1 Timothy 6:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 6:1
1 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.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, discipleship, creation. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: False teaching in Ephesus required organizational and doctrinal clarification.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Timothy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Timothy 6:1
1 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.
Analysis
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour (Ὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι, τοὺς ἰδίους δεσπότας πάσης τιμῆς ἀξίους ἡγείσθωσαν, Hosoi eisin hypo zygon douloi, tous idious despotas pasēs timēs axious hēgeisthōsan)—'all who are slaves under the yoke should regard their masters as worthy of all honor.' Zygos is yoke, a metaphor for slavery's burden. Despotēs means master, lord. Timē is honor, respect, value.
That the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed (ἵνα μὴ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία βλασφημῆται, hina mē to onoma tou theou kai hē didaskalia blasphēmētai)—'so that God's name and the teaching will not be blasphemed.' Blasphēmeō means to slander, revile, speak evil of.
Christian slaves must honor masters not because slavery is good, but because their witness affects God's reputation. If Christian slaves were rebellious or disrespectful, pagans would blaspheme God and dismiss the gospel. The priority is gospel advancement—slaves must not use Christian freedom as excuse for insubordination. Their humble service commends Christ.
Historical Context
Slavery was ubiquitous in the Roman Empire—perhaps one-third of the population. The gospel spread among slaves (1 Corinthians 1:26-28), raising questions about their obligations. Some apparently used Christian freedom as justification for disrespecting masters. Paul insists Christian slaves honor masters—not endorsing slavery, but protecting the gospel's reputation. The watching world judges Christianity by believers' conduct.
Reflection
- How does Paul address slavery without directly condemning the institution—why this approach?
- Why does Christian witness require respectful conduct even in unjust situations?
- How do believers today apply this principle in unjust employment or authority relationships?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Acts 10:22, 15:10, Romans 2:24, Titus 2:5, 1 Peter 2:12
- Parallel theme: Malachi 1:6, Matthew 11:30, Luke 17:1, Acts 10:7, Galatians 5:1