Colossians 4:1

1 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves, knowing that you yourselves have a master in heaven.

Colossians 4:1 Meaning and Commentary

Colossians 4:1

Masters, give unto your servants
This verse properly belongs to the preceding chapter, with which it should have been concluded. It is indeed strange, that those who made the division of chapters and verses should separate this from the former chapter, to which it so manifestly belongs, and begin a new one with it, when it has no connection with what follows; for the apostle having observed the duty of servants to their masters, proceeds to direct masters to the discharge of their duty to their servants, by giving them

that which is just and equal:
proper food and raiment, which is sufficient and fitting for them; the wages due unto them by law or contract; using them with gentleness and humanity, taking care of them when under affliction, and in sickness; encouraging the diligent and laborious by an addition to their salaries; correcting the disobedient within just bounds, not with too much rigour and severity; and carrying it with an even hand to all, not preferring or indulging one before another, without any reason:

knowing that ye also have a master in heaven:
(See Gill on Ephesians 6:9).

Colossians 4:1 In-Context

1 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves, knowing that you yourselves have a master in heaven.

2 Keep on praying and guard your prayers with thanksgiving.

3 At the same time, pray for us also. Pray that God would open a door for the word so we can preach the secret plan of Christ—which is why I'm in chains.

4 Pray that I might be able to make it as clear as I ought to when I preach.

5 Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.