Ephesians 6:8
What does Ephesians 6:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 6:8 means
Paul grounds faithful service in a sure promise: whatever good each person does, the Lord will repay, whether one is bond or free. This equalizes the field; God’s reward is not tied to social rank but to sincere obedience. It points to Christ’s judgment seat, where hidden faithfulness will be revealed and rewarded. This promise strengthens weary hearts and corrects despair: unnoticed good is never lost to God. It also warns against doing evil under the cover of status. The Lord’s recompense encourages perseverance, generosity, and integrity, assuring believers that their ultimate employer and judge is just, gracious, and attentive to every work done in faith.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In the knowledge that for every good thing anyone does, he will have his reward from the Lord, If he is a servant or if he is free.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having known that whatever good thing each one may do, this he shall receive from the Lord, whether servant or freeman.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man shall do, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890knowing that whatever good each shall do, this he shall receive of [the] Lord, whether bond or free.
Context
Verse 8 concludes the counsel to servants by providing a gospel promise that makes heart-level obedience plausible and hopeful. With reward assured by the Lord, the call to sincere service in verses 5–7 is no longer naive. Paul then turns in verse 9 to address masters, calling them to act by the same standard and to abandon threats. The rationale is the same shared Master in heaven, who shows no partiality to either party.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 3:28
There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.
- Luke 14:14
and thou shalt be blessed; because they have not wherewith to recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed in the resurrection of the just.
- Proverbs 11:18
The wicked earneth deceitful wages; But he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.
- 2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
- Matthew 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.
- Matthew 6:4
that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.
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