not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse contrasts "eye-service"—performing tasks only when supervised to look good—with genuine service done "from the heart." The key insight is that true obedience isn't about outward appearance or pleasing people, but about an internal commitment to doing God's will, regardless of who is watching.
not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Apostle Paul is addressing slaves, urging them to be obedient to their masters. This command comes after he has explained that believing in Christ brings spiritual freedom, and he wants to ensure this freedom doesn't lead to disobedience in their earthly circumstances. He emphasizes that their service shouldn't be merely for show or to gain favor with their masters, but should stem from a genuine desire to please God, even in their difficult situation.
Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work or in your responsibilities? This verse calls out a specific kind of empty service.
Paul calls out 'eye-service' – doing only what you can be seen doing. This is the opposite of genuine commitment. It's about putting on a show when the 'master' is watching, but slacking off when they're not. This kind of service is rooted in trying to please people, not God. True service, even in difficult circumstances, goes deeper. It’s about integrity, whether your boss or supervisor is looking or not.
What if your daily tasks, no matter how mundane, could be an act of worship? This verse reveals a profound shift in perspective.
The core of this passage is the call to see ourselves as 'bondservants of Christ.' This transforms our understanding of service. It means that whether you are a slave in ancient Rome, an employee today, or a volunteer, your actions have a higher purpose. You are not just serving an earthly master; you are serving Christ Himself. This perspective shifts the motivation from seeking human approval to fulfilling God's will. The ultimate goal isn't to impress people, but to honor God through faithful execution of our duties.
Is your obedience to rules and responsibilities just skin-deep, or does it come from a deeper place?
The verse emphasizes 'doing the will of God from the heart.' This isn't about a grudging or superficial compliance. It's about a willing, genuine, and heartfelt obedience. Gill points out that this means yielding to our masters not just in religious matters, but in civil ones too, with a 'cheerful and hearty obedience.' This inner disposition is what distinguishes true service. When our service flows from a heart surrendered to God's will, it’s not just an action; it’s worship. This 'from the heart' attitude is the antidote to mere 'eye-service' and the foundation of pleasing God above all.
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Understand the original words
ophthalmodouleia · Greek Noun
An act performed only while under observation to gain favor or recognition, lacking sincerity or genuine diligence.
anthrōpareskos · Greek Noun
One who seeks to please people rather than God, often implying a lack of integrity or a primary concern for human approval.
doulos · Greek Noun
A slave or servant who is entirely devoted to their master; in a Christian context, it refers to one who is bought by Christ and lives in complete submission to His authority.
thelēma · Greek Noun
The divine purpose or desire of God for human conduct, which the believer is called to discern and obey.
psychē · Greek Noun
The center of human personality, intellect, emotion, and will; the seat of moral choice and spiritual intention.
c. 1st century AD
Roman Empire and Slavery
The Roman Empire relied heavily on slave labor, with slaves forming a significant portion of the population. Their legal status was that of property, and their treatment varied widely, from relative leniency to extreme cruelty.
c. 1st century AD— this verse
Paul's Letter to the Ephesians
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter from Rome, likely while under house arrest, to the church in Ephesus. He addressed various aspects of Christian life and doctrine, including instructions for household relationships.
c. 1st century AD
Christian Households and Slavery
Early Christian communities included both slave owners and slaves. The New Testament did not call for the abolition of slavery but instructed both slaves and masters on how to live out their faith within the existing social structure.
This passage echoes Ephesians 6:6 by warning servants to obey their earthly masters 'in everything,' not just when watched, highlighting the same theme of sincere, internal motivation in service.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse reveals God's perspective on true devotion, stating He looks at the heart, not outward appearances, which powerfully undergirds the call in Ephesians 6:6 to serve 'from the heart' rather than through 'eye-service.'
Matthew 6:24Jesus' teaching here about not being able to serve two masters (God and money) parallels Paul's instruction, as serving 'people-pleasers' (implied masters) is contrasted with serving Christ and doing God's will.
Galatians 1:10Paul directly confronts the desire to please people in this verse, asking if he seeks to please men, which directly connects to the 'people-pleasers' mentioned in Ephesians 6:6 and reinforces the need to prioritize pleasing God.
Colossians 3:23-24These verses provide the ultimate motivation for all work: 'Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,' directly supporting the idea in Ephesians 6:6 that service should be done 'from the heart' as if serving Christ Himself.
vincentEphesians 6:6: "Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;"
Eye service - men-pleasersSee on Colossians 3:22.
gillEphesians 6:6: "Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;"
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers,.... Doing nothing but when under the master's eye, and then pretending a great deal of diligence and industry, in order to ingratiate themselves into his affections, and neglecting his business when he is absent; whereas they ought to attend his service in his absence, as well as in his presence, and so seek to please him, which is comme…
This verse contrasts "eye-service"—performing tasks only when supervised to look good—with genuine service done "from the heart." The key insight is that true obedience isn't about outward appearance or pleasing people, but about an internal commitment to doing God's will, regardless of who is watching.
The Apostle Paul is addressing slaves, urging them to be obedient to their masters. This command comes after he has explained that believing in Christ brings spiritual freedom, and he wants to ensure this freedom doesn't lead to disobedience in their earthly circumstances. He emphasizes that their service shouldn't be merely for show or to gain favor with their masters, but should stem from a genuine desire to please God, even in their difficult situation.
The Apostle Paul is addressing slaves, urging them to be obedient to their masters. This command comes after he has explained that believing in Christ brings spiritual freedom, and he wants to ensure this freedom doesn't lead to disobedience in their earthly circumstances. He emphasizes that their service shouldn't be merely for show or to gain favor with their masters, but should stem from a genuine desire to please God, even in their difficult situation.
"not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart," — This verse contrasts "eye-service"—performing tasks only when supervised to look good—with genuine service done "from the heart." The key insight is that true obedience isn't about outward appearance…
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Last reviewed October 2026