And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
1 TIMOTHY 6:2KJVWhat does 1 Timothy 6:2 mean?
1 Timothy 6:2 instructs Christian servants who have believing masters not to look down on them because they are fellow believers, but instead to serve them even more willingly, since these masters are faithful and loved, sharing in the blessings of faith. Paul tells Timothy to teach and encourage these instructions among the believers.
Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader, about how Christians should relate to each other in everyday life, including the relationship between servants and masters. In this verse, Paul addresses a situation where both servant and master are followers of Jesus, reminding the servant not to take advantage of their shared faith but to show respect and good service. The verse highlights the importance of mutual respect and responsibility within the Christian community, even when social roles differ.
The Greek behind 1 Timothy 6:2
- The word for "despise" is καταφρονέω (kataphroneō), which means to look down on or treat with contempt. Paul warns against servants disrespecting their believing masters just because they are now spiritual equals as "brethren" (ἀδελφοί, adelphoi).
- The term for "service" is δουλεύω (douleuō), meaning to serve as a bondservant. Paul encourages continued faithful service, not less, because of the shared faith.
- The phrase "partakers of the benefit" uses the word ἀντιλαμβάνομαι (antilambanomai), which means to share in or receive together. Paul points out that both servant and master benefit from their faith, so mutual respect is fitting.
- The instruction to "teach and exhort" uses διδάσκω (didaskō) and παρακαλέω (parakaleō), which mean to instruct and to encourage or urge. Paul emphasizes that Timothy should actively pass on and reinforce these teachings.
Why 1 Timothy 6:2 matters
- This verse clears up the idea that spiritual equality erases social responsibilities; Paul says faith should lead to better service, not less.
- It shows that early Christian teaching addressed real-life relationships, not just spiritual ideas, and expected believers to act with integrity in every role.
- The verse connects to the larger passage about contentment, godliness, and proper conduct, showing that faith changes how people treat each other, even in difficult or unequal circumstances.