John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. Masters, give unto your servants , etc.] This verse properly belongs to the preceding chapter, with which it should have been concluded. It is indeed strange, that those who made the division of chapters and verses should separate this from the former chapter, to which it so manifestly belongs, and begin a new one with it, when it has no connection with what follows; for the apostle having observed the duty of servants to their masters, proceeds to direct masters to the discharge of their duty to their servants, by giving them that which is just and equal : proper food and raiment, which is sufficient and fitting for them; the wages due unto them by law or contract; using them with gentleness and humanity, taking care of them when under affliction, and in sickness; encouraging the diligent and laborious by an addition to their salaries; correcting the disobedient within just bounds, not with too much rigour and severity; and carrying it with an even hand to all, not preferring or indulging one before another, without any reason: knowing that ye also have a master in heaven : (see Gill on Ephesians 6:9).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1 - The apostle proceeds with the duty of masters to their servants. No only justice is required of them, but strict equity and kindness. Le them deal with servants as they expect God should deal with themselves.
Greek Textus Receptus
οι 3588 T-NPM κυριοι 2962 N-NPM το 3588 T-ASN δικαιον 1342 A-ASN και 2532 CONJ την 3588 T-ASF ισοτητα 2471 N-ASF τοις 3588 T-DPM δουλοις 1401 N-DPM παρεχεσθε 3930 5732 V-PMM-2P ειδοτες 1492 5761 V-RAP-NPM οτι 3754 CONJ και 2532 CONJ υμεις 5210 P-2NP εχετε 2192 5719 V-PAI-2P κυριον 2962 N-ASM εν 1722 PREP ουρανοις 3772 N-DPM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
1. Masters, etc. The best texts attach this verse to the preceding chapter. Render (parecesqe). The Greek implies on your part.Equal (thn isothta). Lit., the equality. Not equality of condition, but the brotherly equality growing out of the Christian relation in which there is neither bond nor free. See on Philemon 16.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
4:1 {That which is just and equal} (to dikaion kai ten isoteta). Paul changes from to ison (like to dikaion, neuter singular adjective with article for abstract idea) to the abstract substantive isotes, old word, in N.T. only here and #2Co 8:13f. If employers always did this , there would be no labor problem. {A Master in heaven} (kurion en ouranwi). A wholesome reminder to the effect that he keeps his eye on the conduct of masters of men here towards their employees.
