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

COLOSSIANS 4:1KJV
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Colossians 4:1 (KJV)

What does Colossians 4:1 mean?

Colossians 4:1 tells people in authority—specifically masters—to treat those who serve under them with fairness and equality, remembering that they themselves are also accountable to a higher master in heaven. The verse stresses that justice and equity should guide how masters deal with their servants, because everyone answers to God.

Paul is writing this letter to Christians in Colossae, addressing social relationships common in the ancient world, where slavery and servitude were part of daily life. By reminding masters that they too have a "Master in heaven," Paul puts earthly authority in perspective and calls for dignity and fairness in all relationships, regardless of social status.

The Greek behind Colossians 4:1

  • "Masters" (κυρίοι, kyrioi): This word refers to people with authority or ownership, often over servants or slaves. Paul addresses those with power, urging them to act responsibly.
  • "Just" (δίκαιος, dikaios): This Greek word means what is right or fair according to a standard, not just legal but morally upright. Paul is asking for more than technical fairness—he wants true justice.
  • "Equal" (ἴσος, isos): This word means equal or equitable, suggesting that masters should not treat servants as lesser people but with the same fairness they would want for themselves.
  • "Master" (κύριος, kyrios): Used again for God, this word reminds earthly masters that their own authority is limited and that they are under God's authority.

Why Colossians 4:1 matters

  • Colossians 4:1 corrects the idea that authority gives someone the right to treat others however they wish; it insists on fairness and equality, even in relationships where power is uneven.
  • The verse highlights that everyone, regardless of their role, is ultimately accountable to God, which would have been a radical idea in a society with strict social hierarchies.
  • This instruction connects to the wider passage in Colossians, where Paul gives practical advice for Christian households, showing that faith should shape everyday relationships and not just spiritual matters.

Where else these words appear

“equal” Greek G2471 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

“give” Greek G3930 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
  • Luke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
  • Acts 28:2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

“just” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

“servants” Greek G1401 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • Luke 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.