1 Timothy 6:2

Authorized King James Version

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

πιστοί

G4103

believing

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ἔχοντες

G2192

they that have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

δεσπότας

G1203

masters

an absolute ruler ("despot")

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

καταφρονείτωσαν

G2706

despise

to think against, i.e., disesteem

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀδελφοί

G80

brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

#10

εἰσιν

G1526

they are

#11

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#12

μᾶλλον

G3123

rather

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

#13

δουλευέτωσαν

G1398

do them service

to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)

#14

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#15

πιστοί

G4103

believing

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

#16

εἰσιν

G1526

they are

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

ἀγαπητοὶ

G27

beloved

#19

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

εὐεργεσίας

G2108

of the benefit

beneficence (genitive case or specially)

#22

ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι

G482

partakers

to take hold of in turn, i.e., succor; also to participate

#23

Ταῦτα

G5023

These things

these things

#24

δίδασκε

G1321

teach

to teach (in the same broad application)

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#26

παρακάλει

G3870

exhort

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Timothy, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Timothy.

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 covenant 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

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Timothy chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?