Ephesians 6:5

Authorized King James Version

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

Word-by-Word Analysis

Οἱ

G3588

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

δοῦλοι

G1401

Servants

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ὑπακούετε

G5219

be obedient

to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority

τοῖς

G3588

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

κυρίοις

G2962

to them that are your masters

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

κατὰ

G2596

according

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

σάρκα

G4561

to the flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

φόβου

G5401

fear

alarm or fright

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

τρόμου

G5156

trembling

a "trembling", i.e., quaking with fear

#12

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#13

ἁπλότητι

G572

singleness

singleness, i.e., (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal)

#14

τῆς

G3588

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

#15

καρδίας

G2588

heart

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

#16

ὑμῶν

G5216

of your

of (from or concerning) you

#17

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#18

τῷ

G3588

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

#19

Χριστῷ

G5547

unto Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ephesians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 Ephesians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ephesians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Salvation