6:9a

And masters: In this verse Paul addressed a new group of people. In some languages, the word for masters may be:

owners
-or-
bosses
-or-
overseers

do the same for your slaves: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as do the same for your slaves is literally “do the same to them” (as in the Revised Standard Version). Paul is giving a general principle here. He is saying that masters should treat their slaves with the same kindness and consideration as their slaves are to treat them. For example:

And you slave masters must treat your slaves right, just as I have told them to treat you. (NLT98)

Here is another possible way to translate this:

treat them well also

This does not mean, of course, that masters must obey their slaves in the same way that Paul told slaves to obey their masters in 6:5.

6:9b

Give up your use of threats: The clause Give up your use of threats means “do not say that you will hurt or punish them.” Paul is giving a specific example of how masters should not treat their slaves. An example of threatening is to say in an angry voice: “Get up! Do your work now or I will beat you!” Most languages have a word or phrase for this kind of talk.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

stop using threats (Good News Translation)
-or-
Do not say to them, “I will beat you if you do not obey me!”

6:9c

because you know: The clause because you know is exactly the same as “because you know” in 6:8a. Consider if it would be appropriate to translate it in the same way here.

He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven: This refers to the Lord Jesus. In Greek the word for master is kurios, the same word that is translated “Lord.” If your language has different words for “master” and “Lord”, you may want to translate something like this:

You should always remember that you who are masters and those who are your slaves all have the same ⌊big⌋ master in heaven; that is, the Lord.

6:9d

there is no favoritism with Him: The word favoritism means “treat one person better than another.” Paul is saying that the Lord treats slaves and masters in the same way.

Here are some ways to translate this clause:

• Translate this meaning using a negative. For example:

He does not distinguish between people
-or-
He does not treat people differently

• Use positive terms. For example:

He treats all people in the same way
-or-
he treats everyone alike (New Century Version)
-or-
he judges everyone by one standard (similar to Good News Translation)

• Use an idiom. For example:

God does not look at people’s faces
-or-
God is not soft on some people and hard on other people

Choose the translation that is most vivid and accurate in your language.

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