6:1 Those who are under the yoke as slaves 1 must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent 2 the name of God and Christian teaching 3 from being discredited. 4
2:1 But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with 7 sound teaching.
2:18 Slaves, 8 be subject 9 to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse.
1 tn Traditionally, “servants.” Though δοῦλος (doulos) is normally translated “servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free individual serving another. BDAG notes that “‘servant’ for ‘slave’ is largely confined to Biblical transl. and early American times…in normal usage at the present time the two words are carefully distinguished” (BDAG 260 s.v.). The most accurate translation is “bondservant” (sometimes found in the ASV for δοῦλος), in that it often indicates one who sells himself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force.
2 tn Grk “that the name…may not be slandered” (a continuation of the preceding sentence).
3 tn Grk “the teaching.”
4 tn Or “slandered.”
5 tn See the note on the word “slave” in 1:1.
6 tn Or “to be subject to their own masters, to do what is wanted in everything.”
7 tn Grk “say what is fitting for sound teaching” (introducing the behavior called for in this chapter.).
8 tn The Greek term here is οἰκέτης (oiketh"), often used of a servant in a household (who would have been a slave).
9 tn Grk “being subject,” but continuing the sense of command from vs. 13.