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Text -- 1 Timothy 6:1 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
6:1 Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Dictionary Themes and Topics: Servant | Minister | MASTER | Influence | God | BLASPHEMY | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , PBC , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

Other
Evidence

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: 1Ti 6:1 - -- Under the yoke ( hupo zugon ). As slaves (douloi , bondsmen). Perhaps under heathen masters (1Pe 2:18). For the slave problem, see also Phm 1:1; Col ...

Under the yoke ( hupo zugon ).

As slaves (douloi , bondsmen). Perhaps under heathen masters (1Pe 2:18). For the slave problem, see also Phm 1:1; Col 3:22; Eph 6:5; Tit 2:9. See note on Mat 11:29 for Christ’ s "yoke"(zugon , from zeugnumi , to join).

Robertson: 1Ti 6:1 - -- Their own masters ( tous idious despotas ). That is always where the shoe pinches. Our "despot"is this very Greek word, the strict correlative of sla...

Their own masters ( tous idious despotas ).

That is always where the shoe pinches. Our "despot"is this very Greek word, the strict correlative of slave (doulos ), while kurios has a wider outlook. Old word only here, Tit 2:9; 2Ti 2:21; 1Pe 2:18 for human masters. Applied to God in Luk 2:29; Act 4:24, Act 4:29 and to Christ in 2Pe 2:1.

Robertson: 1Ti 6:1 - -- The name of God ( to onoma tou theou ). See Rom 2:24. If the heathen could say that Christian slaves were not as dependable as non-Christian slaves. ...

The name of God ( to onoma tou theou ).

See Rom 2:24. If the heathen could say that Christian slaves were not as dependable as non-Christian slaves. Negative purpose with hina mē and present passive subjunctive (blasphēmētai ).

Vincent: 1Ti 6:1 - -- As many servants as are under the yoke ( ὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι ) Incorrect. Rather, as many as ...

As many servants as are under the yoke ( ὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι )

Incorrect. Rather, as many as are under the yoke as bondservants . As bondservants is added in explanation of under the yoke , which implies a hard and disagreeable condition. Yoke is used only here of the state of slavery. In Gal 5:1; Act 15:10, of the Mosaic law. See on Mat 11:29.

Vincent: 1Ti 6:1 - -- Their own ( τοὺς ἰδίους ) Lit. private , personal , peculiar , as 1Co 3:8; 1Co 7:7. Sometimes strange , eccentric . Contrast...

Their own ( τοὺς ἰδίους )

Lit. private , personal , peculiar , as 1Co 3:8; 1Co 7:7. Sometimes strange , eccentric . Contrasted with δημόσιος public or κοινός common . See Act 4:32. Sometimes without emphasis, substantially = possessive pronoun, just as Lat. proprius passes into suus or ejus , or οἰκεῖος belonging to one's house into the simple one's own . See on Gal 6:10, and comp. Mat 22:5; Mat 25:14. In lxx commonly with the emphatic sense. Very often in the phrase κατ ' ἰδίαν privately , as Mar 4:34; Luk 9:10; Gal 2:2, but nowhere in Pastorals.

Vincent: 1Ti 6:1 - -- Masters ( δεσπότας ) Comp. Tit 2:9, and see on 2Pe 2:1. Not in Paul, who styles the master of slaves κύριος Lord . See Eph 6:9...

Masters ( δεσπότας )

Comp. Tit 2:9, and see on 2Pe 2:1. Not in Paul, who styles the master of slaves κύριος Lord . See Eph 6:9; Col 4:1.

Vincent: 1Ti 6:1 - -- Count ( ἡγείσθωσαν ) Implying a more conscious, a surer judgment, resting on more careful weighing of the facts. See Phi 2:3, Phi 2...

Count ( ἡγείσθωσαν )

Implying a more conscious, a surer judgment, resting on more careful weighing of the facts. See Phi 2:3, Phi 2:6.

Vincent: 1Ti 6:1 - -- Be not blasphemed ( μη - βλασφημῆται ) Or be evil spoken of . See on blasphemy , Mar 7:22, and be evil spoken of ,...

Be not blasphemed ( μη - βλασφημῆται )

Or be evil spoken of . See on blasphemy , Mar 7:22, and be evil spoken of , Rom 14:16; 1Co 10:30. Paul uses the word, but not in the active voice as in the Pastorals.

Wesley: 1Ti 6:1 - -- Of heathen masters.

Of heathen masters.

Wesley: 1Ti 6:1 - -- All the honour due from a servant to a master.

All the honour due from a servant to a master.

Wesley: 1Ti 6:1 - -- As it surely will, if they do otherwise.

As it surely will, if they do otherwise.

JFB: 1Ti 6:1 - -- To be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are under the yoke (as) slaves" (Tit 2:9). The exhortation is natural as there was a danger of Christi...

To be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are under the yoke (as) slaves" (Tit 2:9). The exhortation is natural as there was a danger of Christian slaves inwardly feeling above their heathen masters.

JFB: 1Ti 6:1 - -- The phrase "their own," is an argument for submissiveness; it is not strangers, but their own masters whom they are required to respect.

The phrase "their own," is an argument for submissiveness; it is not strangers, but their own masters whom they are required to respect.

JFB: 1Ti 6:1 - -- All possible and fitting honor; not merely outward subjection, but that inward honor from which will flow spontaneously right outward conduct (see on ...

All possible and fitting honor; not merely outward subjection, but that inward honor from which will flow spontaneously right outward conduct (see on Eph 5:22).

JFB: 1Ti 6:1 - -- By which Christians are called.

By which Christians are called.

JFB: 1Ti 6:1 - -- Heathen masters would say, What kind of a God must be the God of the Christians, when such are the fruits of His worship (Rom 2:24; Tit 2:5, Tit 2:10)...

Heathen masters would say, What kind of a God must be the God of the Christians, when such are the fruits of His worship (Rom 2:24; Tit 2:5, Tit 2:10)?

Clarke: 1Ti 6:1 - -- Let as many servants as are under the yoke - The word δουλοι here means slaves converted to the Christian faith; and the ζυγον, or yok...

Let as many servants as are under the yoke - The word δουλοι here means slaves converted to the Christian faith; and the ζυγον, or yoke, is the state of slavery; and by δεσποται, masters, despots, we are to understand the heathen masters of those Christianized slaves. Even these, in such circumstances, and under such domination, are commanded to treat their masters with all honor and respect, that the name of God, by which they were called, and the doctrine of God, Christianity, which they had professed, might not be blasphemed - might not be evilly spoken of in consequence of their improper conduct. Civil rights are never abolished by any communications from God’ s Spirit. The civil state in which a man was before his conversion is not altered by that conversion; nor does the grace of God absolve him from any claims, which either the state or his neighbor may have on him. All these outward things continue unaltered. See the notes on Eph 6:5, etc.; and 1Co 7:21 (note), etc., and especially the observations at the end of that chapter.

Calvin: 1Ti 6:1 - -- It appears that, at the beginning of the gospel, slaves cheered their hearts, as if the signal had been given for their emancipation; for Paul labors...

It appears that, at the beginning of the gospel, slaves cheered their hearts, as if the signal had been given for their emancipation; for Paul labors hard, in all his writings, to repress that desire; and indeed the condition of slavery was so hard that we need not wonder that it was exceedingly hateful. Now, it is customary to seize, for the advantage of the flesh, everything that has the slightest appearance of being in our favor. Thus when they were told that we are all brethren, they instantly concluded that it was unreasonable that they should be the slaves of brethren. But although nothing of all this had come into their mind, still wretched men are always in need of consolation, that may allay the bitterness of their afflictions. Besides, they could not without difficulty be persuaded to bend their necks, willingly and cheerfully, to so harsh a yoke. Such, then, is the object of the present doctrine.

1.They who are slaves under the yoke Owing to the false opinion of his own excellence which every person entertains, there is no one who patiently endures that others should rule over him. They who cannot avoid the necessity do, indeed, reluctantly obey those who are above them; but inwardly they fret and rage, because they think that they suffer wrong. The Apostle cuts off, by a single word, all disputes of this kind, by demanding that all who live “under the yoke” shall submit to it willingly. He means that they must not inquire whether they deserve that lot or a better one; for it is enough that they are bound to this condition.

When he enjoins them to esteem worthy of all honor the masters whom they serve, he requires them not only to be faithful and diligent in performing their duties, but to regard and sincerely respect them as persons placed in a higher rank than themselves. No man renders either to a prince or to a master what he owes to them, unless, looking at the eminence to which God has raised them, he honor them, because he is subject to them; for, however unworthy of it they may often be, still that very authority which God bestows on them always entitles them to honor. Besides, no one willingly renders service or obedience to his master, unless he is convinced that he is bound to do so. Hence it follows, that subjection begins with that honor of which Paul wishes that they who rule should be accounted worthy.

That the name and doctrine of God may not be blasphemed We are always too ingenious in our behalf. Thus slaves, who have unbelieving masters, are ready enough with the objection, that it is unreasonable that they who serve the devil should have dominion over the children of God. But Paul throws back the argument to the opposite side, that they ought to obey unbelieving masters, in order that the name of God and the gospel may not be evil spoken of; as if God, whom we worship, incited us to rebellion, and as if the gospel rendered obstinate and disobedient those who ought to be subject to others.

TSK: 1Ti 6:1 - -- servants : Deu 28:48; Isa 47:6, Isa 58:6; Mat 11:9, Mat 11:30; Act 15:10; 1Co 7:21, 1Co 7:22; Gal 5:1 count : Gen 16:9, Gen 24:2, Gen 24:12, Gen 24:27...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 1Ti 6:1 - -- Let as many servants - On the word here rendered "servants"- δοῦλοι douloi - see the notes on Eph 6:5. The word is that which was...

Let as many servants - On the word here rendered "servants"- δοῦλοι douloi - see the notes on Eph 6:5. The word is that which was commonly applied to a slave, but it is so extensive in its signification as to be applicable to any species of servitude, whether voluntary or involuntary. If slavery existed in Ephesus at the time when this Epistle was written, it would be applicable to slaves; if any other kind of servitude existed, the word would be equally applicable to that. There is nothing in the word itself which essentially limits it to slavery; examine Mat 13:27; Mat 20:27; Mar 10:44; Luk 2:29; Joh 15:15; Act 2:18; Act 4:29; Act 16:17; Rom 1:1; 2Co 4:5; Jud 1:1; Rev 1:1; Rev 2:20; Rev 7:3. The addition of the phrase "under the yoke,"however, shows undoubtedly that it is to be understood here of slavery.

As are under the yoke - On the word yoke, see the notes on Mat 11:29. The phrase here properly denotes slavery, as it would not be applied to any other species of servitude; see Lev 26:13; Dem. 322, 12. ζεῦγος δουλοσύνης zeugos doulosunēs . Robinson’ s Lexicon. It sometimes denotes the bondage of the Mosaic law as being a severe and oppressive burden; Act 15:10; Gal 5:1. It may be remarked here that the apostle did not regard slavery as a light or desirable thing. He would not have applied this term to the condition of a wife or of a child.

Count their own masters worthy of all honour - Treat them with all proper respect. They were to manifest the right spirit themselves, whatever their masters did; they were not to do anything that would dishonor religion. The injunction here would seem to have particular reference to those whose masters were not Christians. In the following verse, the apostle gives particular instructions to those who had pious masters. The meaning here is, that the slave ought to show the Christian spirit toward his master who was not a Christian; he ought to conduct himself so that religion would not be dishonored; he ought not to give his master occasion to say that the only effect of the Christian religion on the mind of a servant was to make him restless, discontented, dissatisfied, and disobedient. In the humble and trying situation in which he confessedly was - under the yoke of bondage - he ought to evince patience, kindness, and respect for his master, and as long as the relation continued he was to be obedient. This command, however, was by no means inconsistent with his desiring his freedom, and securing it, if the opportunity presented itself; see the notes on 1Co 7:21; compare, on the passage before us, the Eph 6:5-8 notes, and 1Pe 2:18 note.

That the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed - That religion be not dishonored and reproached, and that there may be no occasion to say that Christianity tends to produce discontent and to lead to insurrection. If the effect of religion had been to teach all who were servants that they should no longer obey their masters, or that they should rise upon them and assert their freedom by violence, or that their masters were to be treated with indignity on account of their usurped rights over others, the effect would have been obvious. There would have been a loud and united outcry against the new religion, and it could have made no progress in the world. Instead of this, Christianity taught the necessity of patience, and meekness, and forbearance in the endurance of all wrong - whether from private individuals Mat 5:39-41; 1Co 6:7, or under the oppressions and exactions of Nero Rom 13:1-7, or amidst the hardships and cruelties of slavery. These peaceful injunctions, however, did not demonstrate that Christ approved the act of him "that smote on the one cheek,"or that Paul regarded the government of Nero as a good government, - and as little do they prove that Paul or the Saviour approved of slavery.

Poole: 1Ti 6:1 - -- 1Ti 6:1,2 The duty of servants. 1Ti 6:3-5 Those who teach not according to the apostle’ s doctrine are to be avoided, as corrupters of Chri...

1Ti 6:1,2 The duty of servants.

1Ti 6:3-5 Those who teach not according to the apostle’ s doctrine

are to be avoided, as corrupters of Christianity.

1Ti 6:6-8 The gain of godliness with content.

1Ti 6:9,10 The evil of covetousness.

1Ti 6:11-16 What Timothy is to flee, and what to follow and perform.

1Ti 6:17-19 A charge to the rich not to be proud and confident in

their riches, but to be beneficent and liberal.

1Ti 6:20,21 Timothy is enjoined to adhere to the true faith, and

to shun profane and vain controversies.

Let as many servants as are under the yoke under the yoke of servitude, not being manumised, or made free.

Count their own masters worthy of all honour abundant honour: let Christian servants give their masters, instead of less, double the honour which pagan servants do. That the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed; for the credit of the gospel, and for the honour of God; that none may say that religion teacheth servants any disobedience, or breaketh the bands of civil relations: but on the contrary, that it obligeth professors to a more faithful and full discharge of such duties, servants to be the best of servants, &c.

PBC: 1Ti 6:1 - -- See GG: 19,38 September 19, 2004

See GG: 19,38 September 19, 2004

Haydock: 1Ti 6:1-2 - -- Lest the name and doctrine of the Lord be blasphemed, or ill spoken of by infidels, when such as were converted refused to be servants. --- Let them...

Lest the name and doctrine of the Lord be blasphemed, or ill spoken of by infidels, when such as were converted refused to be servants. ---

Let them not despise them, &c. That is, they who were servants under Christian masters, ought to think themselves more happy on that account, being brethren, and partakers of the same benefit of faith and grace. (Witham) ---

If servants be insolent and disobedient, their infidel masters will blaspheme the Christian religion, as if that were the cause of their disrespectful behaviour. And let them not be arrogant, or aspire to an equality with their Christian masters, under pretence that the profession of the same religion makes them brothers; but rather serve them with greater submission and affection, as partakers of the benefit of the same faith, the same baptism, the same hope, &c. (Calmet)

Gill: 1Ti 6:1 - -- Let as many servants as are under the yoke,.... Not under the yoke of the law of God, or under the yoke of Christ; though the servants here spoken of ...

Let as many servants as are under the yoke,.... Not under the yoke of the law of God, or under the yoke of Christ; though the servants here spoken of were under both; but "under the yoke of government", as the Arabic version renders it; that is, under the yoke of men, in a state of servitude, under the government of masters, and in their service; being either apprentices to them, or bought with their money, or hired by them:

count their own masters worthy of all honour; and give it to them; which includes subjection to them; obedience to all their lawful commands, which are consistent with religion and reason, with the laws of God, and with the light of nature; and all reverence of them, and respect unto them, expressed by words and gestures: and all this is to be given to their own masters to whom they belong; who have a property in them; whose money or goods they are; and that be they what they will, as to their religion and temper; whether they be believers or unbelievers; or whether they be good and gentle, kind and humane; or whether they be froward, peevish, and ill natured:

that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed; by unbelieving masters, who, should their believing servants be refractory, disobedient, rebellious, or disrespectful, would be apt to say, what a God do these men serve? is this their religion? is this the Gospel they talk of? does their doctrine teach them such things, to be disobedient to their masters, and carry it disrespectfully to them? does it disengage them from the laws of nature, and dissolve the bonds of civil society, and destroy the relation that subsists between man and man? If this be the case, away with their God and their doctrine too. Wherefore the apostle exhorts, that if believing servants have any regard to that name they are called by, and call upon, and to the doctrine of the Gospel they have embraced and professed; that they would be obedient and respectful to their masters; that they may have no occasion to speak reproachfully of God, and of the Gospel.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 1Ti 6:1 Or “slandered.”

Geneva Bible: 1Ti 6:1 Let ( 1 ) as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, ( 2 ) that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not bl...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 1Ti 6:1-21 - --1 Of the duty of servants.3 Not to have fellowship with newfangled teachers.6 Godliness is great gain;10 and love of money the root of all evil.11 Wha...

MHCC: 1Ti 6:1-5 - --Christians were not to suppose that religious knowledge, or Christian privileges, gave them any right to despise heathen masters, or to disobey lawful...

Matthew Henry: 1Ti 6:1-5 - -- I. Here is the duty of servants. The apostle had spoken before of church-relations, here of our family-relations. Servants are here said to be unde...

Barclay: 1Ti 6:1-2 - --Beneath the surface of this passage there are certain supremely important Christian principles for everyday life and work. The Christian slave was in ...

Constable: 1Ti 6:1-19 - --V. INSTRUCTIONS FOR GROUPS WITHIN THE CHURCH 6:1-19 In the last major section of this letter Paul called on Timo...

Constable: 1Ti 6:1-2 - --A. Slaves 6:1-2 As he had done previously (e.g., 5:1-2) Paul urged the adoption of proper attitudes towa...

College: 1Ti 6:1-21 - --1 TIMOTHY 6 D. SLAVES (6:1-2) 1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and o...

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Commentary -- Other

Evidence: 1Ti 6:1 QUESTIONS & OBJECTIONS "Isn’t it blasphemous to call the Bible ‘God’s Word’ when it makes Him look so bad?" I am going to tell you some th...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) First Timothy Probably a.d. 65 From Macedonia By Way of Introduction Assuming the Pauline authorship the facts shape up after this fashion. Pau...

JFB: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) GENUINENESS.--The ancient Church never doubted of their being canonical and written by Paul. They are in the Peschito Syriac version of the second cen...

JFB: 1 Timothy (Outline) ADDRESS: PAUL'S DESIGN IN HAVING LEFT TIMOTHY AT EPHESUS, NAMELY, TO CHECK FALSE TEACHERS; TRUE USE OF THE LAW; HARMONIZING WITH THE GOSPEL; GOD'S GR...

TSK: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) This Epistle bears the impress of its genuineness and authenticity, which are corroborated by the most decisive external evidence; and its Divine insp...

TSK: 1 Timothy 6 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 1Ti 6:1, Of the duty of servants; 1Ti 6:3, Not to have fellowship with newfangled teachers; 1Ti 6:6, Godliness is great gain; 1Ti 6:10, a...

Poole: 1 Timothy 6 (Chapter Introduction) TIMOTHY CHAPTER 6

MHCC: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) The design of the epistle appears to be, that Timothy having been left at Ephesus, St. Paul wrote to instruct him in the choice of proper officers in ...

MHCC: 1 Timothy 6 (Chapter Introduction) (1Ti 6:1-5) The duty of Christians towards believing, as well as other masters. (1Ti 6:6-10) The advantage of godliness with contentment. (1Ti 6:11-...

Matthew Henry: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The First Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy Hitherto Paul's epistles were directed to churches; now follow...

Matthew Henry: 1 Timothy 6 (Chapter Introduction) I. He treats of the duty of servants (1Ti 6:1, 1Ti 6:2). II. Of false teachers (1Ti 6:3-5). III. Of godliness and covetousness (1Ti 6:6-10). IV....

Barclay: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS OF PAUL The Letters Of Paul There is no more interesting body of documents in the New Testament than the letter...

Barclay: 1 Timothy 6 (Chapter Introduction) How To Be A Slave And A Christian (1Ti_6:1-2) False Teachers And False Teaching (1Ti_6:3-5) The Characteristics Of The False Teacher (1Ti_6:3-5 C...

Constable: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background Timothy apparently became a Christian as a result o...

Constable: 1 Timothy (Outline) Outline I. Salutation 1:1-2 II. Timothy's mission in Ephesus 1:3-20 A. T...

Constable: 1 Timothy 1 Timothy Bibliography Andrews, J. N. "May Women Speak in Meeting?" Review and Herald. January 2, 1879. Reprint...

Haydock: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO TIMOTHY. INTRODUCTION. St. Paul passing through Lycaonia, about the year 51, some of the brethr...

Gill: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 1 TIMOTHY Timothy, to whom this epistle is written, was eminent for his early piety and acquaintance with the sacred Scriptures; hi...

Gill: 1 Timothy 6 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 1 TIMOTHY 6 In this chapter the apostle gives some instructions to servants; lays down some rules, by which to judge of false teach...

College: 1 Timothy (Book Introduction) FOREWORD A movement which prides itself in its back-to-the-Bible underpinnings and its plea for unity should welcome any effort of the stature of the...

College: 1 Timothy (Outline) OUTLINE I. THE SALUTATION - 1:1-2 II. PAUL'S CHARGE TO TIMOTHY - 1:3-20 A. The Charge and the False Teachers - 1:3-7 B. The Lawful Use of...

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