by Him (<a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Romans 2:6-11</a>). This serves as a humbling reminder that earthly authority is temporary and subject to divine oversight. The concept of God as a Master also points to the servanthood of Christ, who, though Lord of all, came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/masters.htm">Masters</a> In the context of the Roman Empire, masters were those who owned slaves and had authority over them. Paul addresses them directly, urging them to treat their slaves justly. 2. <a href="/topical/s/slaves.htm">Slaves</a> Individuals who were under the authority of masters. In the early Christian church, slaves were part of the congregation and were often addressed in the epistles. 3. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who wrote the letter to the Colossians. He was instrumental in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles and establishing early Christian communities. 4. <a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a> A city in Phrygia, Asia Minor, where the church to whom Paul wrote this letter was located. 5. <a href="/topical/m/master_in_heaven.htm">Master in Heaven</a> Refers to God, who is the ultimate authority over all, including earthly masters.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_fairness.htm">Justice and Fairness</a> As Christians, we are called to act justly and fairly in all our dealings, recognizing that we are accountable to God for how we treat others. <a href="/topical/a/accountability_to_god.htm">Accountability to God</a> Earthly authority is temporary and subject to the ultimate authority of God. This should influence how we exercise any power or leadership we have. <a href="/topical/e/equality_in_christ.htm">Equality in Christ</a> In Christ, social distinctions such as master and slave are transcended. We are all equal before God and should treat each other with respect and love. <a href="/topical/c/christian_leadership.htm">Christian Leadership</a> True Christian leadership involves serving others and ensuring their well-being, reflecting the servant leadership of Christ. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_love.htm">Reflecting Christ's Love</a> Our interactions with others should reflect the love and grace we have received from Christ, promoting peace and unity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_colossians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Colossians 4</a> <a href="/q/why_doesn't_colossians_4_1_condemn_slavery.htm">Why does Colossians 4:1 seem to accept slavery instead of condemning it outright? </a> <a href="/q/how_should_christians_view_employers.htm">How should Christians perceive their employers at work?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_1_tim_6_1-2_not_condemn_slavery.htm">In 1 Timothy 6:1–2, why does the text address slaves in a way that seems to endorse their subjugation rather than condemn it? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_paul_tell_slaves_to_obey.htm">Titus 2:9 – Why does Paul instruct slaves to obey their masters, seemingly endorsing slavery in the process? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/colossians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>IV.(1) Just and equal.--The word "equal," or, rather, the substantive so translated, has the sense either of "equity" or "equality." The former is far commoner (especially in connection with justice), and probably all that is intended here. At the same time, the idea running through the passage is of a common fellow-service to Christ of all alike, and in <a href="/colossians/3-11.htm" title=" Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.">Colossians 3:11</a> we are reminded that "in Christ Jesus there is neither bond nor free." Perhaps, therefore, St. Paul desired that his readers should remember that in some points all are literally equal before God.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/colossians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - (See Ch 3.) <a href="/commentaries/colossians/4-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Masters, κύριοι (kyrioi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. supply παρέχεσθε (parechesthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3930.htm">Strong's 3930: </a> From para and echo; to hold near, i.e. Present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion. [your] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. slaves δούλοις (doulois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. with what τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [is] right δίκαιον (dikaion) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1342.htm">Strong's 1342: </a> From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. fair, ἰσότητα (isotēta) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2471.htm">Strong's 2471: </a> Equality; equality of treatment, fairness. Likeness; by implication, equity. since you know εἰδότες (eidotes) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. you ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. also καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. have ἔχετε (echete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. a Master Κύριον (Kyrion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. heaven. οὐρανῷ (ouranō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">NT Letters: Colossians 4:1 Masters give to your servants that which (Coloss. Col Co) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/colossians/3-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Colossians 3:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Colossians 3:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/colossians/4-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Colossians 4:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Colossians 4:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>