Ephesians 6:5-9

What does Ephesians 6:5-9 mean?

The instruction to obey "as you would Christ" isn't just about imitation, but about recognizing that serving your earthly master faithfully is, in God's eyes, the same as serving Him. This reorients the entire task, transforming secular labor into sacred worship and implying that one's true Master is Christ, regardless of their earthly station.

Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Ephesians 6:5-9 means

Paul is addressing the practical implications of Christian faith within the social structures of the Roman world, particularly the often harsh reality of slavery. Following his instructions for mutual love and respect between children and parents, he turns to the relationship between slaves and their masters, reminding slaves that their service is ultimately directed toward Christ himself. This instruction sets the stage for later commands to masters to treat their slaves justly, emphasizing that both are accountable to a higher Master in heaven.

Masters of the Flesh, Not the Spirit

In a world where earthly authority can feel absolute, this verse offers a crucial distinction. What does it mean to obey your 'masters according to the flesh,' and what does it signify that they are not masters of your spirit?

The phrase 'according to the flesh' is a key qualifier. It reminds us that earthly masters, whether they be employers, parents, or other authorities, hold dominion only over our physical actions and the outward aspects of our lives. They have no rightful claim over our inner selves—our thoughts, our faith, our core identity in Christ.

This distinction is vital because it sets a boundary. While Christians are called to respect and obey those in authority, this obedience is limited to matters that do not conflict with God's higher law. Our ultimate allegiance and the ultimate authority over our spirit belong to God alone. This means that even in difficult or oppressive circumstances, our inner freedom and devotion to Christ remain inviolable.

The 'Fear and Trembling' of Sincere Service

The instruction to obey 'with fear and trembling' might sound harsh or even fear-mongering. But what kind of fear is Paul talking about, and how does it connect to 'singleness of heart'?

The 'fear and trembling' here isn't about a cowering, terrified subservience. Instead, it speaks to a profound reverence and a deep awareness of the seriousness of one's duty. It’s a healthy respect for the authority given, combined with a trembling anxiety not to fail in that duty or to displease God.

This is directly linked to 'singleness of heart.' A single heart is undivided, sincere, and focused. When you serve with a single heart, you are not performing 'eye service'—doing only what you think your master will see and approve of. Instead, your motivation is pure: you are serving your earthly master with the same sincerity and diligence you would show if you were serving Christ Himself. This means your work is done with integrity, whether you are being watched or not, because your ultimate goal is to honor God.

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What Ephesians 6:5-9 means

The original words in Ephesians 6:5-9

Bondservantsδοῦλοι

douloi · Greek Noun

Individuals bound to the service of another; in New Testament times, it referred to those in a position of subservience or slavery, whom the apostles exhorted to serve with integrity as unto Christ.

fear and tremblingφόβῳ καὶ τρόμῳ

phobō kai tromō · Greek Noun phrase

A state of profound reverence, humility, and seriousness; it describes an attitude of deep respect and caution in performing one's duties, stemming from a consciousness of God's presence.

sincere heartἁπλότης

haplotēs · Greek Noun

Single-mindedness or purity of intent; acting without duplicity or hypocrisy, reflecting a character that is unified in its devotion to God.

eye-serviceὀφθαλμοδουλεία

ophthalmodouleia · Greek Noun

An act performed only while under observation to gain favor or recognition, lacking sincerity or genuine diligence.

people-pleasersἀνθρωπάρεσκος

anthrōpareskos · Greek Noun

One who seeks to please people rather than God, often implying a lack of integrity or a primary concern for human approval.

bondservantsδοῦλος

doulos · Greek Noun

A slave or servant who is entirely devoted to their master; in a Christian context, it refers to one who is bought by Christ and lives in complete submission to His authority.

will of Godθέλημα

thelēma · Greek Noun

The divine purpose or desire of God for human conduct, which the believer is called to discern and obey.

heartψυχή

psychē · Greek Noun

The center of human personality, intellect, emotion, and will; the seat of moral choice and spiritual intention.

good willεὔνοια

eunoia · Greek Noun

A posture of readiness or enthusiasm in performing a task; it conveys a sincere, voluntary, and positive disposition.

Mastersκύριος

kyrios · Greek Noun

Those who possess authority over others; in a biblical context, they are held accountable to God for how they treat their subordinates.

threateningἀπειλή

apeilē · Greek Noun

To cause alarm or to intimidate through warnings of punishment or harm; forbidden for those under Christ’s lordship.

partialityπροσωπολημψία

prosōpolēmpsia · Greek Noun

The divine attribute indicating that God does not judge based on human status, ethnicity, or social rank, but deals with all people according to truth and righteousness.