Ephesians 6:6-7
not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights a crucial distinction: "eye-service" isn't just about being lazy when the boss isn't looking. It's about doing your work only to impress people, rather than out of genuine commitment to God's will. This means your actions should be motivated by an inner drive for righteousness, not by the fear or approval of others.
Paul is continuing his instructions to Christian slaves, building on the previous verse's call for obedience and respect toward their earthly masters. He's emphasizing that this obedience shouldn't be a superficial act performed only when observed, but a genuine service driven by an inner commitment to God's will. This deeper motivation is what truly distinguishes Christian conduct, even in difficult circumstances.
Ever feel like you're only doing the right thing when someone's watching? This verse calls out that exact temptation.
The core of this instruction is a challenge against 'eye-service.' This isn't just about doing a task; it's about the motivation behind it.
The Trap of Appearences
This type of service is superficial. It lacks integrity because its focus is outward — on the glance of a master, not the reality of the work or the will of God.
A Deeper Calling
The verse contrasts this with serving 'as bondservants of Christ.' This shifts the perspective entirely. It implies that our actions, even in seemingly mundane roles, are seen by a higher authority.
What does it mean to obey 'from the heart'? It's more than just following rules; it's a deep-seated commitment.
The instruction to do the 'will of God from the heart' moves beyond mere outward action to the inner disposition.
God's Will, Not Just Your Master's
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.
Paul's instructions to slaves in Ephesians 6:5-8, including the admonition against 'eyeservice,' were given within the harsh reality of Roman slavery. He calls them to serve 'from the heart' not just as a strategy for better treatment, but as an act of obedience to Christ, thereby transforming their daily labor into a spiritual offering.
c. 50s AD— this verse
Paul's Letter to the Ephesians
The Apostle Paul writes this letter from prison, likely in Rome, to the church in Ephesus. He addresses various aspects of Christian life and unity, including instructions for different social roles within the household.
1st Century AD
Roman Empire Slavery
Slavery was a widespread and integral part of the Roman economy and society. Slaves had few rights and were often subjected to harsh treatment and arbitrary power from their masters.
c. 60-62 AD
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is under house arrest in Rome, allowing him to receive visitors and continue his ministry. This period of confinement influences the tone and focus of his letters, including Ephesians.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
The fire devastates much of Rome, leading to widespread suspicion and persecution of Christians, who were falsely accused by Emperor Nero. This event further shapes the context and challenges faced by early Christians.
This passage directly parallels Ephesians 6:5-9, also urging slaves to obey their earthly masters with a sincere heart, 'as serving the Lord and not men,' which echoes the 'not by way of eye-service' command.
Galatians 1:10Paul confronts the temptation to 'please people' rather than God, mirroring the 'people-pleasers' concept in Ephesians 6:6 and reinforcing the idea that true service is motivated by divine approval.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse highlights God's perspective, where 'the Lord sees not as man sees,' which is crucial for understanding why service from the heart, rather than outward appearance, is what matters to God.
Matthew 6:24Jesus' teaching that 'no one can serve two masters' is directly relevant, as it contrasts serving God with serving wealth, aligning with Paul's call to serve Christ and God rather than seeking human approval.
1 Corinthians 7:22Paul states that 'whoever was a slave when called to faith is a servant of the Lord,' which emphasizes that one's calling in Christ transcends earthly status and reorients their service towards God.
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…
The verse highlights a crucial distinction: "eye-service" isn't just about being lazy when the boss isn't looking. It's about doing your work only to impress people, rather than out of genuine commitment to God's will. This means your actions should be motivated by an inner drive for righteousness, not by the fear or approval of others.
Paul is continuing his instructions to Christian slaves, building on the previous verse's call for obedience and respect toward their earthly masters. He's emphasizing that this obedience shouldn't be a superficial act performed only when observed, but a genuine service driven by an inner commitment to God's will. This deeper motivation is what truly distinguishes Christian conduct, even in difficult circumstances.
Paul is continuing his instructions to Christian slaves, building on the previous verse's call for obedience and respect toward their earthly masters. He's emphasizing that this obedience shouldn't be a superficial act performed only when observed, but a genuine service driven by an inner commitment to God's will. This deeper motivation is what truly distinguishes Christian conduct, even in difficult circumstances.
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Sincerity Over Show
This principle applies to all areas of life. Whether at work, at home, or in ministry, the call is to serve with a genuine heart, aligning our actions with God's purposes.
psychē · Greek Noun
The center of human personality, intellect, emotion, and will; the seat of moral choice and spiritual intention.
eunoia · Greek Noun
A posture of readiness or enthusiasm in performing a task; it conveys a sincere, voluntary, and positive disposition.
"not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man," — The verse highlights a crucial distinction: "eye-service" isn't just about being lazy when the boss isn't looking. It's about doing your work only to impress people, rather than out of genuine comm…
