Ephesians 6 7

Ephesians 6:7 kjv

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

Ephesians 6:7 nkjv

with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,

Ephesians 6:7 niv

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

Ephesians 6:7 esv

rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,

Ephesians 6:7 nlt

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Ephesians 6 verses

Ephesians 6 7 Meaning

Doing all things with sincerity, as if serving the Lord Christ, not merely pleasing people. This emphasizes the internal motivation behind actions rather than outward appearances.

Ephesians 6 7 Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Ephesians dealing with Christian conduct within relationships. Specifically, it follows instructions to slaves (bondservants) concerning their behavior toward their earthly masters. Chapter 6 addresses practical aspects of living out the Christian faith in the family and in society, including relationships between children and parents, and slaves and masters. The instruction here serves to frame the ethical responsibilities of those in subordinate positions, grounding their actions in their relationship with Christ.

Ephesians 6 7 Word Analysis

• Ὡς (hos): As, like, in the manner of. Indicates a comparison or resemblance.

• δουλοις (doulois): To slaves, servants (dative plural of δοῦλος, doulos). Refers to those in servitude.

• ἀνθρωποις (anthrōpois): To men, to people (dative plural of ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos).

• ἀρεσκοντες (areskontes): Pleasing (present active participle of ἀρέσκω, areskō). Describes the action of trying to please.

• ἀλλ’ (all'): But, rather. Introduces a contrast or alternative.

• ὡς (hos): As, like.

• τοις (tois): To the (definite article, dative plural masculine).

• Χριστου (Christou): Christ's (genitive singular of Χριστός, Christos).

• δουλοι (douloi): Servants, slaves (nominative plural of δοῦλος, doulos).

• τοις (tois): To the (definite article, dative plural masculine).

• εργοις (ergos): Works, deeds (dative plural of ἔργον, ergon).

• Phrase/Passage Group Analysis:

  • "δουλῳ ἀνθρώποις ἀρεσκοντες" (doulōis anthrōpois areskontes): Literally "to men servants pleasing." This describes outward-oriented service, focused on appeasing human masters for personal gain or avoiding reprimand. It highlights the superficiality of merely "eye-service."
  • "ἀλλ’ ὡς δοῦλοι Χριστου" (all’ hōs douloi Christou): "but as servants of Christ." This presents the true, internal motivation. The emphasis shifts from pleasing men to serving Christ, even within human systems of servitude.
  • "ἐκ καρδιας ποιουντες το θελημα του θεου" (ek kardias poiountes to thelēma tou theou): This phrase (though from verse 6, it informs the mindset for verse 7) signifies acting from the heart, making the will of God the direct source of action.

Ephesians 6 7 Bonus Section

The concept of serving "as unto the Lord" underscores the sanctity of all labor when performed with the right heart attitude. It echoes the Old Testament principle that even secular activities could be dedicated to God, as seen in directions for craftsmen in the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-6). This verse also provides a divine perspective on social structures, such as slavery, which existed in the ancient world. While not endorsing the institution, it instructs believers within those circumstances to conduct themselves with Christ-like integrity, reflecting heavenly citizenship above earthly condition. The emphasis on the heart ("sincerity of your heart" from v. 6, which this verse builds upon) points to God’s unchanging focus on our inner disposition rather than external performance alone.

Ephesians 6 7 Commentary

This verse provides a crucial paradigm shift for understanding work and service within a Christian framework. The essence is not to merely perform duties for human authority or societal approval, but to conduct all actions as if directly serving Christ Himself. This internalizes motivation, transforming mundane tasks into acts of worship. It moves beyond superficial "eye-service"—doing work only when observed—to a sincere commitment driven by love and reverence for God. The principle extends beyond literal servitude to all vocations, urging believers to pursue integrity and diligence in their labor, recognizing that their ultimate accountability is to Christ. This means prioritizing God's will over personal recognition or fear of man, fostering a spirit of selfless service and excellence.

• Practical Usage Example: When a student studies for a test, the motivation should be not just to get a good grade for their parents or teachers, but to honor God with the mind He has given them, using their time and abilities diligently as service to Him. Similarly, an employee's work ethic should stem from this Christ-centered perspective, aiming for quality and integrity regardless of supervision.