1TI 6:1-2

Serving with Honor

1Let as many as are under a yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of full honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed.

2And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers; rather let them serve them all the more, because those who benefit from their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.

In the world it was spoken into

In the 1st-century Roman Empire, slavery was a deeply entrenched institution, with slaves constituting a significant portion of the population. Slaves were legally owned by masters , who held absolute authority over their lives and labor. The term 'yoke' evoked the image of a wooden beam used to join draft animals, symbolizing servitude and submission. For slaves who were part of the Christian community, this passage addresses their dual identity: as slaves under Roman law and as brothers or sisters in Christ. The instruction to honor their masters, even if those masters were fellow believers, reflects the honor-shame culture of the time, where public behavior could either enhance or damage the reputation of the Christian community. The emphasis on 'good service' underscores the expectation of diligent and respectful labor, which could serve as a witness to non-believers and prevent the teachings of God from being maligned.

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How other translations render this

1TI 6:1

KJV: Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
BSB: All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that Godʼs name and our teaching will not be discredited.
Koinōnos: Let as many as are under a yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of full honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed.

1TI 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.
BSB: 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.
Koinōnos: And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers; rather let them serve them all the more, because those who benefit from their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

1TI 6:1

a yoke:The word translated 'a yoke' refers to the wooden bar that joins two animals, typically oxen, for working together. It implies being bound together in service or submission, often with the connotation of burden or obligation.
[as] slaves,:The term used here for 'slaves' refers to individuals who were legally owned by another person, often born into servitude, and whose lives were entirely subject to their owner's will.
masters:The word translated 'masters' specifically denotes a household head or owner, someone with absolute authority over their slaves and household members, rather than a general employer or supervisor.

1TI 6:2

they should serve [them],:The word translated 'they should serve' means to be a slave or to perform the duties of a slave. It implies a state of complete submission and obligation to another's will, not merely voluntary service.