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Ephesians 6:8

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Ephesians 6:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free.
Ephesians 6:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Ephesians 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men:
8knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free.
9And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
← Ephesians 6:7Ephesians 6:9 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth, &c.] According to the will of God, from right principles in his heart, and with a view to God's glory: the same shall he receive of the Lord; that is, he shall receive the fruit and advantage of it, in a way of grace, whether [he be] bond or free; a bondman or a free man, a master or a servant.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“any man doeth--Greek, "any man shall have done," that is, shall be found at the Lord's coming to have done. the same--in full payment, in heaven's currency. shall . . . receive-- (Co2 5:10; Col 3:25; but all of grace, Luk 17:10). bond or free-- (Co1 7:22; Co1 12:13; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11). Christ does not regard such distinctions in His present dealings of grace, or in His future judgment. The slave that has acted faithfully for the Lord's sake to his master, though the latter may not repay his faithfulness, shall have the Lord for his Paymaster. So the freeman who has done good for the Lord's sake, though man may not pay him, has the Lord for his Debtor (Pro 19:17).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Knowing that whatsoever good thing - Whatever a man does that is right, for that he shall be appropriately rewarded. No matter what his rank in life, if he discharges his duty to God and man, he will be accepted. A man in a state of servitude may so live as to honor God; and, so living, he should not be greatly solicitous about his condition. A master may fail to render suitable recompense to a slave. But, if the servant is faithful to God, he will recompense him in the future world. It is in this way that religion would make the evils of life tolerable, by teaching those who are oppressed to hear their trials in a patient spirit, and to look forward to the future world of reward. Religion…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He shall receive the same - That is, a full and adequate recompence for it. Ephesians 6:9”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:8 The master of all believers is the Lord, and he will reward those who are faithful (see 1 Cor 3:12-15).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“whatsoever: Pro 11:18, Pro 23:18; Isa 3:11; Mat 5:12, Mat 6:1, Mat 6:4, Mat 10:41, Mat 10:42, Mat 16:27; Luk 6:35; Luk 14:14; Rom 2:6-10; Co2 5:10; Col 3:24; Heb 10:35, Heb 11:26 whether: Gal 3:28; Col 3:11 Ephesians 6:9”
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Related study paths

Read Ephesians 6 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification