Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free.
Knowing {G1492} that {G3754} whatsoever {G3739}{G1437}{G5100} good thing {G18} any man {G1538} doeth {G4160}, the same {G5124} shall he receive {G2865} of {G3844} the Lord {G2962}, whether {G1535} he be bond {G1401} or {G1535} free {G1658}.
Remember that whoever does good work, whether he be a slave or a free man, will be rewarded by the Lord.
because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
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Colossians 3:24
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. -
Luke 14:14
And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. -
2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. -
Proverbs 11:18
¶ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward. -
Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all. -
Matthew 6:4
That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. -
Matthew 16:27
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Ephesians 6:8 (KJV)
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free.
This verse concludes Paul's instructions specifically directed towards slaves, but then broadens the principle to include everyone, "whether [he be] bond or free." It immediately follows the exhortation for slaves to serve their earthly masters as if serving Christ (Ephesians 6:5-7).
The core message is a powerful affirmation of God's justice and impartiality. Regardless of one's social standing or earthly condition (slave or free), any good deed done will be recognized and rewarded by the Lord Himself. The focus shifts from gaining favor with human masters or receiving earthly compensation to receiving an ultimate reward from God. This provided immense encouragement to those in difficult or lowly positions, reminding them that their efforts, even unseen or unappreciated by men, were seen and valued by God.
The term "good thing" (ἀγαθὸν - *agathon*) refers to actions that are inherently good, right, and beneficial. The promise is that the doer will "receive" (κομίσεται - *komisetai*) the same from the Lord – implying a just return or reward commensurate with the good done. This principle transcends human social structures and highlights the divine perspective on labor and righteousness.
This verse aligns with the broader New Testament teaching that all believers are equal in Christ (Galatians 3:28) and that true service is ultimately directed towards the Lord, from whom the reward comes (Colossians 3:23-24).
For believers today, this verse serves as a strong motivation to do good in every area of life, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. It encourages faithfulness and diligence, assuring us that God sees our efforts and will provide the ultimate reward, independent of our earthly status or the recognition we receive from others.