Colossians 3:22

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The author addresses slaves immediately after instructing fathers not to provoke their children, placing this command within a household code. The instruction follows a warning against provoking children and precedes a command to work with one’s whole being.

The words — ὑπακοὺετε (hupakouete) translates literally as “do obey,” and κατὰ πάντα (kata panta) means “in all things.” The text commands slaves to obey their earthly masters in every matter, not merely when observed.

The thread — The same audience and phrasing appear in Ephesians 6:5, which pairs obedience with respect and fear. The motive for this obedience echoes Galatians 1:10, which questions whether one seeks human approval, and 1 Timothy 6:1, which urges masters to be regarded as worthy of honor.

Why it lands — The text demands obedience to earthly masters in every matter, rooted in sincere heart and fear of the Lord rather than mere human approval. A reader must examine whether their service stems from reverence for God or from a desire to please people.

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

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Cross-references

Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Galatians 1:10 Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
1 Timothy 6:1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.
1 Peter 2:18 Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable.
Titus 2:9 Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,
Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.
Ecclesiastes 5:7 For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.
Luke 6:46 Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?
Genesis 42:18 and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live: