1 Timothy 6:2
What does 1 Timothy 6:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 6:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 6:2 means
Servants with believing masters must not take family language in the church as an excuse for disdain or laziness. Because their masters are “brethren,” they should serve all the more, recognizing that those who benefit from their faithful work are “believing and beloved.” Christian equality before God does not cancel responsibilities; it deepens them with love. Paul adds, “These things teach and exhort,” signaling that pastors must press these truths. When Christians labor for the good of fellow believers, they honor Christ and show the gospel’s power to reshape relationships, removing bitterness and pride and replacing them with cheerful service for the blessing of those Christ loves.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And let those whose masters are of the faith have respect for them because they are brothers, working for them the more readily, because those who take part in the good work are of the faith and are dear. Give orders and teaching about these things.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and those having believing masters, let them not slight <FI>them<Fi> , because they are brethren, but rather let them serve, because they are stedfast and beloved, who of the benefit are partaking. These things be teaching and exhorting;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but serve them the rather, because they are faithful and beloved, who are partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them] because they are brethren; but let them the rather serve them with subjection, because they are faithful and beloved, who profit by the good and ready service [rendered]. These things teach and exhort.
Context
Having urged honor toward unbelieving masters in verse 1, Paul now addresses the more delicate case of Christian masters. Spiritual brotherhood could be twisted into contempt or entitlement; Paul corrects this by urging better service rather than less. With these instructions stated, the letter pivots in verses 3–5 to confront false teachers whose ungodly character and profit-seeking distort the faith. This transition prepares for the major theme in verses 6–10: true gain versus the destructive pursuit of wealth, and the contented life that accords with sound doctrine.
v.1Let 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.
v.2This passage
v.3If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;
- Colossians 3:11
where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.
- Matthew 23:8
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren.
- Colossians 1:2
to the saints and faithful brethren in Christthat areat Colossæ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
- Romans 11:17
But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou, being a wild olive, wast grafted in among them, and didst become partaker with them of the root of the fatness of the olive tree;
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