Ephesians 6:9

KJV

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, ye masters {G2962}, do {G4160} the same things {G846} unto {G4314} them {G846}, forbearing {G447} threatening {G547}: knowing {G1492} that {G3754} your {G5216}{G846} Master {G2962} also {G2532} is {G2076} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}; neither {G2532}{G3756} is there {G2076} respect of persons {G4382} with {G3844} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And masters, treat your slaves the same way. Don’t threaten them. Remember that in heaven both you and they have the same Master, and he has no favorites.

Berean Standard Bible

And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

American Standard Version

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 6:9 concludes Paul's household instructions by directing Christian masters to treat their bondservants with the same integrity and respect they expect to receive, urging them to abandon threats and harshness. This command is grounded in the profound theological truth that both masters and bondservants share a common, impartial Master in heaven—God Himself—who shows no favoritism based on earthly status or position. The verse thus radically transforms the power dynamics of the ancient world through the lens of divine accountability and universal equality before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding exhortation in Paul's extensive "household code" found in [Ephesians 5:22-6:9](/ephesians/5-22-6-9 "Ephesians 5:22-6:9 - Paul's Household Code"). Having addressed wives and husbands, children and parents, Paul then turns his attention to bondservants and masters. Specifically, [Ephesians 6:5-8](/ephesians/6-5-8 "Ephesians 6:5-8 - Instructions to Bondservants") instructs bondservants to serve their earthly masters with sincerity and diligence, as if serving Christ Himself, with the promise of divine reward. Ephesians 6:9 then completes this section by shifting the focus to the masters, ensuring that the principles of Christian love, justice, and accountability are applied reciprocally, thereby transforming the very nature of these hierarchical relationships within the Christian community. This reciprocal instruction underscores the holistic nature of Christian ethics, where all members of a household, regardless of their social standing, are called to live out their faith in their daily interactions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, slavery was a deeply entrenched and pervasive institution, fundamentally different from modern conceptions of slavery. Bondservants (often translated as "slaves") comprised a significant portion of the population, and their masters held extensive legal and social power, often including the power of life and death. Threats, physical punishment, and arbitrary treatment were common practices. Paul's letter is not a direct abolitionist manifesto, but rather a revolutionary call for a transformation of relationships *within* the existing social structures, based on the radical implications of the Gospel. By commanding masters to "do the same things unto them" and to forbear threatening, Paul directly challenged the prevailing norms of absolute, unchecked authority, introducing a paradigm of mutual respect and divine accountability that was counter-cultural and subversive to the Roman social order.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 6:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ephesians and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Christian Unity and Equality in Christ**, emphasizing that distinctions of social status (like master and bondservant) are ultimately transcended in the spiritual realm where all are one in Christ, as highlighted in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ"). Secondly, it underscores **Divine Accountability**, reminding those in positions of authority that their power is not absolute but is delegated and subject to the judgment of God, their ultimate Master in heaven. This theme is echoed in passages like [Colossians 3:25](/colossians/3-25 "Colossians 3:25 - Divine Accountability for Actions"). Thirdly, the verse champions **God's Impartiality and Justice**, declaring that God shows "no respect of persons." This fundamental attribute of God, seen throughout Scripture (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God's Impartiality")), demands that His followers, especially those in power, emulate His just character in their dealings with others. Finally, it exemplifies the **Transformative Power of the Gospel** to redefine human relationships, moving them from systems of domination and fear to those characterized by love, fairness, and mutual respect, even within challenging social realities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Masters (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term, used twice in the verse, signifies "supreme in authority" or "controller." While it refers to earthly masters in the first instance, its repetition in reference to God as "your Master also is in heaven" creates a profound theological parallel. It underscores that earthly authority is always subordinate to divine sovereignty, reminding human masters that they too serve a higher Lord.
* **Forbearing (Greek, _aníēmi'_):** Meaning "to let up," "slacken," or "desist from," this word directly commands masters to cease or refrain from threatening behavior. It implies a deliberate and active choice to relinquish harshness, intimidation, and the abuse of power, urging a shift from a coercive approach to one rooted in gentleness and justice.
* **Respect of persons (Greek, _prosōpolēpsía'_):** This compound word literally means "receiving a face" and denotes partiality or favoritism based on outward appearance, status, or social standing. Its inclusion here powerfully asserts God's absolute impartiality, meaning He does not judge or favor based on human distinctions like wealth, social status, or power, but rather on righteousness and the condition of the heart. This divine characteristic serves as the ultimate standard for how masters should treat their bondservants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, ye masters, do the same things unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes a radical reciprocity. Following Paul's instructions to bondservants to serve their masters as they would Christ, masters are now commanded to treat their bondservants with the same sincerity, diligence, and respect that they expect to receive. This implies fairness, kindness, and a recognition of the bondservant's inherent dignity, moving beyond mere legalistic obligation to a relationship governed by Christian love.
* **"forbearing threatening:"**: This is a direct, negative command, specifically prohibiting the common practice of intimidation, verbal abuse, and the arbitrary exercise of power. It calls for masters to relinquish the use of fear as a motivational tool, instead fostering an environment of security and justice. This prohibition challenges the cultural norm where masters held virtually absolute power over their bondservants, including the right to inflict severe punishment.
* **"knowing that your Master also is in heaven;"**: This clause provides the primary theological motivation for the preceding commands. Earthly masters are reminded that they, too, are under a higher authority—God Himself. This concept of divine accountability means that their conduct towards their bondservants is observed and will be judged by their heavenly Master, introducing a powerful deterrent against injustice and a profound incentive for righteous behavior.
* **"neither is there respect of persons with him."**: This final, emphatic declaration reinforces God's absolute impartiality. It underscores that God does not show favoritism based on social status, wealth, or power. In God's eyes, both master and bondservant stand on equal ground, judged by the same divine standard. This truth serves as a powerful theological foundation for treating all people with dignity and justice, regardless of their earthly position, as God Himself treats all without partiality.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant **Literary Devices** in Ephesians 6:9 to convey his profound theological message. Central to the verse is **Parallelism**, specifically an antithetical parallelism between earthly masters and the heavenly Master. The repetition of "Master" (Gk. _kýrios_) highlights this, contrasting the limited, often flawed authority of human masters with the supreme, impartial authority of God. This device serves to elevate the divine perspective as the ultimate standard for human conduct. Closely related is **Contrast**, as Paul contrasts the common practice of "threatening" by earthly masters with the "no respect of persons" characteristic of the heavenly Master. This stark juxtaposition underscores the radical nature of Christian ethics, which calls believers to transcend worldly power dynamics and emulate God's just and impartial character. Finally, the verse is structured as a **Theological Argumentation**, where the command ("do the same things," "forbearing threatening") is immediately followed by its theological rationale ("knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him"). This logical progression grounds ethical behavior firmly in the character and sovereignty of God, making the divine attributes the compelling reason for human action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 6:9 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's justice and the radical implications of the Gospel for human relationships, particularly those involving power dynamics. It dismantles the notion that earthly status grants unchecked authority, instead asserting that all individuals, regardless of their social standing, are equally accountable to an impartial God. This verse reveals a core attribute of God: His absolute fairness and lack of favoritism, which demands that His followers reflect this character in their interactions. It transforms the master-bondservant relationship from one of domination and fear to one governed by mutual respect and divine oversight, foreshadowing the ultimate equality found in Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God's Impartial Judgment")
* [Colossians 3:25](/colossians/3-25 "Colossians 3:25 - The Lord Will Repay")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While direct chattel slavery is not practiced in most societies today, the principles of Ephesians 6:9 remain profoundly relevant for all relationships involving power, authority, and responsibility. This verse calls those in positions of leadership—whether employers, managers, parents, teachers, or spiritual leaders—to exercise their authority with fairness, kindness, and integrity, remembering that their power is delegated and they are ultimately accountable to God. It challenges us to create environments where dignity is upheld, exploitation is avoided, and justice prevails, ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect, regardless of their role or status. For all believers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's impartiality compels us to dismantle any form of prejudice or favoritism in our own lives and to champion the inherent worth of every person, reflecting the character of our heavenly Master. It encourages us to consider how our actions, especially towards those under our influence, align with the divine standard of justice and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I hold a position of authority or influence over others?**
* **How do I ensure that I am "forbearing threatening" and exercising my authority with fairness and respect, rather than intimidation or partiality?**
* **How does the knowledge that "my Master also is in heaven" impact my daily interactions and decisions, particularly in my leadership roles?**
* **In what ways might I be showing "respect of persons" (partiality or favoritism) in my relationships, and how can I cultivate God's impartiality in my own heart and actions?**

### FAQ
**Does Ephesians 6:9 endorse slavery, or does it challenge it?**

Answer: Ephesians 6:9, like other New Testament passages addressing slavery, does not explicitly endorse or condemn the institution of slavery itself, which was a deeply embedded social and economic reality in the Roman world. Instead, it radically transforms the *nature* of the master-bondservant relationship through Christian ethics. By commanding masters to "do the same things unto them" and to "forbear threatening," and by grounding this in God's impartiality and the ultimate accountability of masters to their heavenly Master, Paul introduces principles that were revolutionary and subversive to the prevailing norms. These commands fundamentally undermine the dehumanizing aspects of slavery, advocating for mutual respect, justice, and dignity. While not an immediate call for abolition, the ethical framework laid out in this verse, coupled with other New Testament teachings on love and equality (e.g., [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ")), laid the theological groundwork that would eventually lead to the dismantling of slavery in societies influenced by Christian thought. It challenges the abuse of power and calls for a Christ-like transformation of all social hierarchies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 6:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the principles it espouses. As the [Lord of all](/acts/10-36 "Acts 10:36 - Jesus is Lord of All"), Christ is the supreme "Master in heaven" to whom all earthly authority is subordinate and accountable. Yet, despite His ultimate sovereignty, Jesus did not come to be served, but [to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). He perfectly demonstrates "forbearing threatening," instead leading with humility, grace, and sacrificial love. His ministry consistently showed [no "respect of persons,"](/luke/20-21 "Luke 20:21 - Jesus' Impartiality") welcoming the marginalized, dining with sinners, and valuing every individual regardless of their social standing, wealth, or reputation. In Christ, the dividing walls of hostility are broken down, and all believers, whether master or bondservant, rich or poor, are united as [one new humanity](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Humanity in Christ"). Therefore, the call for earthly masters to act justly and without partiality is a call to imitate Christ, who, though [He was in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Servanthood"). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ establishes a new kingdom where justice, equality, and love reign, transforming all human relationships according to His divine pattern.

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 3:25

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Colossians 4:1

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

Acts 10:34

¶ Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Job 31:13

If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;

Job 31:15

Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?

Romans 2:11

For there is no respect of persons with God.

Deuteronomy 10:17

For the LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: