For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.
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.
- BSB Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
- NKJV But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no 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 10:34Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism;
- Rom 2:11For there is no partiality with God.
- 2 Cor 5:10For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
- Deut 10:17For Yahweh your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the awesome, who doesn’t respect persons, nor takes reward.
- 1 Th 4:6that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.
- Eph 6:9You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.
- 2 Chr 19:7Now therefore let the fear of Yahweh be on you. Take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with Yahweh our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.”
- 1 Pet 1:17If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear:
- Heb 2:2For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense;
- Col 4:1Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
- Lev 19:15“‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor show favoritism to the great; but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness.
- Deut 1:17You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.”
- 2 Sam 14:14For we must die, and are like water spilled on the ground, which can’t be gathered up again; neither does God take away life, but devises means, that he who is banished not be an outcast from him.
- Job 34:19Who doesn’t respect the persons of princes, nor respects the rich more than the poor; for they all are the work of his hands.
- Job 37:24Therefore men revere him. He doesn’t regard any who are wise of heart.”
- Luke 20:21They asked him, “Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and aren’t partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God.
- 1 Cor 6:7–8Therefore it is already altogether a defect in you, that you have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?
- Jude 1:16These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts (and their mouth speaks proud things), showing respect of persons to gain advantage.
- Phlm 1:18But if he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, put that to my account.
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Original language
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