Ephesians 6:5

5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

5Slaves, be obedient to those who are your 6:5 I.e., earthly masters, as in first-century Roman culturemasters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;

5Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;

5 6:5 Slavery was common in New Testament times (as well as in ancient Israel). One might become a slave through conquest, the commission of a crime, or destitution. Slaves were required to do their masters’ bidding and work without compensation (cf Luke 17:7-10). Elsewhere Paul advises slaves not to dwell on their circumstances, and to earn their freedom if they can (1 Cor 7:21). The admonitions here accurately reflect the slave/master relationship in the Roman Empire; since they were not compensated, slaves sometimes did only what they had to do to avoid punishment, and masters could be cruel disciplinarians.Slaves, be obedient to those who are your earthly masters, with respect for authority, and with a sincere heart [seeking to please them], as [service] to Christ—

5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

5Slaves, obey your masters here on earth. Respect them and honor them with a heart that is true. Obey them just as you would obey Christ.