Colossians Chapter 3 · Verse 22
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)
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
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)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
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
Cross References
Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.Colossians 3:20Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.1 Thessalonians 2:4But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.Ecclesiastes 5:7For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.Luke 6:46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
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
- How do you work when no one's watching—with same diligence or cutting corners?
- Does your work ethic reflect 'fearing God' or merely seeking human approval and advancement?
- How can you view your job as serving Christ, transforming work from drudgery to worship?
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.