1 Timothy 6:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they that have {G2192} believing {G4103} masters {G1203}, let them {G2706} not {G3361} despise {G2706} them, because {G3754} they are {G1526} brethren {G80}; but {G235} rather {G3123} do them service {G1398}, because {G3754} they are {G1526} faithful {G4103} and {G2532} beloved {G27}, partakers {G482} of the benefit {G2108}. These things {G5023} teach {G1321} and {G2532} exhort {G3870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And those who have believing masters are not to show them less respect on the ground that they are brothers; on the contrary, they should serve all the more diligently, since those benefiting from their service are believers whom they love.

Teach and exhort people about these things.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.

American Standard Version

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 6:2 provides specific instructions for Christian servants who have believing masters, building on the previous verse's guidance for those with unbelieving masters. It exhorts servants not to disdain their believing masters, despite their shared spiritual brotherhood, but rather to serve them diligently. This diligent service is to be motivated by the masters' status as "faithful and beloved" co-heirs of God's grace, who are "partakers of the benefit," implying a mutual spiritual blessing. The verse concludes with a direct command to Timothy to teach and earnestly encourage these principles within the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a continuation of Paul's practical instructions to Timothy regarding various groups within the church, specifically addressing household dynamics. In [1 Timothy 6:1](/1_timothy/6-1 "1 Timothy 6:1 - Servants and Unbelieving Masters"), Paul instructs slaves with unbelieving masters to serve diligently so as not to bring disrepute upon God's name and doctrine. [1 Timothy 6:2](/1_timothy/6-2 "1 Timothy 6:2 - Servants and Believing Masters") then shifts focus to the more complex scenario of Christian servants serving Christian masters. The broader context of [1 Timothy 5-6](/1_timothy/5 "1 Timothy 5-6 - Instructions for Church Order") deals with church order, the treatment of widows, elders, and the dangers of false teaching, all aimed at fostering healthy Christian community and conduct. This specific instruction on master-servant relationships underscores Paul's concern for how the gospel transforms social interactions from within, rather than advocating for immediate, disruptive social revolution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Slavery was a pervasive and complex institution in the Greco-Roman world, differing significantly from later chattel slavery. Individuals could become slaves through debt, war, birth, or even by selling themselves into servitude. Slaves performed a wide range of tasks, from manual labor to highly skilled professions, and some held significant responsibilities. The early church, as a diverse community, included both masters and slaves, creating a unique social dynamic where individuals of vastly different societal statuses were united as "brethren" in Christ. Paul's instructions here do not endorse slavery as an ideal, nor do they call for its abolition, which would have been politically destabilizing and likely led to persecution. Instead, Paul seeks to infuse these existing social structures with Christian ethics, transforming the relationship through principles of love, respect, and mutual service. The potential for Christian slaves to "despise" their masters could stem from a misunderstanding of spiritual equality, leading them to believe their shared faith negated their social hierarchy or gave them license to be disrespectful.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within 1 Timothy and the broader Pauline corpus. It highlights the theme of **Spiritual Equality in Christ**, emphasizing that while social distinctions may exist, all believers are "brethren" before God, a truth powerfully articulated in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"). It also underscores the **Dignity of Christian Service**, elevating labor from mere obligation to an act of willing devotion performed for fellow believers, and ultimately, for the Lord, as seen in [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working for the Lord"). The concept of **Mutual Benefit and Love** is evident in the phrase "partakers of the benefit," suggesting a reciprocal relationship where both master and servant are beneficiaries of God's grace and their spiritual bond. Finally, the concluding command, "These things teach and exhort," reinforces the theme of **Pastoral Responsibility** and the critical role of sound doctrine and practical instruction in shaping the conduct of believers and maintaining harmony within the church, a recurring emphasis throughout [1 Timothy](/1_timothy/1 "1 Timothy - Instructions for the Church").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Masters (Greek, _despótēs_):** From the provided Strong's data, this word refers to an "absolute ruler" or "lord." In the context of slavery, it denotes the owner of a slave, highlighting the legal and social authority they held. The use of this term emphasizes the hierarchical reality of the relationship, even as spiritual equality is introduced.
* **Despise (Greek, _kataphronéō_):** This term, meaning "to think against" or "disesteem," implies a disrespectful attitude, scorn, or looking down upon someone. The instruction is a direct prohibition against a mindset of contempt or superiority that Christian servants might adopt towards their believing masters, perhaps feeling that their newfound spiritual status negated the need for respect within the existing social structure.
* **Do service (Greek, _douleúō_):** Derived from the word for "slave" (δοῦλος), this verb means "to be a slave to" or "to serve." It can be literal or figurative, voluntary or involuntary. Here, it refers to the act of serving as a slave, but the context transforms it from mere obligation into a willing act of Christian duty and love, performed for a fellow believer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they that have believing masters":** This clause sets the specific audience for the instruction: Christian servants whose owners are also believers. This distinguishes them from the scenario in [1 Timothy 6:1](/1_timothy/6-1 "1 Timothy 6:1 - Servants and Unbelieving Masters"), where masters are unbelievers, and introduces a unique dynamic based on shared faith.
* **"let them not despise [them], because they are brethren":** This is the negative command. Christian servants are warned against adopting a scornful or disrespectful attitude towards their believing masters. The reason provided, "because they are brethren," highlights the spiritual equality that exists in Christ, which, if misunderstood, could lead to a sense of entitlement or contempt for earthly authority. Paul clarifies that spiritual equality does not nullify social order but transforms the spirit in which it is observed.
* **"but rather do [them] service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit":** This is the positive command, contrasting with the previous negative. Instead of despising, servants are to diligently serve. The motivation is multifaceted: their masters are "faithful" (trustworthy, believing) and "beloved" (recipients of God's love and objects of Christian affection). Crucially, they are "partakers of the benefit," meaning they share in the spiritual blessings and grace of God. This implies that the service rendered is not merely for a human master but contributes to the well-being of a fellow member of the spiritual family, who also benefits from God's grace.
* **"These things teach and exhort":** This concluding command is directed at Timothy, emphasizing his pastoral responsibility. He is to actively instruct and encourage the believers in these specific principles of conduct. This highlights the importance of sound doctrine being translated into practical, ethical living within the Christian community.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Antithesis** by contrasting what Christian servants *should not* do ("not despise") with what they *should* do ("but rather do them service"). This stark opposition clarifies the desired behavior. There is also a strong element of **Reasoning** or **Justification**, as Paul provides clear "because" clauses to explain *why* these behaviors are mandated (because they are brethren, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit). The phrase "faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit" functions as a **Climax** of motivations, building a compelling case for diligent service based on shared spiritual identity and blessing. The concluding command, "These things teach and exhort," serves as a **Pastoral Imperative**, emphasizing the practical application and dissemination of these truths within the church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly shapes our understanding of how the gospel transforms all human relationships, even those marked by social hierarchy. It teaches that while the church does not necessarily dismantle existing social structures (like slavery in the Roman world), it radically redefines the spirit and motivation within them. Spiritual equality in Christ means that no believer should look down on another, regardless of earthly status. Instead, the shared identity as "brethren" and "partakers of the benefit" should foster a new ethic of mutual respect, love, and diligent service, where work is seen as an act of devotion to God and a contribution to the flourishing of the Christian community. This principle extends beyond ancient master-servant relations to modern workplace dynamics, family roles, and any context where authority and submission are present.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Ephesians 6:5-9](/ephesians/6-5-9 "Ephesians 6:5-9 - Servants and Masters in Christ")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific context of slavery is largely absent in many modern societies, the timeless principles embedded in [1 Timothy 6:2](/1_timothy/6-2 "1 Timothy 6:2 - Servants and Believing Masters") remain profoundly relevant for contemporary relationships, especially in the workplace. This verse challenges Christians to approach their work, particularly when serving fellow believers, with a spirit of excellence, diligence, and respect, rather than allowing familiarity or a sense of spiritual equality to breed contempt or laxity. It calls us to recognize that our shared identity in Christ should elevate our conduct, transforming mundane tasks into acts of worship and service within the body of Christ. Whether we are employees, volunteers, or even those in positions of authority, the call is to serve with integrity and love, reflecting the character of Christ in every interaction and demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in practical ways. Our service, when rendered to "faithful and beloved" co-heirs of God's grace, becomes a tangible expression of our Christian love and commitment to the mutual benefit of the community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "despise" or show disrespect to those in authority over me, especially if they are fellow believers?**
* **How can my work ethic and attitude, particularly when serving other Christians, reflect the truth that we are all "brethren" and "partakers of the benefit"?**
* **What does it mean for me to "do service" heartily, as if for the Lord, in my current roles and relationships?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse endorse slavery?**

Answer: No, this verse does not endorse slavery. Instead, it provides practical guidance for Christians living within the existing social structures of the Roman Empire, where slavery was widespread. Paul's letters consistently aim to transform relationships from within by applying Christian principles of love, respect, and dignity, rather than initiating a social revolution that would have been highly disruptive and dangerous for the nascent church. The focus is on the conduct of believers within their given circumstances, demonstrating the gospel's power to transform hearts and relationships, even under oppressive systems. The emphasis on mutual respect and the spiritual equality of "brethren" fundamentally subverts the dehumanizing aspects of slavery.

**How does "partakers of the benefit" apply to modern relationships?**

Answer: The phrase "partakers of the benefit" (Greek, _euergesía_) refers to sharing in God's grace, salvation, and the spiritual blessings of being in Christ. In modern relationships, particularly in the workplace or any context where Christians interact in roles of authority and submission, it reminds us that we are all co-heirs of God's grace. This shared spiritual reality should motivate us to treat one another with honor, diligence, and love. For employees, it means serving with excellence because their employer is a fellow believer who also benefits from God's grace. For employers, it means recognizing the spiritual dignity of their employees, treating them as "beloved" in Christ, and fostering an environment of mutual respect, as seen in [Ephesians 6:9](/ephesians/6-9 "Ephesians 6:9 - Masters and Servants").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Timothy 6:2](/1_timothy/6-2 "1 Timothy 6:2 - Servants and Believing Masters") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the principles of humble service and transformed relationships. Though He was "in the form of God," Christ "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](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He, the ultimate Master and Lord, willingly became a servant, even washing the feet of His disciples ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")), setting the supreme example for all believers, whether master or servant, to serve one another in love. His sacrifice on the cross broke down every dividing wall, making all believers "brethren" and "fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:14-19](/ephesians/2-14-19 "Ephesians 2:14-19 - Christ Our Peace")). Through Christ, we are all "partakers of the benefit"—the immeasurable grace and salvation He secured. Therefore, our service to one another, especially within the body of Christ, is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of Christ's own self-giving love and a tangible expression of the new creation He inaugurated, where earthly distinctions are transcended by the profound spiritual unity found in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 4:1

¶ Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

1 Timothy 4:11

These things command and teach.

Genesis 16:4

¶ And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

Genesis 16:5

And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong [be] upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

Colossians 1:4

Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints,

Numbers 16:3

And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, [Ye take] too much upon you, seeing all the congregation [are] holy, every one of them, and the LORD [is] among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?

Galatians 5:6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.