King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:2 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:2 in the King James Version says “And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, ...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Timothy 6:2 · 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;

4

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, proud: or, a fool doting: or, sick

Read 1 Timothy 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren (οἱ δὲ πιστοὺς ἔχοντες δεσπότας μὴ καταφρονείτωσαν, ὅτι ἀδελφοί εἰσιν, hoi de pistous echontes despotas mē kataphroneitōsan, hoti adelphoi eisin)—'those who have believing masters must not disrespect them because they are brothers.' Kataphroneō means to despise, look down on. The danger: Christian slaves might presume on brotherhood to slack off or show disrespect.

But rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit (ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον δουλευέτωσαν, ὅτι πιστοί εἰσιν καὶ ἀγαπητοὶ οἱ τῆς εὐεργεσίας ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι, alla mallon douleuetōsan, hoti pistoi eisin kai agapētoi hoi tēs euergesías antilambanomenoi)—'rather serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers and beloved.' Douleuo means to serve as a slave, work. Euergesia means good deed, benefit, kindness.

Christian slaves with Christian masters should serve better, not worse—motivated by love for brothers and desire to honor Christ. Gospel unity doesn't erase social distinctions but transforms their meaning. Master and slave are equal in Christ (Galatians 3:28) while maintaining different roles. Love motivates excellence in service.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The early church included both slaves and masters worshiping together (Philemon demonstrates this). Some slaves apparently assumed Christian freedom meant social equality—refusing proper respect to Christian masters. Paul corrects this: spiritual equality in Christ doesn't abolish social roles. Slaves should serve Christian masters even more faithfully, motivated by brotherhood, not less. The gospel transforms relationships, not structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual equality in Christ relate to social/economic differences in this world?
  2. Why should Christian slaves serve Christian masters even better—what motivates excellence?
  3. How does this principle apply to Christian employees and employers today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
οἱ1 of 26
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 26

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

πιστοί3 of 26

“believing”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ἔχοντες4 of 26

“they that have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

δεσπότας5 of 26

“masters”

G1203

an absolute ruler ("despot")

μὴ6 of 26

“not”

G3361

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

καταφρονείτωσαν7 of 26

“despise”

G2706

to think against, i.e., disesteem

ὅτι8 of 26

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀδελφοί9 of 26

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

εἰσιν10 of 26

“they are”

G1526

they are

ἀλλὰ11 of 26

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

μᾶλλον12 of 26

“rather”

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

δουλευέτωσαν13 of 26

“do them service”

G1398

to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)

ὅτι14 of 26

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πιστοί15 of 26

“believing”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

εἰσιν16 of 26

“they are”

G1526

they are

καὶ17 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

ἀγαπητοὶ18 of 26

“beloved”

G27

beloved

οἱ19 of 26
G3588

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

τῆς20 of 26
G3588

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

εὐεργεσίας21 of 26

“of the benefit”

G2108

beneficence (genitive case or specially)

ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι22 of 26

“partakers”

G482

to take hold of in turn, i.e., succor; also to participate

Ταῦτα23 of 26

“These things”

G5023

these things

δίδασκε24 of 26

“teach”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

καὶ25 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

παρακάλει26 of 26

“exhort”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

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 6:2 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 6:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 4:11 Timothy 4:11Genesis 16:4-5Colossians 1:2Romans 11:17Ephesians 1:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

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