Colossians 3:22

Authorized King James Version

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Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Original Language Analysis

Οἱ G3588
Οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦλοι Servants G1401
δοῦλοι Servants
Strong's: G1401
Word #: 2 of 21
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ὑπακούετε obey G5219
ὑπακούετε obey
Strong's: G5219
Word #: 3 of 21
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
κατὰ according G2596
κατὰ according
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 4 of 21
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
πάντα all things G3956
πάντα all things
Strong's: G3956
Word #: 5 of 21
all, any, every, the whole
τοῖς G3588
τοῖς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ according G2596
κατὰ according
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 7 of 21
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
σάρκα to the flesh G4561
σάρκα to the flesh
Strong's: G4561
Word #: 8 of 21
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
κυρίοις your masters G2962
κυρίοις your masters
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 9 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 10 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 11 of 21
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
ὀφθαλμοδουλείαις eyeservice G3787
ὀφθαλμοδουλείαις eyeservice
Strong's: G3787
Word #: 12 of 21
sight-labor, i.e., that needs watching (remissness)
ὡς as G5613
ὡς as
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 13 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι menpleasers G441
ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι menpleasers
Strong's: G441
Word #: 14 of 21
man-courting, i.e., fawning
ἀλλ' but G235
ἀλλ' but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 15 of 21
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 16 of 21
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
ἁπλότητι singleness G572
ἁπλότητι singleness
Strong's: G572
Word #: 17 of 21
singleness, i.e., (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal)
καρδίας of heart G2588
καρδίας of heart
Strong's: G2588
Word #: 18 of 21
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
φοβούμενοι fearing G5399
φοβούμενοι fearing
Strong's: G5399
Word #: 19 of 21
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 20 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεόν· God G2316
Θεόν· God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 21 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis & Commentary

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God. Paul addresses slaves (douloi, δοῦλοι, "servants" in KJV)—perhaps majority of early church members. "Obey in all things" (hypakouete kata panta, ὑπακούετε κατὰ πάντα) commands comprehensive obedience to "masters according to the flesh" (tois kata sarka kyriois, τοῖς κατὰ σάρκα κυρίοις)—earthly masters, distinguished from ultimate Master (Christ).

"Not with eyeservice" (mē en ophthalmodouleiais, μὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοδουλείαις, "eye-slavery") prohibits working only when watched. "As menpleasers" (hōs anthrōpareskoi, ὡς ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι) condemns working merely for human approval. Instead: "in singleness of heart, fearing God" (en haplotēti kardias phoboumenoi ton theon, ἐν ἁπλότητι καρδίας φοβούμενοι τὸν θεόν)—sincere devotion, serving God not merely men. This transforms slavery from mere oppression into opportunity for witness.

Historical Context

Roman Empire depended on slavery; perhaps one-third of population were enslaved. Christianity didn't immediately abolish slavery but transformed master-slave relationships through mutual Christian identity. Slaves served Christ through faithful work; masters treated slaves as brothers. This planted seeds that eventually led to slavery's abolition, though process took centuries. Paul's teaching gave dignity to slaves without promoting rebellion that would bring persecution and accomplish nothing.

Questions for Reflection

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