<< Colossians 4:1 >>

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Masters, be just and fair to your slaves because you know that you also have a master in heaven.

King James Bible
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

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Bondmen Conscious Deal Equal Fair Fairly Fairness Grant Heaven Heavens Justice Justly Master Masters Provide Render Right Righteous Servants Slaves Treat

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Bondmen Conscious Deal Equal Fair Fairly Fairness Grant Heaven Heavens Justice Justly Master Masters Provide Render Right Righteous Servants Slaves Treat

Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary

Chapter 4

I. He continues his account of the duty of masters, from the close of the former chapter (v. 1). II. He exhorts to the duty of prayer (v. 2-4), and to a prudent and decent conduct towards those with whom we converse (v. 5, 6). III. He closes the epistle with the mention of several of his friends, of whom he gives an honourable testimony (v. 7-18).

Verse 1

The apostle proceeds with the duty of masters to their servants, which might have been joined to the foregoing chapter, and is a part of that discourse. Here observe, 1. Justice is required of them: Give unto your servants that which is just and equal (v. 1), not only strict justice, but equity and kindness. Be faithful to your promises to them, and perform your agreements; not defrauding them of their dues, nor keeping back by fraud the hire of the labourers, Jam. 5:4. Require no more of them than they are able to perform; and do not lay unreasonable burdens upon them, and beyond their strength. Provide for them what is fit, supply proper food and physic, and allow them such liberties as may fit them the better for cheerful service and make it the easier to them, and this though they be employed in the meanest and lowest offices, and of another country and a different religion from yourselves. 2. A good reason for this regard: "Knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. You who are masters of others have a Master yourself, and are servants of another Lord. You are not lords of yourselves, and are accountable to one above you. Deal with your servants as you expect God should deal with you, and as those who believe they must give an account. You are both servants of the same Lord in the different relations in which you stand, and are equally accountable to him at last. Knowing that your Master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him," Eph. 6:9.

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