• 1 Timothy 6:1
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 6 Ὅσοι As many as εἰσὶν are ὑπὸ under ζυγὸν yoke δοῦλοι, slaves, τοὺς the ἰδίους own δεσπότας masters πάσης of all τιμῆς honor ἀξίους worthy ἡγείσθωσαν, let them be considering, ἵνα in order that μὴ not τὸ the ὄνομα name τοῦ of the θεοῦ God καὶ and ἡ the διδασκαλία teaching βλασφημῆται. may be blasphemed.

  • 1 Timothy 6:1
    King James Version

    • 6 Let 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.

  • 1 Timothy Study Notes—Chapter 6
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 6:1

      under the yoke of slavery: Lit., “slaves under a yoke.” The word “yoke” was often used figuratively to represent enslavement or servitude under the authority of an owner, or master. (Tit 2:9, 10; 1Pe 2:18; see Glossary, “Yoke.”) In the Roman Empire, there were many slaves, including some Christians. Jesus’ followers neither endorsed nor criticized the secular institution of slavery. (1Co 7:20, 21) Jesus himself did not engage in social reform, and he said that his followers would likewise be “no part of the world.” (Joh 17:14) Instead, Jesus preached about God’s Kingdom, which would eventually eliminate all forms of oppression and injustice.​—See study note on Joh 18:36; see also Media Gallery, “Common Duties of a Slave.”

      keep on considering their owners worthy of full honor: Paul encourages Christians who were slaves to respect their owners, or masters. A slave’s attitude could be seen in his actions, whether he was conscientious in doing his work. His not respecting his owner would imply that Christian teachings had made no real change in the slave’s life. Such a poor example would bring reproach on God’s name.​—Col 3:22, 23; see study notes on Eph 6:5, 6.