1 Timothy 6:1
What does 1 Timothy 6:1 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 6:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 6:1 means
Paul instructs believers who are “servants under the yoke” to treat their masters as worthy of all honor. The aim is missional and protective: the reputation of God and “the doctrine” must not be slandered because of disrespectful conduct. The faith is judged by the lives of its followers. Even in hard situations, believers can display the transforming power of the gospel through diligence, respect, and integrity. Paul does not here map every social reform; he calls Christians to live in a way that makes the beauty of God’s name and teaching unmistakable. By honoring authority where they are, servants can keep doors open for the truth and prevent needless offense against Christ’s message.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let all who are servants under the yoke give all honour to their masters, so that no evil may be said against the name of God and his teaching.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862As many as are servants under a yoke, their own masters worthy of all honour let them reckon, that the name of God and the teaching may not be evil spoken of;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whosoever are servants under the yoke, let them count their masters worthy of all honour; lest the name of the Lord and his doctrine be blasphemed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let as many bondmen as are under yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name ofGod and the teaching be not blasphemed.
Context
The chapter begins with practical guidance for a vulnerable group within the church: servants. This counsel continues the letter’s pattern of linking conduct to sound doctrine. Verse 1 addresses servants with unbelieving masters to prevent God’s name from being blasphemed. The next verse turns to those whose masters are believers, showing that shared faith changes attitudes but not diligence. From there (verses 3–5) Paul confronts false teachers whose motives and methods contradict godliness, setting up a contrast that culminates in the call to contentment and warnings about greed (verses 6–10).
v.1This passage
v.2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 24:2
And Abraham said unto his servant, the elder of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:
- Nehemiah 9:5
Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, andPethahiah, said, Stand up and bless Jehovah your God from everlasting to everlasting; and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
- Genesis 13:7
And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the land.
- Acts 15:10
Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
- 2 Samuel 12:14
Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of Jehovah to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
- Genesis 24:12
And he said, O Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, send me, I pray thee, good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham.
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