1 Timothy Chapter 6 · Verse 2
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.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχοντες
they that have
G2192
ἔχοντες
they that have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 26
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
9 of 26
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
δουλευέτωσαν
do them service
G1398
δουλευέτωσαν
do them service
Strong's:
G1398
Word #:
13 of 26
to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι
partakers
G482
ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι
partakers
Strong's:
G482
Word #:
22 of 26
to take hold of in turn, i.e., succor; also to participate
Historical Context
The early church included both slaves and masters worshiping together (Philemon demonstrates this). Some slaves apparently assumed Christian freedom meant social equality—refusing proper respect to Christian masters. Paul corrects this: spiritual equality in Christ doesn't abolish social roles. Slaves should serve Christian masters even more faithfully, motivated by brotherhood, not less. The gospel transforms relationships, not structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual equality in Christ relate to social/economic differences in this world?
- Why should Christian slaves serve Christian masters even better—what motivates excellence?
- How does this principle apply to Christian employees and employers today?
Analysis & Commentary
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren (οἱ δὲ πιστοὺς ἔχοντες δεσπότας μὴ καταφρονείτωσαν, ὅτι ἀδελφοί εἰσιν, hoi de pistous echontes despotas mē kataphroneitōsan, hoti adelphoi eisin)—'those who have believing masters must not disrespect them because they are brothers.' Kataphroneō means to despise, look down on. The danger: Christian slaves might presume on brotherhood to slack off or show disrespect.
But rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit (ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον δουλευέτωσαν, ὅτι πιστοί εἰσιν καὶ ἀγαπητοὶ οἱ τῆς εὐεργεσίας ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι, alla mallon douleuetōsan, hoti pistoi eisin kai agapētoi hoi tēs euergesías antilambanomenoi)—'rather serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers and beloved.' Douleuo means to serve as a slave, work. Euergesia means good deed, benefit, kindness.
Christian slaves with Christian masters should serve better, not worse—motivated by love for brothers and desire to honor Christ. Gospel unity doesn't erase social distinctions but transforms their meaning. Master and slave are equal in Christ (Galatians 3:28) while maintaining different roles. Love motivates excellence in service.