King James Version

What Does Ephesians 6:9 Mean?

Ephesians 6:9 in the King James Version says “And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neith... — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. forbearing: or, moderating your: some read, both your and their Master

Ephesians 6:9 · KJV


Context

7

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

8

Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

9

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. forbearing: or, moderating your: some read, both your and their Master

10

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 6:9 text would be quoted here] This verse in Ephesians chapter 6 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined.

The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (60-62 CE), this verse in chapter 6 reflects the circular letter's purpose to multiple Asian churches. Ephesus was a major center of pagan worship (Artemis cult) and early Christianity, making Paul's teachings on spiritual warfare and Christian unity particularly relevant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth of Ephesians 6:9 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
  2. What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
  3. How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

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

οἱ2 of 27
G3588

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

κύριός3 of 27

Master

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τὰ4 of 27
G3588

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

αὐτῷ5 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ποιεῖτε6 of 27

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

πρὸς7 of 27

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτῷ8 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀνιέντες9 of 27

forbearing

G447

to let up, i.e., (literally) slacken or (figuratively) desert, desist from

τὴν10 of 27
G3588

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

ἀπειλήν11 of 27

threatening

G547

a menace

εἰδότες12 of 27

knowing

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι13 of 27

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ14 of 27

And

G2532

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

ὑμῶν15 of 27

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

αὐτῷ16 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

17 of 27
G3588

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

κύριός18 of 27

Master

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἔστιν19 of 27

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐν20 of 27

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οὐρανοῖς21 of 27

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ22 of 27

And

G2532

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

προσωποληψία23 of 27

respect of persons

G4382

partiality, i.e., favoritism

οὐκ24 of 27
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν25 of 27

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

παρ'26 of 27

with

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

αὐτῷ27 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Ephesians 6:9 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 Ephesians 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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