What does Ephesians 6:6 mean?

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Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; Ephesians 6:6

Explanation

The verse in question, Ephesians 6:6, comes from a section of the New Testament where the Apostle Paul is addressing servants or slaves. He is providing instructions on the attitude they should take while serving their earthly masters. In this specific verse, Paul is exhorting them to serve with sincerity and a deep respect for Christ, rather than merely performing their duties only when they are being watched, in an attempt to please their human superiors. This distinction, between eye-service (or superficial compliance) and genuine, heartfelt obedience, is key. The literal meaning of this passage is to encourage a form of service that transcends the work itself, reflecting an intention to do God’s will because the servants are ultimately accountable to Christ, not just their earthly employers.

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Historical Context

At the time of Paul’s writing, it was common in the Roman Empire for households to have servants or slaves. Ephesians is a letter believed to be written by Paul to the church in Ephesus around AD 60-62, perhaps during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. The society was hierarchical and those in servitude were often expected to obey their masters without question. The Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians addresses a variety of topics, including unity among believers, living as followers of Christ, and relationships within the household, which includes the dynamic between servants and masters.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Ephesians 6:6 holds several insights:

Servanthood to Christ: It elevates the service beyond human authority, establishing Christ as the ultimate master whom believers serve. Thus, the actions of a believer are not to be based on human approval but on a commitment to Christ.
Sanctity of Daily Work: The verse sanctifies ordinary work as an act of worship when done in accordance with God’s will and for His glory.
Ethics in Obedience: It suggests that the intentions behind actions are as important as the actions themselves to God.

Different denominational standpoints may place varying emphasis on this verse, with some viewing it as a direct command to obedience in all circumstances, while others might see it as an overarching principle that applies to all types of service.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse calls for a transformation of how one approaches work and service:

Integrity at Work: It encourages doing one’s job with integrity and commitment, even when no one is watching, because the true “supervisor” is divine.
Doing More than the Minimum: People should strive to exceed expectations, not for personal gain, but out of a desire to fulfill God’s will.
Work as Worship: The verse frames daily tasks as opportunities to serve Christ, which can be a motivating factor in performing even mundane jobs with enthusiasm.

Cross-References

Colossians 3:23: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Matthew 6:1: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.”

Language Study

The original Greek text provides deeper meanings for key terms:

Eyeservice (ὀφθαλμοδουλία, ophthalmoudouleia): A compound of the words for “eye” and “service,” referring to work done only for appearances when being watched.
Menpleasers (ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι, anthropareskoi): Those who seek to please men rather than God.
Servants of Christ (δοῦλοι Χριστοῦ, douloi Christou): Indicating a bond servant or someone utterly dedicated to serving Christ.
Will of God (θέλημα Θεοῦ, thelema Theou): Referring to God’s desires or purposes.

Understanding these words in their original language underscores the contrast between superficial service and genuine, wholehearted obedience.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient mythologies and religions, the concept of duty and service to the gods or higher powers is prevalent. But unlike the Greco-Roman paganism of Paul’s time, which often involved performing rituals for the gods’ favors, in Christianity, service is not about appeasing a deity but about genuine heart-posture towards God.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse doesn’t directly intersect with scientific fields, the ethical implications of the verse inform modern discussions on human behavior and psychology, particularly on topics such as intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation and the effects of being observed (the Hawthorne effect).

Commentaries

Commentators from various traditions and scholarly backgrounds have offered interpretations of Ephesians 6:6:

John Stott: A renowned theologian notes the importance of sincerity in service and the danger of hypocrisy in Christian conduct.
Matthew Henry: His commentary emphasizes that humans should work primarily for God’s approval rather than human praise.
William Barclay: Highlights that Paul’s advice is meant to turn the slave’s drudgery into devotion and the labor into a labor of love.
Charles Hodge: He contended that this requirement for sincere and conscientious service is not only meant for slaves but is applicable to all Christians in their various vocations.