Ephesians 6:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Servants are to obey their earthly masters sincerely, as serving Christ.
What Does Ephesians 6:5 Mean?
Paul addresses servants in the households of his day, calling them to obedience 'with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart.' The counsel is for wholehearted, sincere service, not grudging or half-hearted labor. Whatever their station, they are to work with integrity.
The key phrase is 'as unto Christ.' Even ordinary service rendered to an earthly master becomes, for the believer, service offered to the Lord Himself. This transforms the humblest work into something sacred. The Christian servant labors with the awareness that Christ is ultimately the one being served.
Ephesians 6:5 in the Original Language
doulos (δοῦλος), 'servant' -- a bondservant, one bound to the service of another.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ephesians 6:5
What does Ephesians 6:5 mean?
Servants are to obey their earthly masters sincerely, as serving Christ.