What Does the Bible Say About Masters?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

The Bible’s take on masters is multifaceted, focusing on responsibility and kindness. It acknowledges the reality of servitude in ancient times but puts a strong emphasis on treating servants with fairness and respect. It’s a topic that reflects broader biblical themes about power, stewardship, and compassion.

Wondering how the Bible addresses the concept of masters and servants? Dive into a discussion that explores ancient perspectives and timeless ethical teachings.

What Does the Bible Say About Masters?

When the Bible talks about masters, it reflects the social and historical context of the times it was written. Servitude was a common part of life, but the Bible’s approach to this issue is often surprising and counter to what one might expect.

First and foremost, the Bible doesn’t endorse abuse or mistreatment of servants. In fact, it often speaks to the moral responsibility of masters. They are called to act justly and with kindness. This reflects a broader biblical theme about the use of power and authority. Masters are reminded that they, too, are under God’s authority.

In the Old Testament, laws were laid out to ensure the fair treatment of servants. These laws included provisions for rest, fair compensation, and even paths to freedom. This framework highlights God’s concern for the welfare and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their social status.

The New Testament brings additional insights into this relationship. Jesus, through his teachings, consistently challenged the societal norms of power and hierarchy. He taught that the greatest among people should be like the least, flipping the traditional view of master-servant relationships on its head.

Apostle Paul also addressed masters and servants, urging masters to treat their servants fairly and reminding them that both are equal before Christ. This was a radical statement in a time when social hierarchies were rigidly fixed.

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What’s more, the Bible often uses the master-servant relationship as a metaphor for spiritual truths. It talks about believers being servants of Christ, using this relationship to describe devotion, obedience, and humility. This metaphor extends to the idea that all believers, regardless of earthly status, are ultimately servants of God.

In essence, the Bible’s perspective on masters is not about endorsing a social system but about guiding those within it to act with righteousness and love. It’s a call to recognize everyone’s inherent value and to exercise power with responsibility and grace.

In today’s context, these teachings continue to resonate. They remind us of the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, regardless of their position in life. The Bible’s message about masters and servants is less about the roles themselves and more about the attitudes and behaviors that should define all human relationships.

Bible Verses About Masters

  1. Ephesians 6:9 – “And masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.” This verse instructs masters to treat their servants with the same respect and kindness they would expect, emphasizing God’s impartiality.
  2. Colossians 4:1 – “Masters, give your servants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” Here, Paul reminds masters of their duty to be fair and just, recognizing that they too are under a higher authority.
  3. Leviticus 25:43 – “You shall not rule over him with harshness, but shall fear your God.” This Old Testament law emphasizes the need for masters to treat their servants humanely, highlighting the fear of God as a guiding principle.
  4. Deuteronomy 15:12-14 – “If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you. And when you send him out free from you, you shall not let him go away empty-handed.” This passage sets forth laws for the humane and fair treatment of Hebrew servants, including provisions for their release and support after their service.
  5. Matthew 20:26-27 – “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” Jesus teaches that true greatness lies in serving others, radically redefining the concept of mastery and leadership.
  6. Luke 12:48 – “But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” This verse speaks to the responsibility of those in authority, including masters. It suggests that greater responsibility accompanies greater authority, emphasizing accountability in the use of power.
  7. 1 Timothy 6:1-2 – “Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.” Here, Paul addresses both servants and Christian masters, emphasizing respect and good service in this relationship.
  8. Exodus 21:26-27 – “When a man strikes the eye of his slave, male or female, and destroys it, he shall let the slave go free because of his eye. If he knocks out the tooth of his slave, male or female, he shall let the slave go free because of his tooth.” This law from the Old Testament sets boundaries for the treatment of servants, providing them protection and rights, a significant directive for the time.
  9. Philemon 1:16 – “No longer as a bondservant, but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother…” In this letter, Paul pleads for Onesimus, a servant, asking that he be received not just as a servant but as a brother in Christ. This reflects the Christian principle of equality and brotherhood, transcending societal roles.
  10. Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” While not specifically about masters and servants, this verse underpins the Christian belief in the fundamental equality of all people before God, regardless of their social status.
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These verses together provide a comprehensive view of the Bible’s perspective on the relationship between masters and servants. It’s a relationship that, according to scripture, should be governed by principles of fairness, respect, and kindness, recognizing the inherent worth of every individual. The teachings emphasize the moral responsibility of those in authority and the dignity and rights of those under authority, all under the umbrella of mutual respect and godly conduct.