1 Timothy 6:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ὅσοι
G3745
as
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
#2
εἰσὶν
G1526
Let
they are
#3
ὑπὸ
G5259
under
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 (
#4
ζυγὸν
G2218
the yoke
a coupling, i.e., (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)
#5
δοῦλοι
G1401
servants
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#6
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἰδίους
G2398
their own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#8
δεσπότας
G1203
masters
an absolute ruler ("despot")
#9
πάσης
G3956
of all
all, any, every, the whole
#10
τιμῆς
G5092
honour
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
#11
ἀξίους
G514
worthy
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
#12
ἡγείσθωσαν
G2233
count
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
#13
ἵνα
G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#14
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#15
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ὄνομα
G3686
the name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#17
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#19
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
διδασκαλία
G1319
his doctrine
instruction (the function or the information)
#22
βλασφημῆται
G987
be
to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection