Ephesians 6:5

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Servants {G1401}, be obedient {G5219} to them that are your masters {G2962} according to {G2596} the flesh {G4561}, with {G3326} fear {G5401} and {G2532} trembling {G5156}, in {G1722} singleness {G572} of your {G5216} heart {G2588}, as {G5613} unto Christ {G5547};

Complete Jewish Bible

Slaves, obey your human masters with the same fear, trembling and single-heartedness with which you obey the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 6:5 instructs bondservants to obey their earthly masters with profound sincerity and reverence, not merely out of human obligation but as if serving Christ Himself. This command elevates the mundane duties of labor to a spiritual act of worship, transforming the servant-master relationship into a sphere where Christian devotion and integrity are powerfully demonstrated. It calls for an internal disposition of wholehearted commitment that transcends external circumstances, grounding all service in an ultimate accountability to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's "household codes" found in [Ephesians 5:21-6:9](/ephesians/5-21-6-9 "Ephesians 5:21-6:9 - Household Codes"). Following his general exhortation for believers to be [“submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God”](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission"), Paul applies this principle to specific relational dynamics within the Christian household and broader society. He addresses wives and husbands ([Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22-33 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Wives and Husbands")), children and parents ([Ephesians 6:1-4](/ephesians/6-1-4 "Ephesians 6:1-4 - Children and Parents")), and finally, servants and masters ([Ephesians 6:5-9](/ephesians/6-5-9 "Ephesians 6:5-9 - Servants and Masters")). This structured approach demonstrates how the spiritual truths of the Gospel are to be lived out practically in everyday relationships, emphasizing mutual respect, Christ-centered motivation, and a transformed understanding of authority and submission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman world of Paul's time was characterized by widespread slavery, which was a deeply ingrained economic and social institution. Slaves (Greek: *doûloi*) comprised a significant portion of the population and their status varied widely, from chattel slaves with no rights to highly skilled professionals, administrators, and educators who could earn their freedom or manage substantial estates. Paul's instructions are not an endorsement of slavery as an institution, but rather a pastoral directive for believers navigating their faith within existing societal structures. He seeks to transform relationships from within, challenging both masters and servants to live according to Christ's ethical standards, thereby subverting the dehumanizing aspects of the system by infusing it with Christian love, dignity, and accountability to God.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 6:5 contributes significantly to several major themes in Paul's letter. The overarching theme of **unity in Christ** is evident as Paul applies the principles of the Gospel to diverse social strata, demonstrating that all believers, regardless of their earthly status, are united in their submission to Christ. The theme of **Christian conduct and ethics** is central, as Paul outlines practical ways believers are to live out their new identity in Christ, transforming mundane tasks into acts of worship. Furthermore, the concept of **spiritual warfare** ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Whole Armor of God")) immediately follows these household codes, suggesting that living out these challenging relational ethics is itself a vital part of standing firm against spiritual forces. The verse also highlights the theme of **ultimate accountability to God**, as earthly service is reoriented towards heavenly reward, echoing sentiments found in [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working Heartily for the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servants (Greek, _doûlos_ G1401):** This term is often translated as "slave" or "bondservant," denoting a person in a state of subjection or subserviency. In the New Testament, *doûlos* can refer to literal slaves, but also metaphorically to those who are completely devoted to Christ, becoming His "bondservants" by choice. In this context, it refers to individuals in a position of involuntary or voluntary subordination to another human, encompassing a wide range of social statuses beyond mere chattel slavery.
* **Masters (Greek, _kýrios_ G2962):** Derived from a root implying supremacy, *kýrios* signifies one who is supreme in authority, a controller, or a master. While it is frequently used as a title for God or Christ ("Lord"), here it refers to earthly employers or slave owners, highlighting their position of authority over the *doûloi*. Paul uses the same term for both earthly and heavenly "masters" to draw a direct parallel and elevate the nature of service.
* **Fear and Trembling (Greek, _phóbos_ G5401, _trómos_ G5156):** This idiomatic phrase, common in Greek literature, does not primarily denote cowering terror but rather a serious, earnest, and humble reverence, coupled with careful diligence and a profound sense of responsibility. It suggests a cautious and conscientious approach to one's duties, born out of respect for the authority and a desire to perform well, akin to the reverence one would show in a sacred context or when approaching a powerful figure. It implies a diligent effort to avoid error and to please.
* **Singleness of Heart (Greek, _haplótēs_ G572, _kardía_ G2588):** *Haplótēs* means "simplicity," "sincerity," or "generosity" (without dissimulation or self-seeking). When combined with *kardía* ("heart," referring to the center of one's thoughts, feelings, and will), "singleness of heart" signifies wholeheartedness, integrity, and sincerity of purpose. It means serving without ulterior motives, duplicity, or "eye-service" (serving only when observed), but with a pure and undivided devotion to the task and the master, ultimately as an expression of one's inner commitment to Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh":** This opening clause directly addresses those in a subordinate position, commanding obedience to their earthly superiors. The phrase "according to the flesh" clarifies that these are human masters, distinguishing them from the ultimate spiritual Master, Christ. It acknowledges the temporal, physical nature of the relationship, setting the stage for the spiritual transformation of that obedience.
* **"with fear and trembling":** This phrase describes the manner in which the obedience is to be rendered. As analyzed above, it denotes a serious, earnest, and conscientious diligence, a profound respect for the authority and the task, and a carefulness born of a desire to do what is right and to please, rather than a cowering fear.
* **"in singleness of your heart":** This further specifies the internal disposition required for obedience. It emphasizes sincerity, integrity, and wholeheartedness. The service is not to be grudging, half-hearted, or performed with hidden agendas, but with an undivided and pure motive, reflecting an inner commitment.
* **"as unto Christ;":** This is the transformative climax of the verse. It reorients the entire act of service. The obedience rendered to an earthly master is to be performed *as if* it were being rendered directly to Christ Himself. This elevates the nature of the work, infusing it with spiritual significance and making it an act of worship and devotion to the Lord. It shifts the ultimate accountability from the human master to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 6:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor** and **Analogy**, as Paul draws a direct comparison between serving an earthly master and serving Christ. The phrase "as unto Christ" functions as a **Simile**, transforming the mundane act of labor into a spiritual act of worship, thereby elevating the dignity of the servant and their work. The use of "fear and trembling" is an **Idiom**, conveying a specific nuance of diligent reverence rather than literal terror. Furthermore, the phrase "according to the flesh" functions as a **Synecdoche**, where "flesh" represents the temporal, human, and earthly aspects of the master-servant relationship, contrasting it with the spiritual, eternal dimension introduced by "as unto Christ." This skillful use of language imbues the command with deep theological and practical significance, redefining the very nature of labor for the Christian.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 6:5 presents a radical theological reorientation of labor and authority. It asserts that all human relationships and endeavors, even those marked by social inequality, can be sanctified and transformed when undertaken with a Christ-centered motivation. By commanding servants to obey "as unto Christ," Paul elevates the dignity of labor, irrespective of its nature or the status of the laborer. This perspective implies that true service is ultimately directed toward God, not merely human approval or gain, thus providing profound meaning and purpose to every task. This theological framework challenges believers to view their work, whether paid or unpaid, as a spiritual offering, making every act of diligence, integrity, and respect an act of worship.

* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Work Heartily for the Lord")
* [1 Peter 2:18-20](/1_peter/2-18-20 "1 Peter 2:18-20 - Servants Subject to Masters")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 6:5 offers timeless principles for believers navigating any form of subordinate or employment relationship in the modern world. It challenges us to transcend a transactional view of work, where effort is merely exchanged for compensation, and instead embrace a transformational perspective. Our diligence, integrity, and respectful attitude towards employers or those in authority become a powerful testimony to our faith. This means performing tasks with excellence, even when unsupervised; maintaining honesty in all dealings; and approaching responsibilities with a sincere desire to contribute positively, not out of fear of human reprisal, but out of reverence for Christ. When we serve with a "singleness of heart" and "as unto Christ," our work becomes a form of worship, sanctifying our workplaces and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in every sphere of life. This perspective frees us from the frustrations of unfair treatment or unappreciated efforts, as our ultimate reward and approval come from God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does viewing your daily work "as unto Christ" change your attitude and approach to your responsibilities?**
* **In what specific ways can you demonstrate "singleness of heart" and "fear and trembling" (reverent diligence) in your current role or relationships?**
* **What challenges do you face in applying this verse, and how might a deeper understanding of Christ's servanthood help you overcome them?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse endorse slavery?**

Answer: No, this verse does not endorse or promote the institution of slavery. Paul is addressing believers who live within the existing social structures of his time, including the pervasive reality of slavery in the Roman Empire. His aim is not to reform the societal institution directly, but to transform the hearts and conduct of believers within it. By instructing both servants and masters on how to live righteously in their respective roles ([Ephesians 6:5-9](/ephesians/6-5-9 "Ephesians 6:5-9 - Servants and Masters")), Paul introduces radical Christian ethics that ultimately undermine the dehumanizing aspects of slavery. He elevates the dignity of the servant by asserting that their labor is ultimately for Christ, and he holds masters accountable to God for their treatment of servants, even threatening divine judgment for injustice ([Ephesians 6:9](/ephesians/6-9 "Ephesians 6:9 - Masters and Servants")). This approach, while not an outright call for abolition, laid the theological groundwork for the eventual dismantling of slavery by challenging the underlying assumptions of human ownership and emphasizing the equal spiritual standing of all before God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 6:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of the "Servant" who perfectly obeyed, not "according to the flesh," but according to the will of His heavenly Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His entire life was lived "in singleness of heart," with an undivided devotion to accomplishing God's redemptive plan, and with a "fear and trembling" that reflected profound reverence and submission to divine authority ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Doing the Father's Will")). Moreover, Christ is the ultimate "Master" to whom all believers are called to serve. When Paul instructs servants to obey "as unto Christ," he is not only providing a paradigm for earthly labor but also pointing to the Lordship of Jesus, who is the true recipient and judge of all our service ([Colossians 3:24](/colossians/3-24 "Colossians 3:24 - Inheritance from the Lord")). Thus, this verse transforms the concept of service from a mere human obligation into a profound act of worship and discipleship, mirroring Christ's own obedient servanthood and acknowledging His supreme authority over all aspects of life.

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

1 Peter 2:18

Servants, [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

1 Peter 2:21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Titus 2:9

[Exhort] servants to be obedient unto their own masters, [and] to please [them] well in all [things]; not answering again;

Titus 2:10

Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:24

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Malachi 1:6

¶ A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?