Berean BlueApp preview

Adam Clarke on Ephesians 6:5

Commentary and Critical Notes. Browse this work.

Ephesians6:5

Servants, be obedient - Though δουλος frequently signifies a slave or bondman, yet it often implies a servant in general, or any one bound to another, either for a limited time, or for life. Even a slave, if a Christian, was bound to serve him faithfully by whose money he was bought, howsoever illegal that traffic may be considered. In heathen countries slavery was in some sort excusable; among Christians it is an enormity and a crime for which perdition has scarcely an adequate state of punishment.

According to the flesh - Your masters in secular things; for they have no authority over your religion, nor over your souls.

With fear and trembling - Because the law gives them a power to punish you for every act of disobedience.

In singleness of your heart - Not merely through fear of punishment, but from a principle of uprightness, serving them as you would serve Christ.

Adam Clarke, Commentary and Critical Notes, Ephesians 6:5. Public domain.

Permanent link. Source edition.

Read Ephesians 6. Compare commentaries on this chapter.

Source and publication rights

Public domain. Public Domain. Source edition.

Berean Blue opens December 1, 2026. Explore this passage in the app preview.