TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
Complete Jewish Bible
Those who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as worthy of full respect, so that the name of God and the teaching will not be brought into disrepute.
Berean Standard Bible
All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.
American Standard Version
Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.
World English Bible Messianic
Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Let as many seruaunts as are vnder the yoke, count their masters worthie of all honour, that the Name of God, and his doctrine be not euill spoken of.
Young's Literal Translation
As many as are servants under a yoke, their own masters worthy of all honour let them reckon, that the name of God and the teaching may not be evil spoken of;
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In the KJVVerse 29,790 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Timothy 6 verses 1–5
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.
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.
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
I. Here is the duty of servants. The apostle had spoken before of church-relations, here of our family-relations. Servants are here said to be under the yoke, which denotes both subjection and labour; they are yoked to work, not to be idle. If Christianity finds servants under the yoke, it continues them under it; for the gospel does not cancel the obligations any lie under either by the law of nature or by mutual consent. They must respect their masters, count them worthy of all honour (because they are their masters), of all the respect, observance, compliance, and obedience, that are justly expected from servants to their masters. Not that they were to think that of them which they were not; but as their masters they must count them worthy of all that honour which was fit for them to receive, that the name of God be not blasphemed. If servants that embraced the Christian religion should grow insolent and disobedient to their masters, the doctrine of Christ would be reflected on for their sakes, as if it had made men worse livers than they had been before they received the gospel. Observe, If the professors of religion misbehave themselves, the name of God and his doctrine are in danger of being blasphemed by those who seek occasion to speak evil of that worthy name by which we are called. And this is a good reason why we should all conduct ourselves well, that we may prevent the occasion which many seek, and will be very apt to lay hold of, to speak ill of religion for our sakes. Or suppose the master were a Christian, and a believer, and the servant a believer too, would not this excuse him, because in Christ there is neither bond nor free? No, by no means, for Jesus Christ did not come to dissolve the bond of civil relation, but to strengthen it: Those that have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren; for this brotherhood relates only to spiritual privileges, not to any outward dignity or advantage (those misunderstood and abuse their religion who make it a pretence for denying the duties that they owe to their relations); nay, rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved. They must think themselves the more obliged to serve them because the faith and love that bespeak men Christians oblige them to do good; and that is all wherein their service consists. Observe, It is a great encouragement to us in doing our duty to our relations if we have reason to think they are faithful and beloved, and partakers of the benefit, that is, of the benefit of Christianity. Again, Believing masters and servants are brethren, and partakers of the benefit; for in Christ Jesus there is neither bond nor free, for you are all one in Christ Jesus, Gal 3:28. Timothy is appointed to teach and exhort these things. Ministers must preach not only the general duties of all, but the duties of particular relations.
II. Paul here warns Timothy to withdraw from those who corrupted the doctrine of Christ, and made it the subject off strife, debate, and controversy: If any man teach otherwise (Ti1 6:3-5), do not preach practically, do not teach and exhort that which is for the promoting of serious godliness - if he will not consent to wholesome words, words that have a direct tendency to heal the soul - if he will not consent to these, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Observe, We are not required to consent to any words as wholesome words except the words of our Lord Jesus Christ; but to those we must give our unfeigned assent and consent, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness. Observe, The doctrine of our Lord Jesus is a doctrine according to godliness; it has a direct tendency to make people godly. But he that does not consent to the words of Christ is proud (Ti1 6:4) and contentious, ignorant, and does a great deal of mischief to the church, knowing nothing. Observe, Commonly those are most proud who know least; for with all their knowledge they do not know themselves. - But doting about questions. Those who fall off from the plain practical doctrines of Christianity fall in with controversies, which eat out the life and power of religion; they dote about questions and strifes of words, which do a great deal of mischief in the church, are the occasion of envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings. When men are not content with the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness, but will frame notions of their own and impose them, and that too in their own words, which man's wisdom teaches, and not in the words which the Holy Ghost teaches (Co1 2:13), they sow the seeds of all mischief in the church. Hence come perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds (Ti1 6:5), disputes that are all subtlety, and no solidity. Observe, Men of corrupt minds are destitute of the truth. The reason why men's minds are corrupt is because they do not stick to the truth as it is in Jesus: supposing that gain is godliness, making religion truckle to their secular interest. From such as these Timothy is warned to withdraw himself. We observe, 1. The words of our Lord Jesus Christ are wholesome words, they are the fittest to prevent or heal the church's wounds, as well as to heal a wounded conscience; for Christ has the tongue of the learned, to speak a word in season to him that is weary, Isa 50:4. The words of Christ are the best to prevent ruptures in the church; for none who profess faith in him will dispute the aptness or authority of his words who is their Lord and teacher, and it has never gone well with the church since the words of men have claimed a regard equal to his words, and in some cases a much greater. 2. Whoever teaches otherwise, and does not consent to these wholesome words, he is proud, knowing nothing; for pride and ignorance commonly go together. 3. Paul sets a brand only on those who consent not to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness; they are proud, knowing nothing: other words more wholesome he knew not. 4. We learn the sad effects of doting about questions and strifes of words; of such doting about questions comes envy, strife, evil surmisings, and perverse disputings; when men leave the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ, they will never agree in other words, either of their own or other men's invention, but will perpetually wrangle and quarrel about them; and this will produce envy, when they see the words of others preferred to those they have adopted for their own; and this will be attended with jealousies and suspicions of one another, called here evil surmisings; then they will proceed to perverse disputings. 5. Such persons as are given to perverse disputings appear to be men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth; especially such as act in this manner for the sake of gain, which is all their godliness, supposing gain to be godliness, contrary to the apostle's judgment, who reckoned godliness great gain. 6. Good ministers and Christians will withdraw themselves from such. "Come out from among them, my people, and be ye separate," says the Lord: from such withdraw thyself.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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Ignatius of AntiochAD 108
Epistle of Ignatius to the Trallians
Now I write these things unto you, not that I know there are any such persons among you; nay, indeed I hope that God will never permit any such report to reach my ears, He "who spared not His Son for the sake of His holy Church." But foreseeing the snares of the wicked one, I arm you beforehand by my admonitions, as my beloved and faithful children in Christ, furnishing you with the means of protection against the deadly disease of unruly men, by which do ye flee from the disease [referred to] by the good-will of Christ our Lord. Do ye therefore, clothing yourselves with meekness, become the imitators of His sufferings, and of His love, wherewith He loved us when He gave Himself a ransom for us, that He might cleanse us by His blood from our old ungodliness, and bestow life on us when we were almost on the point of perishing through the depravity that was in us. Let no one of you, therefore, cherish any grudge against his neighbour. For says our Lord, "Forgive, and it shall be forgiven unto you." Give no occasion to the Gentiles, lest "by means of a few foolish men the word and doctrine [of Christ.] be blasphemed." For says the prophet, as in the person of God, "Woe to him by whom my name is blasphemed among the Gentiles."
Apostolic ConstitutionsAD 380
CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES
But as to servants, what can we say more than that the servant should bring a good will to his master, with the fear of God, although his master be impious and wicked, but yet not yield any compliance as to his worship? And let the master love his servant, although he is his supervisor. Let him reflect on the fact that each shares equally in the other’s humanity. And let one who has a believing master love him both as his master, and as of the same faith, and as a father, but still with the preservation of his authority as his master…. In like manner, let a master who has a believing servant love him as a son or as a brother, on account of their communion in the faith, but still preserving the difference of a servant.
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON FIRST CORINTHIANS 19.4
Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers. Rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their service are believers and beloved. In the epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians he commands the same. So it is obvious that Paul’s intention is not to abolish slavery as a social institution. Rather, he attacks slavery in its worst form, the slavery to evil, which pays no respect to any external freedom.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Timothy 16
"Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their masters worthy of all honor, that the Name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed."
Let them count them "worthy of all honor," he says; for do not suppose, because thou art a believer, that thou art therefore a free man: since thy freedom is to serve the more faithfully. For if the unbeliever sees slaves conducting themselves insolently on account of their faith, he will blaspheme, as if the Doctrine produced insubordination. But when he sees them obedient, he will be more inclined to believe, and will the rather attend to our words. But God, and the Gospel we preach, will be blasphemed, if they are disobedient. But what if their own master be an unbeliever? Even in that case they ought to submit, for God's Name's sake.
Then because he had said, "Do nothing by partiality," as if under the necessity of interpreting it, he adds, "As many servants as are under the yoke." But you will say, What has a Bishop to do with this? Much surely, for it is his office to exhort and to teach these too. And here he makes excellent regulations with respect to them. For we see him everywhere commanding the servants rather than their masters, showing them the ways of submission, and treating them with great regard. He exhorts them therefore to submit with great meekness. But the masters he recommends to forbear the use of terror. "Forbearing threatening" (Eph. vi. 9), he says. And why does he thus command? In the case of unbelievers, naturally, because it would have been unreasonable to address those who would pay no heed to him; but where believers were concerned, what was his reason? Because masters contribute greater benefits to their servants, than servants to their masters. For the former furnish the money to purchase for them sufficient food and clothing; and bestow much care upon them in other respects, so that the masters pay them the larger service, which is here intimated, when he says, "they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit." They suffer much toil and trouble for your repose, ought they not in return to receive much honor from their servants?
OecumeniusAD 990
COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
Those who are under the yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of all honor; so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed. And those who have faithful masters should not despise them because they are brothers, but rather serve them all the more, because they are faithful and beloved, sharing in the benefit. Teach and encourage these things.
Paul discusses faithful slaves who have unbelieving masters, saying, so that even these things may be.
so that the name of God may not be blasphemed. For if, Paul says, because the masters are unbelieving, the faithful slaves disobey and act arrogantly, giving their own household members a reason, they provide the masters with grounds to blaspheme Christ and the preaching, as if it were the cause of the slaves' arrogance.
should not despise them because they are brothers. Do not let the fact that you are a brother be the cause of your despising, Paul says, but considering that the masters are faithful and beloved of God, serve more, mixing fear and love. For as much as you do good to the masters who are your brothers, so much more become grateful in serving more. Or because you are benefited by the masters, through being nourished and clothed.
but rather serve them all the more; that is, the slaves. For by hyperbaton it is placed. However, it should be placed in the middle, because they are faithful and beloved, and the word masters should be understood. Simply, as it is written, one must understand sharing in the benefit, that is, the masters who take care to benefit the slaves.
Teach and encourage these things. Therefore, the teacher requires not authority, but gentleness.
According to those who are greedy for gain, and false teachers.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
First Timothy 6:1 provides essential instruction for Christian bondservants regarding their conduct toward their earthly masters. Paul emphasizes that their behavior directly impacts the reputation of God's name and the integrity of Christian doctrine. By demonstrating honor and respect within their social station, believers ensure that the transformative power and truth of the Gospel are not maligned or discredited by those outside the faith, thereby safeguarding the witness of the church in a challenging social context.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The phrase "under the yoke" serves as a powerful metaphor, vividly depicting the constrained and subservient position of the bondservant. This imagery immediately situates the audience in a relatable social reality. The structure of the verse also demonstrates a clear teleological purpose, highlighted by the conjunction "that" (Greek: hína), which introduces the desired result: "that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed." This emphasizes that the ethical conduct of the servants is not merely for their own good or the master's, but for the sake of God's reputation. Furthermore, there is an implicit contrast at play: the honorable conduct of the servants stands in stark opposition to the potential for slander and disrepute that would arise from their misbehavior. This contrast underscores the gravity of their actions and their profound impact on the Christian witness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage underscores a profound theological principle: the conduct of individual believers has direct implications for the reputation of God and the credibility of the Gospel message. It teaches that Christian ethics are not merely personal virtues but public testimonies. By calling for honor and respect even in difficult circumstances, Paul demonstrates that the transforming power of Christ enables believers to live righteously in every sphere of life, thereby adorning the doctrine of God rather than bringing it into disrepute. This principle extends beyond the specific context of slavery to encompass all relationships of authority and submission, emphasizing that our actions are always a witness to the Lord we serve.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the institution of slavery is morally abhorrent and no longer applicable in its historical form, the underlying principles of 1 Timothy 6:1 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers, particularly concerning our conduct in relationships of authority, such as in the workplace. This passage calls us to view our professional lives, and indeed all our interactions within societal structures, as opportunities for Christian witness. Our diligence, integrity, and respectful attitude towards employers, supervisors, and colleagues can be a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel. Our work ethic should reflect our commitment to God's principles, whether we are directly supervised or not, and our behavior should consistently align with the values of the Gospel. This ensures that the name of God is honored, not maligned, by those observing our lives. Even when facing challenging or unfair circumstances, the verse encourages a response of honor and respect, not as an endorsement of injustice, but as a demonstration of a higher allegiance and the indwelling power of Christ. This does not preclude seeking justice through appropriate means, but it emphasizes the spirit in which one acts, prioritizing the glory of God above personal grievance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse endorse slavery?
Answer: No, this verse does not endorse or validate the institution of slavery. Instead, it provides practical guidance for Christians living within a social reality where slavery was prevalent. Paul's primary concern was the spread and integrity of the Gospel. Advocating for immediate social revolution against slavery could have led to accusations of sedition, causing the Roman authorities to suppress the burgeoning Christian movement and discredit the Gospel message. Instead, Paul's strategy was to transform society from within by teaching slaves to live righteously and masters to treat their slaves with love and justice (e.g., Ephesians 6:9), thereby planting the seeds for the eventual abolition of such oppressive systems through the ethical outworking of Christian principles.
How does this passage apply to modern employees or those in subordinate positions?
Answer: While the specific context of slavery is not applicable today, the underlying principles of 1 Timothy 6:1 are highly relevant. For contemporary believers, this verse calls us to demonstrate a Christ-like attitude and work ethic in our professional lives and in any situation where we are under authority. This includes showing respect to employers and supervisors, performing our duties diligently, maintaining integrity, and seeking to be a positive witness for Christ. Our conduct in the workplace should be such that it "adorns the doctrine of God our Savior" (Titus 2:10), rather than bringing reproach upon His name.
What if my boss or authority figure is unfair or difficult?
Answer: The instruction to "count their own masters worthy of all honour" applies even when the masters are "froward" (difficult or unjust), as indicated in 1 Peter 2:18. This does not mean we condone injustice or remain silent in the face of abuse. Believers are encouraged to seek justice through appropriate and lawful means. However, the verse emphasizes that our response, even in challenging circumstances, should be characterized by a spirit of honor and respect for the position, if not always the person, motivated by our commitment to Christ. Our ultimate service is to the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24), and our conduct should reflect His character, preventing the Gospel from being blasphemed.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Timothy 6:1, while addressing a specific social reality, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Christ is the supreme example of a "servant" who, though "in the form of God," "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). He perfectly honored His divine Master, never bringing reproach upon God's name, even when suffering unjustly (1 Peter 2:21-23). Furthermore, the Gospel that bondservants were to protect from blasphemy is the good news of Christ's redemptive work. Through His sacrifice, Christ frees us from the yoke of sin and the law (Galatians 5:1), inviting us into a new form of "servitude"—a willing, joyful service to Him as our true Master (Romans 6:22). Thus, our conduct in earthly relationships, including those of authority, becomes a living testimony to the transforming power of the One who perfectly honored His Father and calls us to follow in His footsteps, living lives that bring glory to God and adorn the doctrine of Christ.