SEV Biblia, Chapter 4:1
¶ Amos, haced lo que es justo y derecho con vuestros siervos, sabiendo que tambin vosotros tenis amo en los cielos.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Colossians 4:1
Verse 1. Masters, give unto your servants] This verse should have been added to the preceding, to which it properly belongs; and this chapter should have begun with ver. 2. That which is just and equal] As they are bondmen or slaves of whom the apostle speaks, we may at once see with what propriety this exhortation is given. The condition of slaves among the Greeks and Romans was wretched in the extreme; they could appeal to no law; and they could neither expect justice nor equity. The apostle, therefore, informs the proprietors of these slaves that they should act towards them both according to justice and equity; for God, their Master, required this of them, and would at last call them to account for their conduct in this respect. Justice and equity required that they should have proper food, proper raiment, due rest, and no more than moderate work. This is a lesson that all masters throughout the universe should carefully learn. Do not treat your servants as if God had made them of an inferior blood to yours.
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 κυριοι 2962 το 3588 δικαιον 1342 και 2532 την 3588 ισοτητα 2471 τοις 3588 δουλοις 1401 παρεχεσθε 3930 5732 ειδοτες 1492 5761 οτι 3754 και 2532 υμεις 5210 εχετε 2192 5719 κυριον 2962 εν 1722 ουρανοις 3772
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.
