1 Timothy 6:2

Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, instructing him to address Christian slaves who have masters who share their faith. He issues this directive within a letter outlining proper conduct for believers navigating social and economic structures in the early church.

The words — πιστοὺς (pistous) translates literally to "believing," identifying the masters' faith status. καταφρονείτωσαν (kataphroneitōsan) means "they should despise" or "look down upon," establishing the negative behavior to be avoided.

The thread — The text's command to teach these principles aligns with 1 Timothy 4:11, which orders the reinforcement of conduct standards. Its reciprocal dynamic mirrors Colossians 4:1, which commands masters to treat slaves justly, while Genesis 16:4 illustrates the destructive outcome of a servant despising her mistress.

Why it lands — The text states that Christian slaves must not show contempt toward believing masters but must serve them with increased diligence because both share the faith. It requires church leaders to actively teach and enforce this standard to preserve the integrity of the gospel message.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Colossians 4:1 Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
1 Timothy 4:11 Command and teach these things.
Genesis 16:4 And he slept with Hagar, and she conceived. But when Hagar realized that she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.
Numbers 16:3 They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”
Joel 2:28 And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Matthew 23:8 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
Matthew 25:40 And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.
Romans 11:17 Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root,