Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 68:1 (NA 2017)
Article: Grant Slaves Equality Re-Examining The Translation Of Colossians 4:1
Author: Murray Vasser

TynBull 68:1 (2017) p. 59

Grant Slaves Equality
Re-Examining The Translation Of Colossians 4:1

Murray Vasser

([email protected])

Summary

This essay offers a fresh challenge to the widely accepted translation of Colossians 4:1. Though ἰσότης normally means ‘equality’, most scholars insist that in Colossians 4:1 the term must instead mean ‘fairness’, for the author evidently assumes the continuation of slavery in the Christian community. Thus English versions render the command ‘Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly’ (RSV). In support of this translation, scholars routinely cite a handful of texts that are purported to demonstrate that the term ἰσότης could mean ‘fairness’ instead of ‘equality’. In this essay, I challenge such an interpretation of these texts. Furthermore, by demonstrating that a first-century moralist could exhort masters to treat their slaves as equals without thereby recommending the abolition of slavery, I challenge the assertion that the context of Colossians 4:1 requires a meaning of ἰσότης other than the one well attested in the extant Greek literature. I conclude that Colossians 4:1 should be rendered as follows: ‘Masters, grant slaves justice and equality.’ This conclusion has important implications not only for Bible translators, but also for scholars attempting to reconstruct the situation at Colossae or describe early Christian attitudes towards slavery.

1. Introduction

In Colossians 4:1 masters are commanded to grant their slaves τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα. Though the word ἰσότης normally means ‘equality’, most scholars insist that in Colossians 4:1 ἰσότης means

TynBull 68:1 (2017) p. 60

‘equity’ or ‘fairness’.1 Lexicographers cite a handful of passages from secular Greek literature that are purported to attest this ‘extension of meaning’.2 Furthermore, scholars argue that ἰσότης cannot mean true ‘equality’ in Colossians 4:1 since the Haustafel (household code) assumes the continuation of slavery.You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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