John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. [Exhort] servants to be obedient to their own masters , etc.] And not others, whether they be believers, or unbelievers, gentle or froward, all their lawful commands ought to be obeyed; (See Gill on Ephesians 6:5) and to please [them] well in all things; not only to obey and serve them, and do what they order, but to seek and endeavour to do it in such a way as may be grateful, acceptable, and well pleasing to them, whereby an interest in their affection, esteem, and commendation, may be gained: and this should be done always, and in all things, that are not contrary to a good conscience and to the Christian religion, and to the laws of God and nature. Or that they may be well pleased in all things; that is, be satisfied and contented with such things as they have, and in their state and condition as servants, and cheerfully abide in the calling wherein they are called: not answering again ; replying to their masters' orders, or complaints, either in a pert, or saucy, or grumbling manner; an evil very incident to servants, and which greatly provokes.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 9, 10 - Servants must know and do their duty to their earthly masters, with reference to their heavenly one. In serving an earthly master accordin to Christ's will, He is served; such shall be rewarded by him. No giving disrespectful or provoking language; but to take a check of reproof with silence, not making confident or bold replies. When conscious of a fault, to excuse or justify it, doubles it. Neve putting to their own use that which is their master's, nor wasting the goods they are trusted with. Showing all good fidelity to improve master's goods, and promote his thriving. If ye have not been faithfu in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is you own? Lu 16:12. True religion is an honour to the professors of it; an they should adorn it in all things.
Greek Textus Receptus
δουλους 1401 N-APM ιδιοις 2398 A-DPM δεσποταις 1203 N-DPM υποτασσεσθαι 5293 5733 V-PMN εν 1722 PREP πασιν 3956 A-DPN ευαρεστους 2101 A-APM ειναι 1511 5750 V-PXN μη 3361 PRT-N αντιλεγοντας 483 5723 V-PAP-APM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
9. To please them well in all things (ejn pasin eujarestouv einai). Wrong. Const. in all things with to be in subjection. Note the position of ejn pasin in 1 Tim. iii. 11; iv. 15; 2 Tim. ii. 7; iv. 5, and comp. uJpakouein kata panta obey in all things, Col. iii. 20, 22; and uJpotassetai - ejn panti is subject in everything, Eph. v. 24. Euarestov well pleasing, only here in Pastorals. Almost exclusively in Paul. See also Hebrews. xiii. 21. Euarestwv acceptably, Hebrews. xii. 28.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
2:9 {Servants} (doulous). "Slaves." Supply "exhort" (parakalei). See #1Ti 6:1 for "masters" (despotais). {Well-pleasing} (euarestous). See on 2Co 5:9. {Not gainsaying} (me antilegontas). "Not answer back." See #Ro 10:21.
