Colossians 3:22

Authorized King James Version

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

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Colossians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection