Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Parallel translations
- WEB But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.
- KJV But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
- NKJV But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
- NASB For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.
- NLT But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Wrongdoing will be repaid, for God judges without favoritism. It matters because no one, whether master or servant, escapes accountability before an impartial God.
Overview
Paul balances the promise of reward with a warning of just recompense for wrong. The statement that there is 'no partiality' assures servants that powerful wrongdoers are not exempt, and warns everyone that status grants no immunity before God. Faithful Christians have differed over whether the wrongdoer in view is primarily the servant or the master, but the principle of God's impartial justice applies to all, and ultimately drives sinners to find their refuge in Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 19
- Acts 10:34Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,
- Rom 2:11For God does not show favoritism.
- 2 Cor 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
- Deut 10:17For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe.
- 1 Th 4:6and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.
- Eph 6:9And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
- 2 Chr 19:7And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
- 1 Pet 1:17Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.
- Heb 2:2For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment,
- Col 4:1Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
- Lev 19:15You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.
- Deut 1:17Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”
- 2 Sam 14:14For surely we will die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him.
- Job 34:19who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.
- Job 37:24Therefore, men fear Him, for He is not partial to the wise in heart.”
- Luke 20:21“Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
- 1 Cor 6:7–8The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?
- Jude 1:16These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.
- Phlm 1:18But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account.
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Original language
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