Colossians 4:1

1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Colossians 4:1 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
1 Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
New Living Translation (NLT)
1 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.
The Message Bible (MSG)
1 And masters, treat your servants considerately. Be fair with them. Don't forget for a minute that you, too, serve a Master - God in heaven.
American Standard Version (ASV)
1 Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
1 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves because you know that you also have a master in heaven.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
1 Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
1 Masters, give your slaves what is right and fair. Do it because you know that you also 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, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Leviticus 25:43,53
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.