Ephesians 6:9
New International Version
And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

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

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

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
And masters do the same things toward them, giving up threatening, knowing that also their master and yours is in the heavens, and there is no partiality with Him.

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

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

New American Standard Bible
And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

NASB 1995
And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

NASB 1977
And, masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

Amplified Bible
You masters, do the same [showing goodwill] toward them, and give up threatening and abusive words, knowing that [He who is] both their true Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with Him [regardless of one’s earthly status].

Christian Standard Bible
And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

American Standard Version
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.

Contemporary English Version
Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don't threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn't have favorites.

English Revised Version
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Masters, treat your slaves with respect. Don't threaten a slave. You know that there is one master in heaven who has authority over both of you, and he doesn't play favorites.

Good News Translation
Masters, behave in the same way toward your slaves and stop using threats. Remember that you and your slaves belong to the same Master in heaven, who judges everyone by the same standard.

International Standard Version
Masters, treat your slaves the same way. Do not threaten them, for you know that both of you have the same Master in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Majority Standard Bible
And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

NET Bible
Masters, treat your slaves the same way, giving up the use of threats, because you know that both you and they have the same master in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

New Heart English Bible
You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.

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

Weymouth New Testament
And you masters, act towards your slaves on the same principles, and refrain from threats. For you know that in Heaven there is One who is your Master as well as theirs, and that merely earthly distinctions there are none with Him.

World English Bible
You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the masters! Do the same things to them, letting threatening alone, having also known that your Master is in the heavens, and favor by appearance is not with Him.

Berean Literal Bible
And masters do the same things toward them, giving up threatening, knowing that also their master and yours is in the heavens, and there is no partiality with Him.

Young's Literal Translation
And the masters! the same things do ye unto them, letting threatening alone, having known that also your Master is in the heavens, and acceptance of persons is not with him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And, lords, do ye the same things to them, letting go threatening: knowing that also your own Lord is in the heavens; and distinction of persons is not with him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And you, masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatenings, knowing that the Lord both of them and you is in heaven; and there is no respect of persons with him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And you, lords, act similarly toward them, setting aside threats, knowing that the Lord of both you and them is in heaven. For with him there is no favoritism toward anyone.

New American Bible
Masters, act in the same way toward them, and stop bullying, knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven and that with him there is no partiality.

New Revised Standard Version
And, masters, do the same to them. Stop threatening them, for you know that both of you have the same Master in heaven, and with him there is no partiality.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Also, masters, do the same things for your servants, forgiving their faults, because you also have your own Master in heaven; and there is no respect of persons with him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Also you Masters, in this way do to your Servants; be forgiving offenses unto them, because you know that your Master also is in Heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And you masters, do the same things to them, leaving off threatening, knowing that you yourselves have a master in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.

Godbey New Testament
And, ye masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatening: knowing that their Master and yours is in the heavens, and that there is no respect of persons with him.

Haweis New Testament
And ye masters, do the same things to them, avoiding menacing language: knowing that you also yourselves have a master in heaven; and there is no respect of persons with him.

Mace New Testament
and you masters have a just regard to them, by softning your authority: knowing that both their and your master is in heaven, where there is no respect of persons with him.

Weymouth New Testament
And you masters, act towards your slaves on the same principles, and refrain from threats. For you know that in Heaven there is One who is your Master as well as theirs, and that merely earthly distinctions there are none with Him.

Worrell New Testament
And, masters, do the same thing to them, forbearing the threat; knowing that both their Master and yours is in Heaven, and there is no respect of persons with Him.

Worsley New Testament
And ye masters, do the same to them, forbearing threatening: knowing that ye yourselves also have a Master in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Slaves and Masters
8because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. 9And 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. 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.…

Cross References
Colossians 4:1
Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

James 2:1
My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism.

Matthew 7:12
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.

Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.

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

Philemon 1:16
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.

1 Corinthians 7:22
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.

Romans 2:11
For God does not show favoritism.

Acts 10:34-35
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.

1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

1 Timothy 5:21
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe.

Job 31:13-15
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?

Proverbs 22:2
The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.


Treasury of Scripture

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

ye.

Leviticus 19:13
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.

Leviticus 25:39-46
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: …

Deuteronomy 15:11-16
For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land…

the same.

Ephesians 6:5-7
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; …

Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Luke 6:31
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

forbearing.

Leviticus 25:43
Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.

1 Samuel 15:17
And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

Daniel 3:6,15
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace…

knowing.

Psalm 140:12
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.

Ecclesiastes 5:8
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.

Matthew 22:8,10
Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy…

your Master.

1 Corinthians 1:2
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Philippians 2:10,11
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; …

neither.

Jump to Previous
Acceptance Act Distinctions Earthly Favoritism Forbear Forbearing Heaven Making Master Masters Merely Partiality Persons Principles Refrain Respect Slaves Theirs Threaten Threatening Threats Towards Treat Use Violent Way Words
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Acceptance Act Distinctions Earthly Favoritism Forbear Forbearing Heaven Making Master Masters Merely Partiality Persons Principles Refrain Respect Slaves Theirs Threaten Threatening Threats Towards Treat Use Violent Way Words
Ephesians 6
1. The duty of children toward their parents;
5. of servants toward their masters.
10. Our life is a warfare, not only against flesh and blood, but also spiritual enemies.
13. The complete armor of a Christian;
18. and how it ought to be used.
21. Tychicus is commended.














And masters
The term "masters" in Greek is "κύριοι" (kurioi), which is the plural form of "κύριος" (kurios), meaning lord or master. In the context of the Roman Empire, masters had significant authority over their slaves. However, Paul addresses them directly, indicating that their role comes with responsibilities. This reflects a radical shift from the cultural norms of the time, where the power dynamics were heavily skewed in favor of the masters. Paul’s instruction here is a call to Christian masters to recognize their own accountability to God.

do the same for them
This phrase suggests reciprocity in the relationship between masters and slaves. Just as slaves are instructed to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, masters are called to treat their slaves with the same level of respect and sincerity. This mutual respect is rooted in the Christian principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, which transcends social hierarchies and calls for a community built on mutual respect and love.

Give up your use of threats
The Greek word for "threats" is "ἀπειλή" (apeilē), which implies intimidation or coercion. In the historical context, threats were a common method for maintaining control and ensuring obedience. However, Paul instructs Christian masters to abandon such practices. This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls for a new way of relating to others, one that is not based on fear or coercion but on love and respect.

because you know
This phrase emphasizes the awareness and knowledge that Christian masters should have regarding their own position before God. It is a reminder that their authority is not absolute and that they are accountable to a higher authority. This knowledge should influence their behavior and treatment of others.

that He who is both their Master and yours
Here, Paul reminds masters that they share the same Master as their slaves, who is Christ. The Greek word for "Master" is "κύριος" (kurios), the same word used for earthly masters, but here it refers to the Lordship of Christ. This serves as a humbling reminder that all believers, regardless of social status, are equal before God and under His authority.

is in heaven
This phrase underscores the divine authority and sovereignty of Christ. Unlike earthly masters, who have limited and temporary authority, Christ’s authority is eternal and transcendent. This heavenly perspective should guide the behavior of Christian masters, reminding them of the eternal implications of their earthly actions.

and there is no favoritism with Him
The Greek word for "favoritism" is "προσωπολημψία" (prosōpolēmpsia), which means partiality or respect of persons. In the Roman world, favoritism was common, with social status often determining one's treatment. However, Paul asserts that God shows no favoritism, emphasizing the equality of all believers before Him. This principle challenges the societal norms of the time and calls for a community where justice and equality are paramount, reflecting the character of God Himself.

(9) Do the same things unto them--i.e., treat them as flesh and blood like yourselves, having, as men, the same claims on you as you on them; "do unto them as ye would that they should do unto you." The parallel passage in the Colossian Epistle (Ephesians 4:1) is the best comment on this, "Give unto your servants what is just and equal." "To forbear threatening," or, as in the original, "the threatening," which is so common, is one example of this sense of sympathy. For threatening implies at every moment compulsion and coercion from a position of tyrannical superiority; dealing with the slave as one who has in him no free energy and no sense of duty, and who must be driven like a brute-beast, not led or guided as a man.

Your Master also.--The stronger marginal reading is perhaps better, their Master and yours.

Respect of persons.--In this phrase the word "person" is used in its original sense (still lingering in our modern use of "person" and "personal," for "body" and "bodily,") of the persona, i.e., "the mask" of outward condition, circumstance, and privilege. In this general sense our Lord (Matthew 22:16) is said "to regard not," and (Luke 20:21) "to accept not" the person of man, because "He teaches the way of God in truth." This sense is illustrated in different forms by the other uses of the word "respect of persons," and the corresponding verb in the New Testament. Thus in Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, it is used of the distinction of privilege between Jew and Gentile, circumcision and uncircumcision; in Galatians 2:6, of apostolic dignity in the eyes of men; in James 2:1; James 2:9, of distinction of social rank; here and in Colossians 3:25, of the difference between the slave and the freeman. In the modern sense of "person," as signifying the real man, there is, and must be, "respect of persons" in all righteous judgment, whether of God or man. . . .

Verse 9. - And, ye masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatening. Act correspondingly toward your slaves, as if the eye of Christ were on you, which indeed it is; if you are ever tempted to grind them down, or defraud, or scold unreasonably and make their life bitter, remember that there is a Master above you, into whose ears their cry will come. If they are to do service to you as to the Lord, you are to require service of them as if you were the Lord. Therefore forbear threatening; influence them by love more than by fear. Knowing that both their and your Master is in heaven; and there is no respect of persons with him. Both of you stand in the same relation to the great Lord, who is in heaven and over all (comp. Ephesians 1:20, 21). Your being higher in earthly station than they will not procure for you any indulgence or consideration. You will be judged simply and solely according to your deeds. Your responsibility to the Judge and your obligations to the Savior alike bind you to just and merciful treatment. If such principles were applicable to the relations of enforced labor, they are certainly not less so to the relations of labor when free.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

masters,
κύριοι (kyrioi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

do
ποιεῖτε (poieite)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

the same
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

for
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

[your slaves].
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

Give up
ἀνιέντες (anientes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 447: From ana and hiemi; to let up, i.e. slacken or desert, desist from.

[your]
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative 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.

use of threats,
ἀπειλήν (apeilēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 547: A threatening, threat. From apeileo; a menace.

because you know
εἰδότες (eidotes)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

[He who is] both
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

Master
Κύριός (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

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

yours
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

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

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

heaven,
οὐρανοῖς (ouranois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

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

there is
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

no
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

favoritism
προσωπολημψία (prosōpolēmpsia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4382: Partiality, favoritism. From prosopoleptes; partiality, i.e. Favoritism.

with
παρ’ (par’)
Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.

Him.
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 6:9 You masters do the same things (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 6:8
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