King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:1 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:1 in the King James Version says “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his do...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Timothy 6:1 · KJV

Context

1

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.

2

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. faithful: or, believing

3

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

Read 1 Timothy 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour (Ὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι, τοὺς ἰδίους δεσπότας πάσης τιμῆς ἀξίους ἡγείσθωσαν, Hosoi eisin hypo zygon douloi, tous idious despotas pasēs timēs axious hēgeisthōsan)—'all who are slaves under the yoke should regard their masters as worthy of all honor.' Zygos is yoke, a metaphor for slavery's burden. Despotēs means master, lord. Timē is honor, respect, value.

That the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed (ἵνα μὴ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία βλασφημῆται, hina mē to onoma tou theou kai hē didaskalia blasphēmētai)—'so that God's name and the teaching will not be blasphemed.' Blasphēmeō means to slander, revile, speak evil of.

Christian slaves must honor masters not because slavery is good, but because their witness affects God's reputation. If Christian slaves were rebellious or disrespectful, pagans would blaspheme God and dismiss the gospel. The priority is gospel advancement—slaves must not use Christian freedom as excuse for insubordination. Their humble service commends Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Slavery was ubiquitous in the Roman Empire—perhaps one-third of the population. The gospel spread among slaves (1 Corinthians 1:26-28), raising questions about their obligations. Some apparently used Christian freedom as justification for disrespecting masters. Paul insists Christian slaves honor masters—not endorsing slavery, but protecting the gospel's reputation. The watching world judges Christianity by believers' conduct.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul address slavery without directly condemning the institution—why this approach?
  2. Why does Christian witness require respectful conduct even in unjust situations?
  3. How do believers today apply this principle in unjust employment or authority relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ὅσοι1 of 22

“as”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

εἰσὶν2 of 22

“Let”

G1526

they are

ὑπὸ3 of 22

“under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ζυγὸν4 of 22

“the yoke”

G2218

a coupling, i.e., (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)

δοῦλοι5 of 22

“servants”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

τοὺς6 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰδίους7 of 22

“their own”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

δεσπότας8 of 22

“masters”

G1203

an absolute ruler ("despot")

πάσης9 of 22

“of all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τιμῆς10 of 22

“honour”

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

ἀξίους11 of 22

“worthy”

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

ἡγείσθωσαν12 of 22

“count”

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

ἵνα13 of 22
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ14 of 22
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τὸ15 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄνομα16 of 22

“the name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ17 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ18 of 22

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ19 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ20 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διδασκαλία21 of 22

“his doctrine”

G1319

instruction (the function or the information)

βλασφημῆται22 of 22

“be”

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 6:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:17-20Ephesians 6:5-8Titus 2:8-10Titus 2:51 Corinthians 7:21-22Romans 2:24

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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