Ephesians 6:8
ESV
knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.
NIV
because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
NASB
knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether slave or free.
CSB
knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord.
NLT
Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
KJV
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
NKJV
knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
What does Ephesians 6:8 mean?
In this verse, Paul extends the principle he has just given for servants to all believers. Whenever a Christian serves with good actions, from a good heart, "he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free." Those who bless others will be blessed by the Lord.This is sometimes confused with the idea of karma, though it is not the same thing. Karma is a belief in eastern religions that everything one does will be done back to them. More specifically, that a person's actions create a balance of good and evil which they must account for in their next reincarnation. This is not what Paul means. Instead, those who serve others are rewarded by the Lord. He may bless believers both in this life and the next for good deeds, though many rewards will only be known in heaven.
This verse also clarifies that the principle applies to any kind of worker, slave or otherwise. Many today enjoy employment which is voluntary. Yet, the principle of doing good for others, in the context of one's work, and for the glory of God, is still important. Godly work habits honor the Lord, show a positive example to others, provide a better work environment, and open opportunities to share Christ with unbelievers.
