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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>Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/6-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/49_Eph_06_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 6:5 - Slaves and Masters" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ." /><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/ephesians/6-5.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/ephesians/6-5.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="/ephesians/">Ephesians</a> > <a href="/ephesians/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 5</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="/ad5.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="/ephesians/6-4.htm" title="Ephesians 6:4">◄</a> Ephesians 6:5 <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm" title="Ephesians 6:6">►</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/ephesians/6.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/ephesians/6.htm">New International Version</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. <a href="/nlt/ephesians/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. <a href="/esv/ephesians/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, <a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. <a href="/blb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Slaves, obey the earthly masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart as to Christ, <a href="/kjv/ephesians/6.htm">King James Bible</a> 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; <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/6.htm">New King James Version</a> Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; <a href="/nasb/ephesians/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; <a href="/lsb/ephesians/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the integrity of your heart, as to Christ; <a href="/amp/ephesians/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Slaves, be obedient to those who are your earthly masters, with respect for authority, and with a sincere heart [seeking to please them], as [service] to Christ— <a href="/csb/ephesians/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as you would Christ. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ. <a href="/asv/ephesians/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; <a href="/cev/ephesians/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Slaves, you must obey your earthly masters. Show them great respect and be as loyal to them as you are to Christ. <a href="/erv/ephesians/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; <a href="/gwt/ephesians/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with proper respect. Be as sincere as you are when you obey Christ. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling; and do it with a sincere heart, as though you were serving Christ. <a href="/isv/ephesians/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear, trembling, and sincerity, as when you obey the Messiah. <a href="/msb/ephesians/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. <a href="/net/ephesians/6.htm">NET Bible</a> Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart as to Christ, <a href="/nheb/ephesians/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; <a href="/wbt/ephesians/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; <a href="/wey/ephesians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Slaves, be obedient to your earthly masters, with respect and eager anxiety to please and with simplicity of motive as if you were obeying Christ. <a href="/web/ephesians/6.htm">World English Bible</a> Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The servants: obey the masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling, in the simplicity of your heart, as to the Christ; <a href="/blb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Slaves, obey the earthly masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart as to Christ, <a href="/ylt/ephesians/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> The servants! obey the masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling, in the simplicity of your heart, as to the Christ; <a href="/slt/ephesians/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Servants, listen to lords according to the flesh, with fear and tremor, in simplicity of your heart, as to Christ;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Servants, be obedient to them that are your lords according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the simplicity of your heart, as to Christ: <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Servants, be obedient to your lords according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the simplicity of your heart, as to Christ. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/6.htm">New American Bible</a> Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ, <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as you obey Christ;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Servants, be obedient to your masters according to the flesh, with reverence and trembling, and with a sincere heart, as to Christ; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Servants, obey your Masters who are in the flesh with reverence and trembling and with simplicity of heart, as unto The Messiah,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Servants, be subject to your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the simplicity of your heart, as to the Christ; <a href="/godbey/ephesians/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Ye servants, obey those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in purity of your heart, as unto Christ; <a href="/haweis/ephesians/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Servants, be obedient to your masters after the flesh, with fear and trembling, in simplicity of your heart as unto Christ; <a href="/mace/ephesians/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Servants, be obedient to your legal masters, with awful reverence and sincerity of heart, as unto Christ: <a href="/wey/ephesians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Slaves, be obedient to your earthly masters, with respect and eager anxiety to please and with simplicity of motive as if you were obeying Christ. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; <a href="/worsley/ephesians/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Servants, obey them that are your masters according to the flesh, with reverential fear, in the simplicity of your heart, as unto Christ: <a href="/parallel/ephesians/6-5.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/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=1101" 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/ephesians/6.htm">Slaves and Masters</a> 4Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 5<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/1401.htm" title="1401: douloi (N-VMP) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">Slaves,</a> <a href="/greek/5219.htm" title="5219: hypakouete (V-PMA-2P) -- From hupo and akouo; to hear under, i.e. To listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority.">obey</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/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">earthly</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarka (N-AFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. "></a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: kyriois (N-DMP) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">masters</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/5401.htm" title="5401: phobou (N-GMS) -- (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.">respect</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5156.htm" title="5156: tromou (N-GMS) -- A trembling, quaking, fear. From tremo; a trembling, i.e. Quaking with fear.">fear</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.">and</a> <a href="/greek/572.htm" title="572: haplotēti (N-DFS) -- Simplicity, sincerity, purity, graciousness. From haplous; singleness, i.e. sincerity, or generosity.">sincerity</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardias (N-GFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">heart,</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">just as</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">you would obey</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christō (N-DMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ.</a> 6And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.…<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="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18</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. <a href="/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9</a> Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, <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="/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10-16</a> I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. / Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. / I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-24</a> Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / 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. / You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. ... <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/6-16.htm">Romans 6:16-18</a> Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? / But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. / You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. <a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a> But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ... <a href="/luke/17-7.htm">Luke 17:7-10</a> Which of you whose servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field will say to him, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? / Instead, won’t he tell him, ‘Prepare my meal and dress yourself to serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you may eat and drink’? / Does he thank the servant because he did what he was told? ... <a href="/genesis/39-2.htm">Genesis 39:2-6</a> And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. / When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, / Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned. ... <a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2-6</a> If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. / If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. / If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. ... <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-43</a> If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12-18</a> If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ... <a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Proverbs 22:7</a> The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;be.<a href="/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9</a> And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.<a href="/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2</a> Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.<a href="/malachi/1-6.htm">Malachi 1:6</a> A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?according.<a href="/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16</a> Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?with.<a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3</a> And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.<a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm">2 Corinthians 7:15</a> And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.<a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12</a> Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.in.<a href="/ephesians/6-24.htm">Ephesians 6:24</a> Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. <a href="/joshua/24-14.htm">Joshua 24:14</a> Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.<a href="/1_chronicles/29-17.htm">1 Chronicles 29:17</a> I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.as.<a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1-23</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: … <a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">1 Corinthians 7:22</a> For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.<a href="/colossians/3-17.htm">Colossians 3:17-24</a> And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">Anxiety</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-32.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-3.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-9.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">Motive</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Obedient</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/galatians/5-7.htm">Obeying</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/galatians/6-8.htm">Please</a> <a href="/galatians/4-12.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">Simplicity</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-7.htm">Sincerity</a> <a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Singleness</a> <a href="/galatians/4-24.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm">Trembling</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Anxiety</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">Motive</a> <a href="/colossians/2-13.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/philippians/2-8.htm">Obedient</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-8.htm">Obeying</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Please</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Simplicity</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-24.htm">Sincerity</a> <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Singleness</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Trembling</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 6</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">The duty of children toward their parents;</a> 5. <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">of servants toward their masters.</a> 10. <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Our life is a warfare, not only against flesh and blood, but also spiritual enemies.</a> 13. <a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">The complete armor of a Christian;</a> 18. <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">and how it ought to be used.</a> 21. <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Tychicus is commended.</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/ephesians/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Slaves, obey your earthly masters In the Roman Empire, slavery was a common institution, and slaves were considered part of the household. The term "slaves" here refers to bondservants, who were often employed in various capacities, from household servants to skilled laborers. The instruction to "obey" aligns with the broader biblical theme of submission to authority, as seen in <a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a>, where Paul discusses submission to governing authorities. This directive does not endorse the institution of slavery but addresses the reality of the social structure at the time, encouraging Christian slaves to live out their faith within their circumstances.with respect and fear The phrase "respect and fear" suggests an attitude of reverence and honor towards those in authority. This mirrors the biblical principle of fearing God, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The respect and fear here are not rooted in terror but in a recognition of the authority structure established by God. This attitude is also reflected in <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18</a>, where servants are instructed to submit to their masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.and sincerity of heart "Sincerity of heart" implies a genuine and wholehearted approach to service, free from hypocrisy or ulterior motives. This aligns with <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22</a>, where Paul similarly instructs slaves to obey their earthly masters with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. The call for sincerity reflects the Christian principle of integrity, where actions are consistent with inner beliefs and values. This sincerity is a reflection of the believer's relationship with Christ, who sees beyond outward actions to the heart's intentions.just as you would obey Christ The comparison to obeying Christ elevates the act of service to a spiritual level, suggesting that serving earthly masters is ultimately an act of worship to Christ. This parallels <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a>, where believers are encouraged to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. The phrase underscores the Christian belief that all work, when done for the Lord, has eternal significance. It also reflects the teaching of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a>, where serving others is equated with serving Christ Himself. This perspective transforms mundane tasks into opportunities for spiritual growth and witness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A major city in Asia Minor where the Ephesian church was located. It was a center of trade and culture, with a diverse population including both Jews and Gentiles. 3. <a href="/topical/s/slaves_and_masters.htm">Slaves and Masters</a> In the context of the Roman Empire, slavery was a common institution. Paul addresses both slaves and masters in his letters, providing guidance on how to live out their faith within this societal structure. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The community of believers in Ephesus and other regions who were learning to live out their faith in a predominantly pagan society. 5. <a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a> Central to Paul's teachings, Christ is the model for obedience and service, setting the standard for how believers should conduct themselves.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_as_service_to_christ.htm">Obedience as Service to Christ</a> Believers are called to obey earthly authorities as an expression of their obedience to Christ. This reflects a heart attitude that prioritizes serving God above all. <a href="/topical/r/respect_and_sincerity.htm">Respect and Sincerity</a> The call to obey with "respect and fear and sincerity of heart" emphasizes the importance of genuine respect and integrity in all relationships, not just superficial compliance. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_context.htm">The Role of Context</a> Understanding the historical context of slavery in the Roman Empire helps us apply these principles to modern employer-employee relationships, focusing on mutual respect and service. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_ultimate_master.htm">Christ as the Ultimate Master</a> Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, and our earthly roles should reflect His lordship in our lives. This perspective transforms how we approach work and authority. <a href="/topical/w/witness_through_conduct.htm">Witness Through Conduct</a> By living out these principles, believers can be a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in all areas of life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 6</a> <a href="/q/does_ephesians_6_5_condone_slavery.htm">Ephesians 6:5: Does the instruction for slaves to obey masters suggest the Bible condones slavery, and how does that align with modern ethical standards? </a> <a href="/q/how_should_christians_view_employers.htm">How should Christians perceive their employers at work?</a> <a href="/q/how_should_christians_view_their_boss.htm">How should Christians perceive their boss at work?</a> <a href="/q/why_use_christianity_to_justify_oppression.htm">If Christianity is based on love, why has it been used to justify oppression, colonialism, and slavery?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4 c.) In <a href="/context/ephesians/6-5.htm" title="Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;">Ephesians 6:5-9</a> the hardest form of subjection, that of slaves to masters, is dealt with, still under the same idea that both are "in Christ." The slave is the servant of Christ in obeying his master, the master is a fellow-servant with his slave to the same Divine Lord. We notice on this particular subject a remarkable emphasis, and a singular closeness of parallelism between this Epistle and the Epistle to the Colossians; probably to be accounted for by the presence of Onesimus with St. Paul at the time, which would naturally press on him some special consideration of the relation of Christianity to slavery. Accordingly St. Paul's general attitude towards slavery will be best considered in the Epistle to Philemon (which see). Here it will be sufficient to note that while the institution, unnatural as it is, is left untouched, the declaration of a common fellowship in Christ enunciates a principle absolutely incompatible with slavery, and destined to destroy it.(5) Your masters according to the flesh.--This phrase (used also in <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm" title=" Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;">Colossians 3:12</a>) at once implies the necessary limitation of all human slavery. It can subjugate and even kill the body, but it cannot touch the spirit; and it belongs only to the visible life of this world, not to the world to come. The slave is a man in spiritual and immortal being, not a "living tool" or "chattel," as even philosophy called him.With fear and trembling.--The phrase is a favourite one with St. Paul. (See <a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm" title="And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.">1Corinthians 2:3</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm" title="And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.">2Corinthians 7:15</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm" title="Why, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.">Philippians 2:12</a>, in all which cases it is applied to the condition of man as man under the weight of solemn responsibility before God.) It recognises the "spirit of bondage unto fear" (<a href="/romans/8-15.htm" title="For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.">Romans 8:15</a>) necessarily belonging to all who are "under law," i.e., under obedience to the will of another, as enforced upon them by compulsion; and this fear, moreover, is viewed as showing itself in "trembling" anxiety to obey. So St. Peter commands (<a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm" title="Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the fraudulent.">1Peter 2:18</a>), "Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward;" and it is to be noted that he describes the suffering herein implied as a fellowship with the sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ (<a href="/context/ephesians/6-21.htm" title="But that you also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:">Ephesians 6:21-24</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Bond-servants, obey your masters according to the flesh. There were many slaves in the early Church, but, however unjust their position, the apostle could not but counsel them to obedience, this course being the best for ultimately working out their emancipation. The words of Christ were peculiarly welcome to them "that labor and are heavy laden;" and, as we find from Celsus and others, the early Church was much ridiculed for the large number of uneducated persons in its pale. With fear and trembling. Comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12</a>, from which it will be seen that this expression does not denote slavish dread, but great moral anxiety lest one should fail in duty. It was probably a proverbial expression. In the singleness of your heart, as to Christ. Not with a got-up semblance of obedience, but with inward sincerity, knowing that it is your duty; and even if it be irksome, doing it pleasantly, as though Christ required it, and you were doing it to him. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/6-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Slaves, δοῦλοι (douloi) Noun - Vocative 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. obey ὑπακούετε (hypakouete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5219.htm">Strong's 5219: </a> From hupo and akouo; to hear under, i.e. To listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority. [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. earthly κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). masters κυρίοις (kyriois) Noun - Dative 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. with μετὰ (meta) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. respect φόβου (phobou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5401.htm">Strong's 5401: </a> (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. fear τρόμου (tromou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5156.htm">Strong's 5156: </a> A trembling, quaking, fear. From tremo; a 'trembling', i.e. Quaking with fear. [and] 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. sincerity ἁπλότητι (haplotēti) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_572.htm">Strong's 572: </a> Simplicity, sincerity, purity, graciousness. From haplous; singleness, i.e. sincerity, or generosity. of τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine 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. heart, καρδίας (kardias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. just as [ you would show ] ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. to τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine 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. Christ. Χριστῷ (Christō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 6:5 Servants be obedient to those who according (Ephes. Eph. 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