Colossians 4:1
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριον
Masters
G2962
κύριον
Masters
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
2 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκαιον
that which is just
G1342
δίκαιον
that which is just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
4 of 18
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰσότητα
equal
G2471
ἰσότητα
equal
Strong's:
G2471
Word #:
7 of 18
likeness (in condition or proportion); by implication, equity
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλοις
unto your servants
G1401
δούλοις
unto your servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
9 of 18
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
παρέχεσθε
give
G3930
παρέχεσθε
give
Strong's:
G3930
Word #:
10 of 18
to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion
εἰδότες
knowing
G1492
εἰδότες
knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
11 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχετε
have
G2192
ἔχετε
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
15 of 18
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Revelation 17:14These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.James 2:13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.Ecclesiastes 5:8If 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.Revelation 19:16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.James 5:4Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
Historical Context
Roman masters had nearly unlimited power over slaves, including physical punishment, sexual use, and execution. Paul doesn't directly attack slavery's institution but transforms the relationship through mutual Christian identity. Masters treating slaves justly and equitably was countercultural and subversive to Roman social order. Over centuries, Christianity's influence eventually delegitimized and abolished slavery by undermining its moral and theological justifications.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you treat those under your authority—employees, children, students—with justice and equality?
- Does remembering your accountability to God affect how you exercise earthly authority?
- What modern forms of exploitation parallel ancient slavery that Christians should oppose?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Paul addresses slaveholders, balancing servants' duties (3:22-25) with masters' responsibilities. "Give unto your servants that which is just and equal" (to dikaion kai tēn isotēta tois doulois parechesthe, τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα τοῖς δούλοις παρέχεσθε) commands fair, equitable treatment—providing what's right and balanced, not exploiting power advantage.
"Knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven" (eidotes hoti kai hymeis echete Kyrion en ouranō, εἰδότες ὅτι καὶ ὑμεῖς ἔχετε Κύριον ἐν οὐρανῷ) provides accountability: earthly masters answer to heavenly Master who judges impartially (3:25). No earthly authority exempts from divine accountability. This radically limited masters' power and elevated slaves' dignity—both serve the same Lord, creating brotherhood transcending social hierarchy.