Colossians 3:22
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The verse contrasts "earthly masters" with "the Lord," highlighting that true obedience isn't just about pleasing people or working hard when watched. It’s about a "sincerity of heart" and "fearing the Lord," implying that your ultimate allegiance is to God, which then shapes how you serve those around you, regardless of their position.
Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is here addressing household relationships within the church, following his instructions to wives, husbands, children, and parents. He's laying out how Christ's lordship should transform everyday interactions, moving from familial roles to the master-slave dynamic common in that era. This sets the stage for an understanding of work and service that is grounded in genuine devotion, not just outward appearances or fear of punishment.
Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work or in other responsibilities? The Bible calls out this exact trap.
The verse warns against 'eyeservice,' which is performing tasks only when you know you're being watched. It's about putting on a show for people, not about genuine commitment.
The Trap of People-Pleasing
This kind of service is rooted in trying to gain favor with others ('menpleasers'). It's driven by a desire for approval or to avoid trouble, rather than by a deeper conviction. The motivation is outward, focusing on human opinion.
The Power of Sincerity
Paul contrasts this with 'sincerity of heart.' This means having a simple, undivided intention to do what is right. It's about being genuine and wholehearted, regardless of whether someone is watching. The motivation is inward and pure.
Who is ultimately your 'boss'? This verse grounds earthly obedience in a higher authority.
The phrase 'earthly masters' (or 'masters according to the flesh') points to the temporary and limited nature of human authority. It acknowledges that these masters don't have ultimate authority over your spirit or your eternal destiny.
The True Master
Paul immediately pivots to the true Master: 'fearing the Lord.' This doesn't mean being terrified, but having a deep, reverent awe and respect for God. It's recognizing His supreme authority over all aspects of life, including our work and responsibilities.
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A Higher Motivation
When you serve out of a fear of the Lord, your obedience takes on a different quality. It's not just about following rules; it's about honoring Christ in everything you do. This heavenly perspective transforms your earthly duties.
Understand the original words
douloi · Greek Noun
Literally 'bond-slave'; one whose life and labor are bound to the service of another. In the New Testament, it describes one who serves earthly masters while ultimately acknowledging Christ as the true Master.
ophthalmodouleia · Greek Noun
An act of service or labor performed only when the master is watching, lacking internal integrity or genuine devotion.
anthrōpareskoi · Greek Noun/Adjective
Those whose primary concern is to gain the approval of men rather than the approval of God; lacking integrity in their service.
haplotēti · Greek Noun
Simplicity, purity of motive, and integrity; a state of being single-minded in devotion to God, devoid of hypocrisy.
phoboumenoi · Greek Verb/Participle
A reverential awe, respect, and submission to the holiness and authority of God, which serves as the primary motivation for Christian living.
Paul's instruction to slaves to obey their masters 'according to the flesh' acknowledges the social reality of slavery in the Roman world. His emphasis on 'sincerity of heart' and 'fearing the Lord' calls believers to live out their faith even within oppressive systems, highlighting that their ultimate allegiance is to Christ.
c. 50 BC - c. AD 50
Prevalence of Slavery in the Roman Empire
Slavery was a fundamental institution throughout the Roman Empire, deeply embedded in its economy and social structure. Slaves performed a vast range of labor, from domestic service to skilled trades and agricultural work.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul writes to the Colossians
The Apostle Paul, imprisoned in Rome, writes letters to churches including Colossae. These letters address various theological issues and provide practical guidance for Christian living within their social contexts.
c. AD 60-62
The Case of Onesimus
It is widely believed that Onesimus, a runaway slave from Colossae, encountered Paul in Rome and was converted. Paul then wrote the Epistle to Philemon to intercede for Onesimus, sending him back to his master.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Instructions on Household Codes
Within his letters, including Colossians, Paul addresses the responsibilities of various social roles: wives and husbands, children and parents, and crucially, slaves and masters. He instructs slaves to obey their masters with sincerity and slaves to treat them justly.
This passage directly parallels the instruction to 'bondservants' (or slaves), emphasizing obedience to earthly masters 'as you would obey Christ,' highlighting the same core principle of serving God through our earthly duties.
1 Peter 2:18Peter addresses 'household slaves' and calls them to submit to their masters with all respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate but even to those who are harsh, showing that the command for sincere, God-fearing obedience extends even to difficult circumstances.
Luke 17:7-10Jesus tells a parable about a master and a servant, illustrating that even after the servant has done all that was commanded, he should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' This underscores the attitude of humble obedience rooted in recognizing God's ultimate authority, mirroring the 'fearing the Lord' aspect of Colossians 3:22.
1 Corinthians 10:31Paul states, 'So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.' This broad principle applies to all of life, including our work and relationships, reminding us that even our obedience to earthly masters should be done with a sincere heart aimed at honoring God.
henryColossians 3:18-25: "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord."
3:18-25 The epistles most taken up in displaying the glory of the Divine grace, and magnifying the Lord Jesus, are the most particular in pressing the duties of the Christian life. We must never separate the privileges and duties of the gospel. Submission is the duty of wives. But it is submission, not to a severe lord or stern tyrant, but to her own husband, who is engaged to affectionate duty. And…
vincentColossians 3:22: "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:"
Masters (κυρίοις)See on Lord, 2 Peter 2:1, and see on Matthew 21:3. Κύριος Lord and δεσπότης master came to be used interchangeably in the New Testament, though originally the latter involved such authority as is implied in our use of despot, or in the relation of a master to a slave. The Greeks applied δεσπότης only to the gods.W…
The verse contrasts "earthly masters" with "the Lord," highlighting that true obedience isn't just about pleasing people or working hard when watched. It’s about a "sincerity of heart" and "fearing the Lord," implying that your ultimate allegiance is to God, which then shapes how you serve those around you, regardless of their position.
Paul is here addressing household relationships within the church, following his instructions to wives, husbands, children, and parents. He's laying out how Christ's lordship should transform everyday interactions, moving from familial roles to the master-slave dynamic common in that era. This sets the stage for an understanding of work and service that is grounded in genuine devotion, not just outward appearances or fear of punishment.
Paul is here addressing household relationships within the church, following his instructions to wives, husbands, children, and parents. He's laying out how Christ's lordship should transform everyday interactions, moving from familial roles to the master-slave dynamic common in that era. This sets the stage for an understanding of work and service that is grounded in genuine devotion, not just outward appearances or fear of punishment.
"Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord." — The verse contrasts "earthly masters" with "the Lord," highlighting that true obedience isn't just about pleasing people or working hard when watched. It’s about a "sincerity of heart" and "fearing t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
