I Timothy 6
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke - The word δουλοι here means slaves converted to the Christian faith; and the ζυγον, or yoke, is the state of slavery; and by δεσποται, masters, despots, we are to understand the heathen masters of those Christianized slaves. Even these, in such circumstances, and under such domination, are commanded to treat their masters with all honor and respect, that the name of God, by which they were called, and the doctrine of God, Christianity, which they had professed, might not be blasphemed - might not be evilly spoken of in consequence of their improper conduct. Civil rights are never abolished by any communications from God's Spirit. The civil state in which a man was before his conversion is not altered by that conversion; nor does the grace of God absolve him from any claims, which either the state or his neighbor may have on him. All these outward things continue unaltered. See the notes on Eph 6:5, etc.; and Co1 7:21 (note), etc., and especially the observations at the end of that chapter.
Open source ↗EXHORTATIONS AS TO DISTINCTIONS OF CIVIL RANK; THE DUTY OF SLAVES, IN OPPOSITION TO THE FALSE TEACHINGS OF GAIN-SEEKERS; TIMOTHY'S PURSUIT IS TO BE GODLINESS, WHICH IS AN EVERLASTING POSSESSION: SOLEMN ADJURATION TO DO SO AGAINST CHRIST'S COMING; CHARGE TO BE GIVEN TO THE RICH. CONCLUDING EXHORTATION. (1Ti. 6:1-21) servants--to be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are under the yoke (as) slaves" (Tit 2:9). The exhortation is natural as there was a danger of Christian slaves inwardly feeling above their heathen masters. their own masters--The phrase "their own," is an argument for submissiveness; it is not strangers, but their own masters whom they are required to respect. all honour--all possible and fitting honor; not merely outward subjection, but that inward honor from which will flow spontaneously right outward conduct (see on Eph 5:22). that the name of God--by which Christians are called. blasphemed--Heathen masters would say, What kind of a God must be the God of the Christians, when such are the fruits of His worship (Rom 2:24; Tit 2:5, Tit 2:10)?
Open source ↗Let as many servants as are under the yoke,.... Not under the yoke of the law of God, or under the yoke of Christ; though the servants here spoken of were under both; but "under the yoke of government", as the Arabic version renders it; that is, under the yoke of men, in a state of servitude, under the government of masters, and in their service; being either apprentices to them, or bought with their money, or hired by them: count their own masters worthy of all honour; and give it to them; which includes subjection to them; obedience to all their lawful commands, which are consistent with religion and reason, with the laws of God, and with the light of nature; and all reverence of them, and respect unto them, expressed by words and gestures: and all this is to be given to their own masters to whom they belong; who have a property in them; whose money or goods they are; and that be they what they will, as to their religion and temper; whether they be believers or unbelievers; or whether they be good and gentle, kind and humane; or whether they be froward, peevish, and ill natured: that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed; by unbelieving masters, who, should their believing servants be refractory, disobedient, rebellious, or disrespectful, would be apt to say, what a God do these men serve? is this their religion? is this the Gospel they talk of? does their doctrine teach them such things, to be disobedient to their masters, and carry it disrespectfully to them? does it disengage them from the laws of nature, and dissolve the bonds of civil society, and destroy the relation that subsists between man and man? If this be the case, away with their God and their doctrine too. Wherefore the apostle exhorts, that if believing servants have any regard to that nam…
Open source ↗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 be…
Open source ↗6:1 Both unbelieving and believing masters should be treated with respect, which will bring honor rather than shame to God’s name (see study note on 5:1–6:2).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are ὅσος (hósos, G3745) — as (much, great, long, etc.) as δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… ζυγός (zygós, G2218) — a coupling, i.e. (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the… ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai, G2233) — to lead, i.e. command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e. consider ἴδιος (ídios, G2398) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate δεσπότης (despótēs, G1203) — an absolute ruler ("despot") ἄξιος (áxios, G514) — deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole τιμή (timḗ, G5092) — a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem… ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… πιστός (pistós, G4103) — objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful δεσπότης (despótēs, G1203) — an absolute ruler ("despot") καταφρονέω (kataphronéō, G2706) — to think against, i.e. disesteem μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) μᾶλλον (mâllon, G3123) — (adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather δουλεύω (douleúō, G1398) — to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀγαπητός (agapētós, G27) — beloved
Open source ↗εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any ἑτεροδιδασκαλέω (heterodidaskaléō, G2085) — to instruct differently καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… προσέρχομαι (prosérchomai, G4334) — to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ὑγιαίνω (hygiaínō, G5198) — to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in… λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus διδασκαλία (didaskalía, G1319) — instruction (the function or the information) κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… εὐσέβεια (eusébeia, G2150) — piety; specially, the gospel scheme
Open source ↗τυφόω (typhóō, G5187) — to envelop with smoke, i.e. (figuratively) to inflate with self-conceit ἐπίσταμαι (epístamai, G1987) — to put the mind upon, i.e. comprehend, or be acquainted with μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) νοσέω (noséō, G3552) — to be sick, i.e. (by implication, of a diseased appetite) to hanker after (figuratively,… περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ζήτησις (zḗtēsis, G2214) — a searching (properly, the act), i.e. a dispute or its theme καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λογομαχία (logomachía, G3055) — disputation about trifles ("logomachy") ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… φθόνος (phthónos, G5355) — ill-will (as detraction), i.e. jealousy (spite) ἔρις (éris, G2054) — a quarrel, i.e. (by implication) wrangling
Open source ↗παραδιατριβή (paradiatribḗ, G3859) — misemployment, i.e. meddlesomeness ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being διαφθείρω (diaphtheírō, G1311) — to rot thoroughly, i.e. (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively,… νοῦς (noûs, G3563) — the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication,… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀποστερέω (aposteréō, G650) — to despoil ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, G225) — truth νομίζω (nomízō, G3543) — properly, to do by law (usage), i.e. to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to… πορισμός (porismós, G4200) — furnishing (procuring), i.e. (by implication) money-getting (acquisition) εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist εὐσέβεια (eusébeia, G2150) — piety; specially, the gospel scheme ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… τοιοῦτος (toioûtos, G5108) — truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality) ἀφίστημι (aphístēmi, G868) — to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert,…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εὐσέβεια (eusébeia, G2150) — piety; specially, the gospel scheme μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… αὐτάρκεια (autárkeia, G841) — self-satisfaction, i.e. (abstractly) contentedness, or (concretely) a competence ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) πορισμός (porismós, G4200) — furnishing (procuring), i.e. (by implication) money-getting (acquisition)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰσφέρω (eisphérō, G1533) — to carry inward (literally or figuratively) οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… κόσμος (kósmos, G2889) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow… δῆλος (dēlos, G1212) — clear ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible ἐκφέρω (ekphérō, G1627) — to bear out (literally or figuratively) οὐδέ (oudé, G3761) — not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… διατροφή (diatrophḗ, G1305) — nourishment καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… σκέπασμα (sképasma, G4629) — perhaps akin to the base of G4649 (σκοπός) through the idea of noticeableness); clothing ἀρκέω (arkéō, G714) — properly, to ward off, i.e. (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory) τούτοις (toútois, G5125) — to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. βούλομαι (boúlomai, G1014) — to "will," i.e. (reflexively) be willing πλουτέω (ploutéō, G4147) — to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively) ἐμπίπτω (empíptō, G1706) — to fall on, i.e. (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… πειρασμός (peirasmós, G3986) — a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation,… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… παγίς (pagís, G3803) — a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively, a trick or statagem (temptation) πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ἀνόητος (anóētos, G453) — unintelligent; by implication, sensual βλαβερός (blaberós, G983) — injurious ἐπιθυμία (epithymía, G1939) — a longing (especially for what is forbidden) ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same βυθίζω (bythízō, G1036) — to sink; by implication, to drown
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… φιλαργυρία (philargyría, G5365) — avarice ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ῥίζα (rhíza, G4491) — a "root" (literally or figuratively) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole κακός (kakós, G2556) — worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas G4190 (πονηρός) properly refers to effects), i.e.… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ὀρέγομαι (orégomai, G3713) — to stretch oneself, i.e. reach out after (long for) ἀποπλανάω (apoplanáō, G635) — to lead astray (figuratively); passively, to stray (from truth) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… περιπείρω (peripeírō, G4044) — to penetrate entirely, i.e. transfix (figuratively)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. σύ (sý, G4771) — thou ὦ (ō, G5599) — as a sign of the vocative case, O; as a note of exclamation, oh ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very φεύγω (pheúgō, G5343) — to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things διώκω (diṓkō, G1377) — compare the base of G1169 (δειλός) and G1249 (διάκονος)); to pursue (literally or… δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē, G1343) — equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification εὐσέβεια (eusébeia, G2150) — piety; specially, the gospel scheme πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast ὑπομονή (hypomonḗ, G5281) — cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy πρᾳότης (praiótēs, G4236) — gentleness, by implication, humility
Open source ↗ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnízomai, G75) — to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an… καλός (kalós, G2570) ἀγών (agṓn, G73) — properly, a place of assembly (as if led), i.e. (by implication) a contest (held there);… πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (epilambánomai, G1949) — to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively) αἰώνιος (aiṓnios, G166) — perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well) ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὁμολογέω (homologéō, G3670) — to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge ὁμολογία (homología, G3671) — acknowledgment ἐνώπιον (enṓpion, G1799) — in the face of (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗παραγγέλλω (parangéllō, G3853) — to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee ἐνώπιον (enṓpion, G1799) — in the face of (literally or figuratively) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ζωοποιέω (zōopoiéō, G2227) — to (re-)vitalize (literally or figuratively) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… Πόντιος (Póntios, G4194) — apparently bridged; Pontius, a Roman Πιλᾶτος (Pilâtos, G4091) — close-pressed, i.e. firm; Pilatus, a Roman μαρτυρέω (martyréō, G3140) — to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗σέ (sé, G4571) — thee τηρέω (tēréō, G5083) — perhaps akin to G2334 (θεωρέω)); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the… ἐντολή (entolḗ, G1785) — injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription ἄσπιλος (áspilos, G784) — unblemished (physically or morally) ἀνεπίληπτος (anepílēptos, G423) — not arrested, i.e. (by implication) inculpable μέχρι (méchri, G3360) — as far as, i.e. up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the… ἐπιφάνεια (epipháneia, G2015) — a manifestation, i.e. (specially) the advent of Christ (past or future) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.
As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’
“Cornelius the centurion has sent us,” they said. “He is a righteous and God-fearing man with a good reputation among the whole Jewish nation. A holy angel instructed him to request your presence in his home so he could hear a message from you.”
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.
Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!
Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?
When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants.
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.