Bible Strands
Colossians 4:1
Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses Christian household masters in Colossae as he concludes his instructions on domestic conduct. He places this command immediately before urging the congregation to devote themselves to prayer, watchfulness, and thankfulness in Colossians 4:2.
The words — The Greek κύριοι (kurioi) identifies the addressees as "Masters," while τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα (to dikaiον kai tēn isotēta) literally renders "the righteous and the equal." These terms establish the baseline standard for how masters must treat their slaves.
The thread — The text grounds the command in divine accountability, running parallel to Ephesians 6:8, which notes that the Lord rewards each person regardless of social status. It also aligns with Deuteronomy 24:14's prohibition against oppressing poor hired workers and James 2:13's warning that judgment without mercy will be shown to those who lack mercy.
Why it lands — The text commands masters to provide what is right and fair to their slaves because they themselves answer to a heavenly Master. It requires readers to recognize that earthly authority is bounded by divine oversight and must be exercised with proportional justice.
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
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 6:8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
- Deuteronomy 24:14 Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.
- James 2:13 For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
- Revelation 17:14 They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”
- Luke 16:1 Jesus also said to His disciples, “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions.
- Matthew 24:48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ‘My master will be away a long time.’
- James 5:4 Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.
- Leviticus 25:39 If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor.
- Ecclesiastes 5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them.
- Luke 19:15 When he returned from procuring his kingship, he summoned the servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what each one had earned.