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Selected Verse: 1 Timothy 6:1 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
1Ti 6:1	Strong Concordance	Let [1526] as many [3745] servants [1401] as [3745] are [1526] under [5259] the yoke [2218] count [2233] their own [2398] masters [1203] worthy [514] of all [3956] honour [5092], that [3363] the name [3686] of God [2316] and [2532] his doctrine [1319] be [987] not [3363] blasphemed [987].
	King James	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.

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
EXHORTATIONS AS TO DISTINCTIONS OF CIVIL RANK; THE DUTY OF SLAVES, IN OPPOSITION TO THE FALSE TEACHINGS OF GAIN-SEEKERS; TIMOTHY'S PURSUIT IS TO BE GODLINESS, WHICH IS AN EVERLASTING POSSESSION: SOLEMN ADJURATION TO DO SO AGAINST CHRIST'S COMING; CHARGE TO BE GIVEN TO THE RICH. CONCLUDING EXHORTATION. (1Ti. 6:1-21) servants--to be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are under the yoke (as) slaves" (Tit 2:9). The exhortation is natural as there was a danger of Christian slaves inwardly feeling above their heathen masters. their own masters--The phrase "their own," is an argument for submissiveness; it is not strangers, but their own masters whom they are required to respect. all honour--all possible and fitting honor; not merely outward subjection, but that inward honor from which will flow spontaneously right outward conduct (see on Eph 5:22). that the name of God--by which Christians are called. blasphemed--Heathen masters would say, What kind of a God must be the God of the Christians, when such are the fruits of His worship (Rom 2:24; Tit 2:5, Tit 2:10)?

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

EXHORTATIONS AS TO DISTINCTIONS OF CIVIL RANK; THE DUTY OF SLAVES, IN OPPOSITION TO THE FALSE TEACHINGS OF GAIN-SEEKERS; TIMOTHY'S PURSUIT IS TO BE GODLINESS, WHICH IS AN EVERLASTING POSSESSION: SOLEMN ADJURATION TO DO SO AGAINST CHRIST'S COMING; CHARGE TO BE GIVEN TO THE RICH. CONCLUDING EXHORTATION. (1Ti. 6:1-21)

servants--to be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are under the yoke (as) slaves" (Tit 2:9). The exhortation is natural as there was a danger of Christian slaves inwardly feeling above their heathen masters.

their own masters--The phrase "their own," is an argument for submissiveness; it is not strangers, but their own masters whom they are required to respect.

all honour--all possible and fitting honor; not merely outward subjection, but that inward honor from which will flow spontaneously right outward conduct (see on Eph 5:22).

that the name of God--by which Christians are called.

blasphemed--Heathen masters would say, What kind of a God must be the God of the Christians, when such are the fruits of His worship (Rom 2:24; Tit 2:5, Tit 2:10)?

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Let as many servants - On the word here rendered "servants" - δοῦλοι douloi - see the notes on Eph 6:5. The word is that which was commonly applied to a slave, but it is so extensive in its signification as to be applicable to any species of servitude, whether voluntary or involuntary. If slavery existed in Ephesus at the time when this Epistle was written, it would be applicable to slaves; if any other kind of servitude existed, the word would be equally applicable to that. There is nothing in the word itself which essentially limits it to slavery; examine Mat 13:27; Mat 20:27; Mar 10:44; Luk 2:29; Joh 15:15; Act 2:18; Act 4:29; Act 16:17; Rom 1:1; Co2 4:5; Jde 1:1; Rev 1:1; Rev 2:20; Rev 7:3. The addition of the phrase "under the yoke," however, shows undoubtedly that it is to be understood here of slavery. As are under the yoke - On the word yoke, see the notes on Mat 11:29. The phrase here properly denotes slavery, as it would not be applied to any other species of servitude; see Lev 26:13; Dem. 322, 12. ζεῦγος δουλοσύνης zeugos doulosunēs. Robinson's Lexicon. It sometimes denotes the bondage of the Mosaic law as being a severe and oppressive burden; Act 15:10; Gal 5:1. It may be remarked here that the apostle did not regard slavery as a light or desirable thing. He would not have applied this term to the condition of a wife or of a child. Count their own masters worthy of all honour - Treat them with all proper respect. They were to manifest the right spirit themselves, whatever their masters did; they were not to do anything that would dishonor religion. The injunction here would seem to have particular reference to those whose masters were not Christians. In the following verse, the apostle gives particular instructions to those who had pious masters. The meaning here is, that the slave ought to show the Christian spirit toward his master who was not a Christian; he ought to conduct himself so that religion would not be dishonored; he ought not to give his master occasion to say that the only effect of the Christian religion on the mind of a servant was to make him restless, discontented, dissatisfied, and disobedient. In the humble and trying situation in which he confessedly was - under the yoke of bondage - he ought to evince patience, kindness, and respect for his master, and as long as the relation continued he was to be obedient. This command, however, was by no means inconsistent with his desiring his freedom, and securing it, if the opportunity presented itself; see the notes on Co1 7:21; compare, on the passage before us, the Eph 6:5-8 notes, and Pe1 2:18 note. That the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed - That religion be not dishonored and reproached, and that there may be no occasion to say that Christianity tends to produce discontent and to lead to insurrection. If the effect of religion had been to teach all who were servants that they should no longer obey their masters, or that they should rise upon them and assert their freedom by violence, or that their masters were to be treated with indignity on account of their usurped rights over others, the effect would have been obvious. There would have been a loud and united outcry against the new religion, and it could have made no progress in the world. Instead of this, Christianity taught the necessity of patience, and meekness, and forbearance in the endurance of all wrong - whether from private individuals Mat 5:39-41; Co1 6:7, or under the oppressions and exactions of Nero Rom 13:1-7, or amidst the hardships and cruelties of slavery. These peaceful injunctions, however, did not demonstrate that Christ approved the act of him "that smote on the one cheek," or that Paul regarded the government of Nero as a good government, - and as little do they prove that Paul or the Saviour approved of slavery.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
As many servants as are under the yoke (ὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι) Incorrect. Rather, as many as are under the yoke as bondservants. As bondservants is added in explanation of under the yoke, which implies a hard and disagreeable condition. Yoke is used only here of the state of slavery. In Gal 5:1; Act 15:10, of the Mosaic law. See on Mat 11:29. Their own (τοὺς ἰδίους) Lit. private, personal, peculiar, as Co1 3:8; Co1 7:7. Sometimes strange, eccentric. Contrasted with δημόσιος public or κοινός common. See Act 4:32. Sometimes without emphasis, substantially = possessive pronoun, just as Lat. proprius passes into suus or ejus, or οἰκεῖος belonging to one's house into the simple one's own. See on Gal 6:10, and comp. Mat 22:5; Mat 25:14. In lxx commonly with the emphatic sense. Very often in the phrase κατ' ἰδίαν privately, as Mar 4:34; Luk 9:10; Gal 2:2, but nowhere in Pastorals. Masters (δεσπότας) Comp. Tit 2:9, and see on Pe2 2:1. Not in Paul, who styles the master of slaves κύριος Lord. See Eph 6:9; Col 4:1. Count (ἡγείσθωσαν) Implying a more conscious, a surer judgment, resting on more careful weighing of the facts. See Phi 2:3, Phi 2:6. Be not blasphemed (μη - βλασφημῆται) Or be evil spoken of. See on blasphemy, Mar 7:22, and be evil spoken of, Rom 14:16; Co1 10:30. Paul uses the word, but not in the active voice as in the Pastorals.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Let servants under the yoke - Of heathen masters. Account them worthy of all honour - All the honour due from a servant to a master. Lest the name of God and his doctrine be blasphemed - As it surely will, if they do otherwise.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Let as many servants as are under the yoke - The word δουλοι here means slaves converted to the Christian faith; and the ζυγον, or yoke, is the state of slavery; and by δεσποται, masters, despots, we are to understand the heathen masters of those Christianized slaves. Even these, in such circumstances, and under such domination, are commanded to treat their masters with all honor and respect, that the name of God, by which they were called, and the doctrine of God, Christianity, which they had professed, might not be blasphemed - might not be evilly spoken of in consequence of their improper conduct. Civil rights are never abolished by any communications from God's Spirit. The civil state in which a man was before his conversion is not altered by that conversion; nor does the grace of God absolve him from any claims, which either the state or his neighbor may have on him. All these outward things continue unaltered. See the notes on Eph 6:5, etc.; and Co1 7:21 (note), etc., and especially the observations at the end of that chapter.

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¹⁰ Not [3361] purloining [3557], but [235] shewing [1731] all [3956] good [18] fidelity [4102]; that [2443] they may adorn [2885] the doctrine [1319] of God [2316] our [2257] Saviour [4990] in [1722] all things [3956].

⁵ To be discreet [4998], chaste [53], keepers at home [3626], good [18], obedient [5293] to their own [2398] husbands [435], that [3363] the word [3056] of God [2316] be [987] not [3363] blasphemed [987].

²⁴ For [1063] the name [3686] of God [2316] is blasphemed [987] among [1722] the Gentiles [1484] through [1223] you [5209], as [2531] it is written [1125].

²² Wives [1135], submit yourselves [5293] unto your own [2398] husbands [435], as [5613] unto the Lord [2962].

⁹ Exhort servants [1401] to be obedient [5293] unto their own [2398] masters [1203], and to [1511] please them well [2101] in [1722] all [3956] things; not [3361] answering again [483];

¹ Let every [3956] soul [5590] be subject [5293] unto the higher [5242] powers [1849]. For [1063] there is [2076] no [3756] power [1849] but [1508] of [575] God [2316]: [1161] the powers [1849] that be [5607] are [1526] ordained [5021] of [5259] God [2316].
² Whosoever therefore [5620] resisteth [498] the power [1849], resisteth [436] the ordinance [1296] of God [2316]: and [1161] they that resist [436] shall receive [2983] to themselves [1438] damnation [2917].
³ For [1063] rulers [758] are [1526] not [3756] a terror [5401] to good [18] works [2041], but [235] to the evil [2556]. Wilt thou [2309] then [1161] not [3361] be afraid [5399] of the power [1849]? do [4160] that which is good [18], and [2532] thou shalt have [2192] praise [1868] of [1537] the same [846]:
⁴ For [1063] he is [2076] the minister [1249] of God [2316] to thee [4671] for [1519] good [18]. But [1161] if [1437] thou do [4160] that which is evil [2556], be afraid [5399]; for [1063] he beareth [5409] not [3756] the sword [3162] in vain [1500]: for [1063] he is [2076] the minister [1249] of God [2316], a revenger [1558] to execute wrath [3709] upon [1519] him that doeth [4238] evil [2556].
⁵ Wherefore [1352] ye must needs [318] be subject [5293], not [3756] only [3440] for [1223] wrath [3709], but [235] also [2532] for conscience [4893] sake [1223].
⁶ For [1063] for [1223] this [5124] cause [1223] pay ye [5055] tribute [5411] also [2532]: for [1063] they are [1526] God's [2316] ministers [3011], attending continually [4342] upon [1519] this [5124] very thing [846].
⁷ Render [591] therefore [3767] to all [3956] their dues [3782]: tribute [5411] to whom [3588] tribute [5411] is due; custom [5056] to whom [3588] custom [5056]; fear [5401] to whom [3588] fear [5401]; honour [5092] to whom [3588] honour [5092].

⁷ Now [2235] therefore [3303] [3767] there is [2076] utterly [3654] a fault [2275] among [1722] you [5213], because [3754] ye go [2192] to law [2917] one with [3326] another [1438]. Why [1302] do ye [91] not [3780] rather [3123] take wrong [91]? why [1302] do ye [650] not [3780] rather [3123] suffer yourselves to be defrauded [650]?

³⁹ But [1161] I [1473] say [3004] unto you [5213], That ye resist [436] not [3361] evil [4190]: but [235] whosoever [3748] shall smite [4474] thee [4571] on [1909] thy [4675] right [1188] cheek [4600], turn [4762] to him [846] the other [243] also [2532].
⁴⁰ And [2532] if any man will [2309] sue [2919] thee [4671] at the law [2919], and [2532] take away [2983] thy [4675] coat [5509], let [863] him [846] have [863] thy cloke [2440] also [2532].
⁴¹ And [2532] whosoever [3748] shall compel [29] thee [4571] to go [29] a [1520] mile [3400], go [5217] with [3326] him [846] twain [1417].

¹⁸ Servants [3610], be subject [5293] to your masters [1203] with [1722] all [3956] fear [5401]; not [3756] only [3440] to the good [18] and [2532] gentle [1933], but [235] also [2532] to the froward [4646].

⁵ Servants [1401], be obedient [5219] to them that are your masters [2962] according to [2596] the flesh [4561], with [3326] fear [5401] and [2532] trembling [5156], in [1722] singleness [572] of your [5216] heart [2588], as [5613] unto Christ [5547];
⁶ Not [3361] with [2596] eyeservice [3787], as [5613] menpleasers [441]; but [235] as [5613] the servants [1401] of Christ [5547], doing [4160] the will [2307] of God [2316] from [1537] the heart [5590];
⁷ With [3326] good will [2133] doing service [1398], as to the Lord [2962], and [2532] not [3756] to men [444]:
⁸ Knowing [1492] that [3754] whatsoever [3739] [1437] [5100] good thing [18] any man [1538] doeth [4160], the same [5124] shall he receive [2865] of [3844] the Lord [2962], whether [1535] he be bond [1401] or [1535] free [1658].

²¹ Art thou called [2564] being a servant [1401]? care [3199] [4671] not [3361] for it [3199]: but [235] if [1499] thou mayest [1410] be made [1096] free [1658], use [5530] it rather [3123].

¹ Stand fast [4739] therefore [3767] in the liberty [1657] wherewith [3739] Christ [5547] hath made [1659] us [2248] free [1659], and [2532] be [1758] not [3361] entangled [1758] again [3825] with the yoke [2218] of bondage [1397].

¹⁰ Now [3568] therefore [3767] why [5101] tempt ye [3985] God [2316], to put [2007] a yoke [2218] upon [1909] the neck [5137] of the disciples [3101], which [3739] neither [3777] our [2257] fathers [3962] nor [3777] we [2249] were able [2480] to bear [941]?

¹³ I am the LORD [03068] your God [0430], which brought you forth [03318] out of the land [0776] of Egypt [04714], that ye should not be their bondmen [05650]; and I have broken [07665] the bands [04133] of your yoke [05923], and made you go [03212] upright [06968].

²⁹ Take [142] my [3450] yoke [2218] upon [1909] you [5209], and [2532] learn [3129] of [575] me [1700]; for [3754] I am [1510] meek [4235] and [2532] lowly [5011] in heart [2588]: and [2532] ye shall find [2147] rest [372] unto your [5216] souls [5590].

³ Saying [3004], Hurt [91] not [3361] the earth [1093], neither [3383] the sea [2281], nor [3383] the trees [1186], till [891] [3739] we have sealed [4972] [4972] the servants [1401] of our [2257] God [2316] in [1909] their [846] foreheads [3359].

²⁰ Notwithstanding [235] I have [2192] a few things [3641] against [2596] thee [4675], because [3754] thou sufferest [1439] that woman [1135] Jezebel [2403], which [3588] calleth [3004] herself [1438] a prophetess [4398], to teach [1321] and [2532] to seduce [4105] my [1699] servants [1401] to commit fornication [4203], and [2532] to eat [5315] things sacrificed unto idols [1494].

¹ The Revelation [602] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], which [3739] God [2316] gave [1325] unto him [846], to shew [1166] unto his [846] servants [1401] things which [3739] must [1163] shortly [1722] [5034] come to pass [1096]; and [2532] he sent [649] and signified [4591] it by [1223] his [846] angel [32] unto his [846] servant [1401] John [2491]:

¹ Jude [2455], the servant [1401] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], and [1161] brother [80] of James [2385], to them that are sanctified [37] by [1722] God [2316] the Father [3962], and [2532] preserved [5083] in Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], and called [2822]:

⁵ For [1063] we preach [2784] not [3756] ourselves [1438], but [235] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424] the Lord [2962]; and [1161] ourselves [1438] your [5216] servants [1401] for [1223] Jesus [2424]' sake [1223].

¹ Paul [3972], a servant [1401] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], called [2822] to be an apostle [652], separated [873] unto [1519] the gospel [2098] of God [2316],

¹⁷ The same [3778] followed [2628] Paul [3972] and [2532] us [2254], and cried [2896], saying [3004], These [3778] men [444] are [1526] the servants [1401] of the most high [5310] God [2316], which [3748] shew [2605] unto us [2254] the way [3598] of salvation [4991].

²⁹ And [2532] now [3569], Lord [2962], behold [1896] [1909] their [846] threatenings [547]: and [2532] grant unto [1325] thy [4675] servants [1401], that with [3326] all [3956] boldness [3954] they may speak [2980] thy [4675] word [3056],

¹⁸ And [2532] [1065] on [1909] my [3450] servants [1401] and [2532] on [1909] my [3450] handmaidens [1399] I will pour out [1632] in [1722] those [1565] days [2250] of [575] my [3450] Spirit [4151]; and [2532] they shall prophesy [4395]:

¹⁵ Henceforth [3765] I call [3004] you [5209] not [3765] servants [1401]; for [3754] the servant [1401] knoweth [1492] not [3756] what [5101] his [846] lord [2962] doeth [4160]: but [1161] I have called [2046] you [5209] friends [5384]; for [3754] all things [3956] that [3739] I have heard [191] of [3844] my [3450] Father [3962] I have made known [1107] unto you [5213].

²⁹ Lord [1203], now [3568] lettest thou [630] thy [4675] servant [1401] depart [630] in [1722] peace [1515], according [2596] to thy [4675] word [4487]:

⁴⁴ And [2532] whosoever [3739] [302] of you [5216] will [2309] be [1096] the chiefest [4413], shall be [2071] servant [1401] of all [3956].

²⁷ And [2532] whosoever [3739] [1437] will [2309] be [1511] chief [4413] among [1722] you [5213], let him be [2077] your [5216] servant [1401]:

²⁷ So [1161] the servants [1401] of the householder [3617] came [4334] and said [2036] unto him [846], Sir [2962], didst [4687] not [3780] thou sow [4687] good [2570] seed [4690] in [1722] thy [4674] field [68]? from whence [4159] then [3767] hath it [2192] tares [2215]?

³⁰ For [1161] if [1487] I [1473] by grace [5485] be a partaker [3348], why [5101] am I evil spoken of [987] for that [5228] for which [3739] I [1473] give thanks [2168]?

¹⁶ Let [987] not [3361] then [3767] your [5216] good [18] be evil spoken of [987]:

²² Thefts [2829], covetousness [4124], wickedness [4189], deceit [1388], lasciviousness [766], an evil [4190] eye [3788], blasphemy [988], pride [5243], foolishness [877]:

⁶ Who [3739], being [5225] in [1722] the form [3444] of God [2316], thought it [2233] not [3756] robbery [725] to be [1511] equal [2470] with God [2316]:

³ Let nothing [3367] be done through [2596] strife [2052] or [2228] vainglory [2754]; but [235] in lowliness of mind [5012] let [2233] each [240] esteem [2233] other [240] better than [5242] themselves [1438].

¹ Masters [2962], give [3930] unto your servants [1401] that which is just [1342] and [2532] equal [2471]; knowing [1492] that [3754] ye [5210] also [2532] have [2192] a Master [2962] in [1722] heaven [3772].

⁹ And [2532], ye masters [2962], do [4160] the same things [846] unto [4314] them [846], forbearing [447] threatening [547]: knowing [1492] that [3754] your [5216] [846] Master [2962] also [2532] is [2076] in [1722] heaven [3772]; neither [2532] [3756] is there [2076] respect of persons [4382] with [3844] him [846].

¹ But [1161] there were [1096] false prophets [5578] also [2532] among [1722] the people [2992], even [2532] as [5613] there shall be [2071] false teachers [5572] among [1722] you [5213], who [3748] privily shall bring in [3919] damnable [684] heresies [139], even [2532] denying [720] the Lord [1203] that bought [59] them [846], and bring [1863] upon themselves [1438] swift [5031] destruction [684].

⁹ Exhort servants [1401] to be obedient [5293] unto their own [2398] masters [1203], and to [1511] please them well [2101] in [1722] all [3956] things; not [3361] answering again [483];

² And [1161] I went up [305] by [2596] revelation [602], and [2532] communicated [394] unto them [846] that gospel [2098] which [3739] I preach [2784] among [1722] the Gentiles [1484], but [1161] privately [2596] [2398] to them which were of reputation [1380], lest by any means [3381] [4458] I should run [5143], or [2228] had run [5143], in [1519] vain [2756].

¹⁰ And [2532] the apostles [652], when they were returned [5290], told [1334] him [846] all that [3745] they had done [4160]. And [2532] he took [3880] them [846], and went aside [5298] privately [2596] [2398] into [1519] a desert [2048] place [5117] belonging to the city [4172] called [2564] Bethsaida [966].

³⁴ But [1161] without [5565] a parable [3850] spake [2980] he not [3756] unto them [846]: and [1161] when they were alone [2398] [2596], he expounded [1956] all things [3956] to his [846] disciples [3101].

¹⁴ For [1063] the kingdom of heaven is as [5618] a man [444] travelling into a far country [589], who called [2564] his own [2398] servants [1401], and [2532] delivered [3860] unto them [846] his [846] goods [5224].

⁵ But [1161] they made light of [272] it, and went their ways [565], one [3303] to [1519] his [2398] farm [68], another [1161] to [1519] his [846] merchandise [1711]:

¹⁰ As [5613] we have [2192] therefore [686] [3767] opportunity [2540], let us do [2038] good [18] unto [4314] all [3956] men, especially [1161] [3122] unto [4314] them who are of the household [3609] of faith [4102].

³² And [1161] the multitude [4128] of them that believed [4100] were [2258] of one heart [2588] and [2532] of one [3391] soul [5590]: neither [2532] [3761] said [3004] any [1520] of them that ought [5100] of the things which he [846] possessed [5224] was [1511] his own [2398]; but [235] they [846] had [2258] all things [537] common [2839].

⁷ For [1063] I would [2309] that all [3956] men [444] were [1511] even [2532] as [5613] I myself [1683]. But [235] every man [1538] hath [2192] his proper [2398] gift [5486] of [1537] God [2316], one [3739] [3303] after this manner [3779], and [1161] another [3739] after that [3779].

⁸ Now [1161] he that planteth [5452] and [2532] he that watereth [4222] are [1526] one [1520]: and [1161] every man [1538] shall receive [2983] his own [2398] reward [3408] according [2596] to his own [2398] labour [2873].

²¹ Art thou called [2564] being a servant [1401]? care [3199] [4671] not [3361] for it [3199]: but [235] if [1499] thou mayest [1410] be made [1096] free [1658], use [5530] it rather [3123].