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;

EPHESIANS 6:5KJV
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Ephesians 6:5 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 6:5 mean?

Ephesians 6:5 tells servants to obey their earthly masters with respect, sincerity, and a genuine heart, as if they were serving Christ himself. The verse emphasizes that this obedience should come from honest intention, not just outward compliance or fear.

Paul is writing to Christians in Ephesus, specifically addressing people who were servants (often household slaves) in the Roman world. He instructs them to serve their human masters "according to the flesh," meaning in their earthly circumstances, but to do so with the same reverence and wholeheartedness they would show to Jesus. This teaching is part of a larger section where Paul gives practical advice for different relationships within the Christian household.

The Greek behind Ephesians 6:5

  • "Servants" (δοῦλοι, douloi): This word refers to slaves or bondservants, people who were under the authority of a master. In the Roman world, this was a common social status.
  • "Obedient" (ὑπακούετε, hypakouete): This Greek word means to listen under, or to obey. It suggests not just hearing instructions but actively following them.
  • "Masters" (κυρίοις, kyriois): This word means lords or masters, those who have authority over others. The verse clarifies these are "according to the flesh" (κατὰ σάρκα, kata sarka), meaning in earthly or physical terms.
  • "Singleness" (ἁπλότητι, haplotēti): This word means simplicity or sincerity. Paul is urging servants to serve without mixed motives or hidden agendas, but with a straightforward, honest heart.

Why Ephesians 6:5 matters

  • Ephesians 6:5 helps clarify that Paul is not endorsing slavery but is speaking into the reality of his time, guiding believers on how to live faithfully within their circumstances.
  • The verse highlights the importance of inner attitude—serving with sincerity and respect, not just external obedience or fear of punishment.
  • This instruction connects to the broader theme in Ephesians 5–6, where Paul addresses various household relationships and urges all believers to act out of reverence for Christ in every role.

Where else these words appear

“trembling” Greek G5156 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

“singleness” Greek G572 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

“obedient” Greek G5219 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
  • Acts 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
  • Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

“fear” Greek G5401 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 14:26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
  • Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.