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Colossians 4:1

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Colossians 4:1

Verse 1 of 18

Scripture focus

Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Colossians 4:1 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Colossians 4:1

Theological / Devotional

Masters. See on Eph. 6:9.

Give. Gr. parecho, “to hold out to,” “to offer,” “to supply,” here in a form that would imply “on your part.”

Servants. Gr. douloi (see on Rom. 1:1; Eph. 6:9).

That which is just. The master must not act from mere caprice. As a human being the slave has inalienable rights. These rights should be respected and his basic needs supplied.

Equal. Gr. isotes, “equity,” “fairness,” “impartial treatment” (see Lev. 25:39-43; Deut. 15:12-14; see on Gal. 3:28; Eph. 6:9).

Ye also have a Master. The master is but the steward of Christ. The wealth he has and his ability to manage affairs were given to him by his Lord in heaven. This philosophy is but the extension of the golden rule into the relationship of the master and his slaves. Paul is saying in effect, “Treat your slaves as you would wish your Master in heaven to treat you.” Compare Matt. 23:8; Eph. 6:9.

By SdaBc