Ephesians 6:8
New International Version
because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

New Living Translation
Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

English Standard Version
knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

Berean Standard Bible
because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Berean Literal Bible
knowing that each one, whatever good he might have done, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is slave or free.

King James Bible
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

New King James Version
knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

New American Standard Bible
knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

NASB 1995
knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

NASB 1977
knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

Legacy Standard Bible
knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

Amplified Bible
knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether [he is] slave or free.

Christian Standard Bible
knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord.

American Standard Version
knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Contemporary English Version
You know that you will be rewarded for any good things you do, whether you are slaves or free.

English Revised Version
knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You know that your heavenly master will reward all of us for whatever good we do, whether we're slaves or free people.

Good News Translation
Remember that the Lord will reward each of us, whether slave or free, for the good work we do.

International Standard Version
because you know that everyone will receive a reward from the Lord for whatever good he has done, whether he is a slave or free.

Majority Standard Bible
because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

NET Bible
because you know that each person, whether slave or free, if he does something good, this will be rewarded by the Lord.

New Heart English Bible
knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.

Webster's Bible Translation
Knowing that whatever good thing any man doeth, the same will he receive from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Weymouth New Testament
You well know that whatever right thing any one does, he will receive a requital for it from the Lord, whether he is a slave or a free man.

World English Bible
knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same good again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
having known that whatever good thing each one may do, this he will receive from the LORD, whether servant or freeman.

Berean Literal Bible
knowing that each one, whatever good he might have done, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is slave or free.

Young's Literal Translation
having known that whatever good thing each one may do, this he shall receive from the Lord, whether servant or freeman.

Smith's Literal Translation
Knowing that whatever good each might do, this he shall receive from the Lord, whether a servant or free.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man shall do, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be bond, or free.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For you know that whatever good each one will do, the same will he receive from the Lord, whether he is servant or free.

New American Bible
knowing that each will be requited from the Lord for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

New Revised Standard Version
knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord, whether we are slaves or free.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Knowing that whatever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive from our LORD, whether he be a slave or a freeman.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
As you know that anything a man does which is excellent will be repaid by Our Lord, whether he is a Servant or a Freeman.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
knowing that whatever good any one does, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he is a servant or a freeman.

Godbey New Testament
knowing that if each one may do good, he will receive this with the Lord, whether bond or free.

Haweis New Testament
knowing that whatsoever good a man doeth, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be a bondman, or whether he be free.

Mace New Testament
and not to men: considering that whatever good any man doth, he shall be rewarded for it by the Lord, whether he be a slave or free.

Weymouth New Testament
You well know that whatever right thing any one does, he will receive a requital for it from the Lord, whether he is a slave or a free man.

Worrell New Testament
knowing that whatsoever good thing each one does, this shall he receive from the Lord, whether bond or free.

Worsley New Testament
knowing that whatever good any one doth, he shall receive the reward of it from the Lord, whether He be a slave or free.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Slaves and Masters
7Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. 9And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.…

Cross References
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Matthew 16:27
For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Romans 2:6-10
God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. ...

1 Corinthians 3:8
He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.

Revelation 22:12
“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.

Matthew 25:40
And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’

Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Proverbs 24:12
If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?

Jeremiah 17:10
I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

Psalm 62:12
and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds.

Job 34:11
For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.

Proverbs 11:18
The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.


Treasury of Scripture

Knowing that whatever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

whatsoever.

Proverbs 11:18
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

Proverbs 23:18
For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 3:11
Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

whether.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

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Bond Bound Free Freeman Good Receive Requital Reward Right Servant Slave Whatever Whatsoever Whether
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Ephesians 6
1. The duty of children toward their parents;
5. of servants toward their masters.
10. Our life is a warfare, not only against flesh and blood, but also spiritual enemies.
13. The complete armor of a Christian;
18. and how it ought to be used.
21. Tychicus is commended.














because you know that the Lord will reward each one
This phrase emphasizes the certainty of divine justice and reward. In the biblical context, the assurance of God's reward is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like Hebrews 11:6, which states that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. The concept of divine reward is rooted in the Old Testament, where God promises blessings for obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). This assurance is meant to encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith and good works, knowing that their efforts are not in vain.

for whatever good he does
The focus here is on the universality of good deeds, regardless of their scale or visibility. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, such as in Matthew 25:31-46, where acts of kindness and service are highlighted as criteria for divine reward. The phrase underscores the biblical principle that God values the intentions and actions of the heart, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. This encourages believers to pursue righteousness in all aspects of life.

whether he is slave or free
This phrase addresses the social context of the early Christian church, where both slaves and free individuals were part of the community. The inclusion of both groups highlights the radical equality of all believers before God, as also expressed in Galatians 3:28, which states that there is neither slave nor free in Christ. This teaching would have been countercultural in the Roman Empire, where slavery was a common institution. The message is that one's social status does not affect their standing before God or their ability to receive His rewards. This reflects the transformative nature of the Gospel, which breaks down societal barriers and unites all believers in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of commerce and culture. The Ephesian church was one of the early Christian communities to which Paul wrote.

3. Slaves and Masters
In the context of Ephesians 6, Paul addresses relationships between slaves and masters, a common social structure in the Roman Empire, emphasizing mutual respect and service as unto the Lord.
Teaching Points
Understanding Divine Reward
The promise of reward from the Lord is not based on social status but on the goodness of one's actions. This underscores the impartiality of God's justice.

Service as Worship
Every act of service, whether in a position of authority or submission, is an opportunity to worship God. Our work should be done with the mindset of serving Christ.

Equality in Christ
The verse emphasizes the equality of all believers before God, regardless of earthly status. This calls for a community where love and respect transcend social hierarchies.

Motivation for Good Works
Believers are encouraged to do good not for human recognition but with the assurance that God sees and rewards all good deeds.

Living with Eternal Perspective
Understanding that our actions have eternal significance helps us to live with a focus on pleasing God rather than seeking temporary rewards from people.(8) The same shall he receive of the Lord.--This verse clenches the previous exhortations by the inculcation of a sense of responsibility and hope. The phrase itself is emphatic--not "he shall receive the reward of his deed," but "he shall receive the deed itself," considered as a thing still living and returning on his head, both in the judgments of life and in what we rightly call the "Last Judgment" of the Great Day. A slave in the eye of the law had no rights, and therefore no responsibility or hope. St. Paul therefore bids him, as a Christian, lift his thoughts to a region in which all, bond and free alike, may hear the blessing, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Verse 8. - Knowing that whatsover good thing each man shall have done, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be bond or free. The hope of reward is brought in to supplement the more disinterested motive, such addition being specially useful in the case of slaves (as of children, vers. 2, 3). For the slave the hope of reward is future - it is at the Lord's coming that he will have his reward.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
because you know
εἰδότες (eidotes)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

[the] Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

will reward
κομίσεται (komisetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2865: From a primary komeo; properly, to provide for, i.e. to carry off.

each one
ἕκαστος (hekastos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

for whatever
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

good
ἀγαθόν (agathon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

he does,
ποιήσῃ (poiēsē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

whether
εἴτε (eite)
Conjunction
Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.

[he is] slave
δοῦλος (doulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.

or
εἴτε (eite)
Conjunction
Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.

free.
ἐλεύθερος (eleutheros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1658: Free, delivered from obligation. Probably from the alternate of erchomai; unrestrained, i.e. not a slave, or exempt.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 6:8 Knowing that whatever good thing each one (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 6:7
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