1 Timothy 6:1
New International Version
All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.

New Living Translation
All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching.

English Standard Version
Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
As many as are under a yoke as slaves, let them esteem the own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching should not be blasphemed.

King James Bible
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

New King James Version
Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.

New American Standard Bible
All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.

NASB 1995
All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.

NASB 1977
Let all who are under the yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine may not be spoken against.

Legacy Standard Bible
All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be slandered.

Amplified Bible
All who are under the yoke as bond-servants (slaves) are to regard their own masters as worthy of honor and respect so that the name of God and the teaching [about Him] will not be spoken against.

Christian Standard Bible
All who are under the yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and his teaching will not be blasphemed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
All who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters to be worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and His teaching will not be blasphemed.

American Standard Version
Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.

Contemporary English Version
If you are a slave, you should respect and honor your owner. This will keep people from saying bad things about God and about our teaching.

English Revised Version
Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All slaves who believe must give complete respect to their own masters. In this way no one will speak evil of God's name and what we teach.

Good News Translation
Those who are slaves must consider their masters worthy of all respect, so that no one will speak evil of the name of God and of our teaching.

International Standard Version
All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their own masters as deserving of the highest respect, so that the name of God and our teaching may not be discredited.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited.

New Heart English Bible
Let as many as are slaves under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.

Webster's Bible Translation
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine may not be blasphemed.

Weymouth New Testament
Let all who are under the yoke of slavery hold their own masters to be deserving of honour, so that the name of God and the Christian teaching may not be spoken against.

World English Bible
Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
As many as are servants under a yoke, let them reckon their own masters worthy of all honor, that evil may not be spoken of the Name of God and the teaching;

Berean Literal Bible
As many as are under a yoke as slaves, let them esteem the own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching should not be blasphemed.

Young's Literal Translation
As many as are servants under a yoke, their own masters worthy of all honour let them reckon, that the name of God and the teaching may not be evil spoken of;

Smith's Literal Translation
Let as many servants as are under the yoke deem their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and the doctrines be not defamed.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Whosoever are servants under the yoke, let them count their masters worthy of all honour; lest the name of the Lord and his doctrine be blasphemed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever are servants under the yoke, let them consider their masters to be worthy of every honor, lest the name and doctrine of the Lord be blasphemed.

New American Bible
Those who are under the yoke of slavery must regard their masters as worthy of full respect, so that the name of God and our teaching may not suffer abuse.

New Revised Standard Version
Let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
LET all of those who are under the yoke of slavery honor and respect their masters in every way, so that the name of God and his doctrines may not be blasphemed.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Let those who are under the yoke of bondage hold their masters in all honor that the name of God and his teaching be not blasphemed.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God, and his teaching, be not reviled.

Godbey New Testament
Let the servants so many as are under the yoke, esteem those who are their masters worthy of all honor, in order that the name and doctrine of God may not be blasphemed.

Haweis New Testament
LET as many slaves as are under the yoke account their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.

Mace New Testament
Let those who are in a state of servitude, consider the entire respect due to their masters, that the name of God, and the doctrine of the gospel may not be blasphemed.

Weymouth New Testament
Let all who are under the yoke of slavery hold their own masters to be deserving of honour, so that the name of God and the Christian teaching may not be spoken against.

Worrell New Testament
Let as many as are slaves under a yoke account their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the teaching be not blasphemed.

Worsley New Testament
Let as many as are servants under the yoke account their own masters worthy of all honor; that the name of God and his doctrine may not be blasphemed:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Instructions to Servants
1All 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. 2Those 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.…

Cross References
Ephesians 6:5-8
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...

Colossians 3:22-24
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. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Titus 2:9-10
Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, / not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.

1 Peter 2:18-20
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.

Philemon 1:10-16
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. ...

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 7:21-24
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. ...

Romans 13:1-7
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...

Luke 6:46
Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

Genesis 39:2-6
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. ...

Genesis 24:2-4
So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, / and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, / but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.”


Treasury of Scripture

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

servants.

Deuteronomy 28:48
Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.

Isaiah 47:6
I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

Isaiah 58:6
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

count.

Genesis 16:9
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

Genesis 24:2,12,27,35
And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: …

2 Kings 5:2,3,13
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife…

that the.

1 Timothy 5:14
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Genesis 13:7,8
And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land…

2 Samuel 12:14
Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

Jump to Previous
Blasphemed Bondmen Bondservants Christian Consider Count Defamed Deserving Doctrine Evil Full God's Hold Honor Honour Masters Regard Respect Servants Slandered Slavery Slaves Teaching Worthy Yoke
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Blasphemed Bondmen Bondservants Christian Consider Count Defamed Deserving Doctrine Evil Full God's Hold Honor Honour Masters Regard Respect Servants Slandered Slavery Slaves Teaching Worthy Yoke
1 Timothy 6
1. Of the duty of servants.
3. Not to have fellowship with newfangled teachers.
6. Godliness is great gain;
10. and love of money the root of all evil.
11. What Timothy is to flee, and what to follow.
17. and whereof to admonish the rich.
20. To keep the purity of true doctrine, and to avoid godless ideas.














All who are under the yoke of slavery
The phrase "under the yoke of slavery" refers to those who were in servitude during the time of the early church. The Greek word for "yoke" (ζυγός, zygos) symbolizes a burden or obligation. Historically, slavery was a common institution in the Roman Empire, and many early Christians were slaves. This phrase acknowledges the reality of their social condition while addressing their conduct within it. The "yoke" also metaphorically represents the trials and responsibilities that come with such a position, urging believers to bear them with grace and dignity.

should regard their masters
The Greek word for "regard" (ἡγέομαι, hēgeomai) implies a deliberate consideration or esteem. This instruction calls for a conscious decision to view their masters with a certain level of respect. In a historical context, this was a radical teaching, as it encouraged slaves to adopt an attitude of respect towards their masters, not out of fear or compulsion, but as a reflection of their Christian faith and witness.

as fully worthy of respect
The term "fully worthy" (ἄξιος, axios) denotes a sense of deserving or merit. The call to regard masters as "worthy of respect" is not a validation of the institution of slavery but rather an exhortation for slaves to live out their faith in a way that honors God. This respect is not based on the master's character or actions but on the slave's commitment to Christ-like behavior. It reflects a higher calling to live in a manner that transcends societal norms and expectations.

so that God’s name
The phrase "God’s name" refers to the reputation and character of God as perceived by others. In biblical times, a name was more than a label; it represented the essence and authority of a person. Here, the emphasis is on ensuring that the behavior of believers does not bring dishonor to God. The conduct of Christian slaves was to be a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, reflecting positively on the God they served.

and our teaching
"Our teaching" refers to the apostolic doctrine and the teachings of the early church. The Greek word for "teaching" (διδασκαλία, didaskalia) encompasses the body of Christian doctrine that was being spread by Paul and other apostles. The integrity of this teaching was crucial for the growth and credibility of the early church. By living in a way that aligns with these teachings, believers were to demonstrate the truth and power of the Gospel.

will not be discredited
The term "discredited" (βλασφημέω, blasphēmeō) means to speak evil of or to slander. The concern here is that any misconduct by believers, particularly those in visible and challenging positions like slavery, could lead to the Gospel being maligned. The early church faced significant scrutiny and opposition, and any behavior that contradicted its teachings could provide ammunition for critics. Thus, the call is for a life that upholds the honor of God and the truth of the Christian message, even in difficult circumstances.

VI.

(1) Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour.--From questions connected with the presbyters and others among the recognised ministers and officials of the church, St. Paul passes on to consider certain difficulties connected with a large and important section of the congregations to whom these presbyters were in the habit of ministering--the Christian slaves.

It was perhaps the most perplexing of all the questions Christianity had to face--this one of slavery. It entered into all grades and ranks. It was common to all peoples and nations. The very fabric of society seemed knit and bound together by this miserable institution. War and commerce were equally responsible for slavery in the Old World. To attempt to uproot it--to preach against it--to represent it in public teaching as hateful to God, shameful to man--would have been to preach and to teach rebellion and revolution in its darkest and most violent form. It was indeed the curse of the world; but the Master and His chosen servants took their own course and their own time to clear it away. Jesus Christ and His disciples, such as St. Paul and St. John, left society as they found it, uprooting no ancient landmarks, alarming no ancient prejudices, content to live in the world as it was, and to do its work as they found it--trusting, by a new and lovely example, slowly and surely to raise men to a higher level, knowing well that at last, by force of unselfishness, loving self-denial, brave patience, the old curses--such as slavery--would be driven from the world. Surely the result, so far, has not disappointed the hopes of the first teachers of Christianity.

This curse at least is disappearing fast from the face of the globe. St. Paul here is addressing, in the first place, Christian slaves of a Pagan master. Let these, if they love the Lord and would do honour to His holy teaching, in their relations to their earthly masters not presume upon their new knowledge, that with the Master in Heaven "there was no respect of persons;" that "in Jesus Christ there was neither bond nor free, for all were one in Christ." Let these not dream for an instant that Christianity was to interfere with the existing social relations, and to put master and slave on an equality on earth. Let these, by their conduct to unbelieving masters, paying them all loving respect and honour, show how the new religion was teaching them to live.

That the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.--There would indeed be a grave danger of this, if the many Christian slaves, instead of showing increased zeal for their masters' service, should, as the result of the teaching of the new society they had joined, become morose, impatient of servitude, rebellious. Very soon in Pagan society would the name of that Redeemer they professed to love, and the beautiful doctrines He had preached, be evil spoken of, if the teaching were for one moment suspected of inculcating discontent or suggesting rebellion. An act, or course of acting, on the part of professed servants of God which gives occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, is ever reckoned in Holy Scripture as a sin of the deepest dye. Compare Nathan's words to King David (2Samuel 12:14) and St. Paul's reproach to the Jews (Romans 2:24).

Verse 1. - Are servants for servants as are, A.V.; the doctrine for his doctrine, A.V. Servants; literally, slaves. That slaves formed a considerable portion of the first Christian Churches may be inferred from the frequency with which their duties are pressed upon them (see 1 Corinthians 7:21-22; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:11, 22; 1 Peter 2:18 (οἱ οἰκέται); see also 1 Corinthians 1:27-29). It must have been an unspeakable comfort to the poor slave, whose worldly condition was hopeless and often miserable, to secure his place as one of Christ's freemen, with the sure hope of attaining "the glorious liberty of the children of God." Under the yoke; i.e. "the yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1). Perhaps the phrase contains a touch of compassion for their state (comp. Acts 15:10). How beautiful is the contrast suggested in Matthew 11:29, 30! Masters (δεσπότας); the proper word in relation to δοῦλος. The doctrine (ἡ διδασκαλία); equivalent to "Christianity," as taught by the apostles and their successors (see the frequent use of the word in the pastoral Epistles, though with different shades of meaning (1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Timothy 4:6, 13, 16; 1 Timothy 5:17; 2 Timothy 3:10; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; Titus 2:10, etc.). Blasphemed (compare the similar passage, Titus 2:5, where ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ answers to ἡ διδασκαλία here). Βλασφημεῖν does not necessarily mean "blaspheme" in its restricted sense, but as often means "to speak evil of," "to defame," and the like. If Christian slaves withheld the honor and respect due to their masters, it would be as sure to bring reproach upon the Christian doctrine as if it taught insubordination and rebellion.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
All who
Ὅσοι (Hosoi)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3745: How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As.

are
εἰσὶν (eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

under
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

[the] yoke
ζυγὸν (zygon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2218: From the root of zeugnumi; a coupling, i.e. servitude; also the beam of the balance.

of slavery
δοῦλοι (douloi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.

should regard
ἡγείσθωσαν (hēgeisthōsan)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2233: (a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider.

[their]
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

masters
δεσπότας (despotas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1203: A lord, master, or prince. Perhaps from deo and posis; an absolute ruler.

{as} fully
πάσης (pasēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

worthy
ἀξίους (axious)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 514: Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.

of honor,
τιμῆς (timēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5092: A price, honor. From tino; a value, i.e. Money paid, or valuables; by analogy, esteem, or the dignity itself.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

God’s
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

name
ὄνομα (onoma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[our]
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

teaching
διδασκαλία (didaskalia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1319: Instruction, teaching. From didaskalos; instruction.

will not be discredited.
βλασφημῆται (blasphēmētai)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 987: From blasphemos; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously.


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