FocusResponsibility under the Lord
Connection to the wholeThe household instructions continue by addressing both sides of each relationship and placing conduct under the Lord's authority.
interpretation Ephesians 6:9
KJVAnd, 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.
Read it in context
Children, parents, servants, and masters
Start reading at Ephesians 6:1 (Ephesians 6:1 to Ephesians 6:9).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The household instructions continue by addressing both sides of each relationship and placing conduct under the Lord's authority.
- 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
- 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
- 6:3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
- 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
- 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
- 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
- 6:7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
- 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
- 6:9 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 6:1–6:24): Paul addresses children, fathers, servants, and masters in turn, then instructs all the believers about spiritual resistance and prayer. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Children, parents, servants, and masters. Read Ephesians 6:1 through Ephesians 6:9 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The household instructions continue by addressing both sides of each relationship and placing conduct under the Lord's authority. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul identifies himself as a prisoner, but the letter does not name a calendar date or explicitly identify the city of imprisonment. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The KJV address names Ephesus. References to heavenly places and the church's spiritual standing are not ordinary geographic locations. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Children, parents, servants, and masters (Ephesians 6:1 to Ephesians 6:9). Start reading at Ephesians 6:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter locates blessing, redemption, and the gathering of all things in Christ. Its purpose and inheritance language should be read with the repeated phrase in Christ and the exhortations addressed to the church. See Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Walk consistently with the calling received, pursuing unity, holiness, truthful speech, and mutual care. Promises to the church should not erase the subsequent demands on its conduct. interpretation
Cited: Ephesians 6:1, Ephesians 6:9, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Ephesians 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question Pauline authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- ye Lev 19:13 Lev 25:39-46 Deut 15:11-16 Deut 24:14-15 Neh 5:5,8-9 Job 24:10-12 Job 31:13-15 Isa 47:6
- the same Eph 6:5-7 Matt 7:12 Luke 6:31 Jas 2:8,13
- forbearing Lev 25:43 1 Sam 15:17 Dan 3:6,15 Dan 5:19-20
- knowing Ps 140:12 Eccl 5:8 Matt 22:8,10 Matt 24:48,51 Luke 12:45-46 John 13:13 1 Cor 7:22
- your Master 1 Cor 1:2 Phil 2:10-11
- neither Acts 10:34 Rom 2:11 Col 3:25
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 6
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 2:19 Ephesians 4:1
The armour of God
Ephesians 6:10–20FocusStanding and praying
Connection to the wholeThe church is called to stand against spiritual opposition through God's provision, remaining alert in prayer for the saints and gospel witness.
interpretation Closing encouragement
Ephesians 6:21–24FocusNews, peace, and grace
Connection to the wholeThe personal arrangements and blessing connect the exhortations to continuing care and fellowship among the churches.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 2:19 Ephesians 4:1
Blessing and prayer
Ephesians 1:1–23FocusGod's purpose in Christ
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
interpretation A people brought together
Ephesians 2:1–3:21FocusGrace, reconciliation, and revealed purpose
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
interpretation Walking worthy in one body
Ephesians 4:1–16FocusUnity and growth
Connection to the wholeThe practical appeal begins with maintaining unity and receiving the ministries that equip the body toward maturity in Christ.
interpretation FocusHoliness, love, and responsibility
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
interpretation Stand in the Lord
Ephesians 6:10–24FocusSpiritual conflict and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.