Colossians 4:1

1 Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly. Remember that you too 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, treat your slaves justly and fairly. Remember that you too have a Master in heaven.

2 Keep persisting in prayer, staying alert in it and being thankful.

3 Include prayer for us, too, that God may open a door for us to proclaim the message about the secret of the Messiah - for that is why I am in prison.

4 And pray that I may speak, as I should, in a way that makes the message clear.

5 Behave wisely toward outsiders, making full use of every opportunity -