Ephesians 6:9 Meaning: Equality Before God Amid an Unequal World
You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.
And the masters! the same things do ye unto them, letting threatening alone, having known that also your Master is in the heavens, and acceptance of persons is not with him.
And, masters, do the same things towards them, giving up threatening, knowing that both their and your Master is in heaven, and there is no acceptance of persons with him.
Meaning in one sentence
In Ephesians 6:9, Paul calls masters to treat servants with good will and drop threats, because God shows no favoritism between master and servant.
Context
Paul writes this verse near the end of his letter to the Ephesians, in a section often called the household code. It covers relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, and here masters and servants. After urging servants to obey their masters as they would Christ, Paul turns directly to masters. He tells them to show the same good will and integrity that servants are to show. They must release threatening. The reason carries weight: the same Lord who is Master of the servants is also Master of the masters. And that ultimate Master in heaven does not play favorites. This does not simply soften the master's role; it places him under the same divine authority as the servant.
Key Words
Three Greek words open up this verse. The first is anientes, translated as 'giving up.' It means to loosen, relax, or let go. Paul does not say 'reduce threatening' but release it entirely, like opening a clenched fist. The second word is apeilen, 'threatening.' The Greek has the definite article: the threatening, the habitual threats that masters use to control. Paul calls for a clean break from that pattern. The third word is prosōpolēmpsia, 'partiality.' It comes from a phrase meaning 'to lift someone's face', to judge by outward status. God never does that. He sees the master and the servant with the same eyes. Knowing this changes how authority is used. When you know the Master above sees no difference, you stop leaning on fear to get your way.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have read this verse with two main emphases. Reformers like John Calvin saw in it the law of love that binds master and servant in mutual obligation. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, stressed mercy: when punishment is due, lean to the side of leniency. Baptists like John Gill offered detailed duties: provide food, clothing, spiritual instruction, and never rule with harshness. Albert Barnes noted that Paul did not command immediate abolition but set principles that would eventually uproot slavery. Across traditions, the core conviction is the same: God's impartiality places every human authority under His judgment and grace.
A common misunderstanding
A common misunderstanding is that 'do the same things' means masters must obey their servants in the same way servants obey masters. In fact, Paul means masters must show the same good will, singleness of heart, and regard for Christ that he described for servants. It is a call to mutual faithfulness and kindness, not a reversal of roles. The master's authority remains, but it must be exercised without threats and with genuine care.
Living This Out
You may not be a master of slaves, but you hold authority somewhere. You manage people at work, lead a team, or parent children. This verse asks you to examine how you use that power. Do threats come easily to you? Paul's word for 'giving up' means to loosen your grip completely. Instead, treat those under you with the same good will you hope for from them. Remember that the Master who sees you also sees them. He does not favor you because of your position. That knowledge can change how you speak to someone today. Try letting encouragement replace threat.
Main takeaway: God shows no partiality, so those in authority must set aside threats and treat all people with the same good will they would show Christ.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God is the boss of everyone, even grownups. When you are in charge of a game, don't make mean threats. God loves everyone the same.
For ages 9, 12
When you are the leader, like the oldest sibling or the team captain, it can be easy to boss people around by threatening them. But Paul says leaders should be kind instead, because God is the leader over all leaders. He doesn't play favorites. Next time you are in charge, try saying something encouraging instead of making a threat.
Questions People Ask
What does 'do the same things' mean in Ephesians 6:9?
It means masters should show the same good will, integrity, and service to Christ that Paul just required of servants. It is about mutual faithfulness, not doing the same tasks.
Does Ephesians 6:9 approve of slavery?
Paul does not command slaveholders to free their slaves, but he undermines the absolute authority of masters by placing both master and servant under one impartial Master. This principle has historically been used to argue against slavery.
What does 'no partiality with God' mean for masters?
It means God does not judge based on social status. A master and a servant stand equally before Him. This should make masters treat their servants with fairness and respect, not harshness.
How should a Christian master treat his slaves according to this verse?
He should treat them with the same good will he wants from them, stop using threats, and remember that his own Master in heaven sees him and his servant as equals. Many commentators say this includes providing for physical and spiritual needs.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study