1 Timothy 6:1
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
3 of 22
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
ζυγὸν
the yoke
G2218
ζυγὸν
the yoke
Strong's:
G2218
Word #:
4 of 22
a coupling, i.e., (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)
δοῦλοι
servants
G1401
δοῦλοι
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
5 of 22
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίους
their own
G2398
ἰδίους
their own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
7 of 22
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
τιμῆς
honour
G5092
τιμῆς
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
10 of 22
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
ἀξίους
worthy
G514
ἀξίους
worthy
Strong's:
G514
Word #:
11 of 22
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
ἡγείσθωσαν
count
G2233
ἡγείσθωσαν
count
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
12 of 22
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
the name
G3686
ὄνομα
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
16 of 22
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
18 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Titus 2:5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.Romans 2:24For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.Acts 10:7And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;Acts 10:22And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.Acts 15:10Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?Matthew 11:30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.Luke 17:1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.Malachi 1:6A 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?1 Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Historical Context
Slavery was ubiquitous in the Roman Empire—perhaps one-third of the population. The gospel spread among slaves (1 Corinthians 1:26-28), raising questions about their obligations. Some apparently used Christian freedom as justification for disrespecting masters. Paul insists Christian slaves honor masters—not endorsing slavery, but protecting the gospel's reputation. The watching world judges Christianity by believers' conduct.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul address slavery without directly condemning the institution—why this approach?
- Why does Christian witness require respectful conduct even in unjust situations?
- How do believers today apply this principle in unjust employment or authority relationships?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour (Ὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι, τοὺς ἰδίους δεσπότας πάσης τιμῆς ἀξίους ἡγείσθωσαν, Hosoi eisin hypo zygon douloi, tous idious despotas pasēs timēs axious hēgeisthōsan)—'all who are slaves under the yoke should regard their masters as worthy of all honor.' Zygos is yoke, a metaphor for slavery's burden. Despotēs means master, lord. Timē is honor, respect, value.
That the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed (ἵνα μὴ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία βλασφημῆται, hina mē to onoma tou theou kai hē didaskalia blasphēmētai)—'so that God's name and the teaching will not be blasphemed.' Blasphēmeō means to slander, revile, speak evil of.
Christian slaves must honor masters not because slavery is good, but because their witness affects God's reputation. If Christian slaves were rebellious or disrespectful, pagans would blaspheme God and dismiss the gospel. The priority is gospel advancement—slaves must not use Christian freedom as excuse for insubordination. Their humble service commends Christ.