Ephesians 6:6

Ephesians 6:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Not only under your master's eye, as pleasers of men; but as servants of Christ, doing the pleasure of God from the heart;

Free Bible Version FBV

Don't just work well when you're being watched to gain approval, but work like servants of Christ, honestly doing God's will,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Not with seruice to the eye, as men pleasers, but as the seruants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but as servants of the Christ, doing the will of God out of soul,

World English Bible WEB

not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Not serving to the eye, as it were pleasing men, but, as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart,

Translation for Translators T4T

Obey them, not only when they are watching [MTY] you, and not only to cause them to think highly/well of you. Instead, obey them as though you were [MET] slaves of Christ, not slaves of your masters. Do enthusiastically what God wants you to do.

Plain English Version PEV

Do what they say, and try to make them happy. Don’t only do it when they can see you, but also when they can’t see you. Work happily in your job, like you are working for Jesus Christ, and then you will be doing what God wants.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ephesians 6:6

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Ephesians 6:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK μη κατ οφθαλμοδουλειαν ως ανθρωπαρεσκοι αλλ ως δουλοι του χριστου ποιουντες το θελημα του θεου εκ ψυχης

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

κατ kata G2596 according to Prep

οφθαλμοδουλειαν ophthalmodouleia G3787 eye-service Noun-ASF

ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv

ανθρωπαρεσκοι anthrōpareskos G441 people-pleaser Adj-NPM

αλλ alla G235 but Conj

ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv

δουλοι doulos G1401 slave Noun-NPM

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

χριστου Christos G5547 Christ Noun-GSM

ποιουντες poieō G4160 to do/make: do Verb-PAP-NPM

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN

θελημα thelēma G2307 will/desire Noun-ASN

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM

εκ ek G1537 out from Prep

ψυχης psuchē G5590 soul Noun-GSF

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Greek Word Reference — Ephesians 6:6

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

κατ kata G2596 "according to" Prep

According to means following or matching something. In the Bible, it's used to talk about things happening in line with God's plan or will, like in Matthew 8:32 and Mark 5:13.

Definition: κατά (bef. a vowel κατ᾽, καθ᾽; on the frequently neglect of elision, see Tdf., Pr., 95; WH, App., 146a), prep. with genitive, accusative, down, downwards. __I. C. genitive (WM, §47, k; Bl., §42, 2). __1. C. genitive of thing(s), in local sense; __(a) down, down from: Mat.8:32, Mrk.5:13, Luk.8:33, 1Co.11:4; __(b) throughout (late usage; Bl, l.with): κ. ὅλης κ.τ.λ., Luk.4:14 23:5, Act.9:31 10:37; __(with) in a peculiar adjectival phrase: ἡ κ. βάθους, deep or extreme poverty, 2Co.8:2. __ __2. C. genitive of person(s), usually in hostile sense; __(a) against (in cl. only after verbs of speaking, witnessing, etc.): opposite to ὑπέρ, Mrk.9:40; μετά, Mat.12:30; after ἐπιθυμεῖν, Gal.5:17; λαλεῖν, Act.6:13; διδάσκειν, Act.21:28; ψεύδεσθαι, Jas.3:14; after verbs of accusing, etc., Mat.5:23, Luk.23:14, Rom.8:33, al.; verbs of fighting, prevailing, etc., Mat.10:35, Act.14:2, 1Co.4:6, al.; __(b) of swearing, by: όμνυμι κ. (BL, §34, 1), He 6:13,16, cf. Mat.26:63. __II. C. accusative (WM, §49d; BL, §42, 2). __1. Of motion or direction; __(a) through, throughout: Luk.8:39 9:6 10:4, Act.8:1, 36 al.; __(b) to, towards, over against: Luk.10:32 (Field, Notes, 62), Act.2:1o 16:7, Gal.2:11, Php.3:14, al.; __ __(with) in adverbial phrases, at, in, by, of: κατ᾽ οἶκον, at home, Act.2:46; κατ᾽ ἰδίαν (see: ἴδιος); καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Rom.14:22, Jas.2:17; with pron. of person(s), Act.17:28 18:15, Rom.1:15, Eph.1:15, al. __2. Of time, at, during, about: Act.8:26 12:1 19:23, Rom.9:9 Heb.1:10, al. __3. Distributive; __(a) of place: κ. τόποὐς, Mat.24:7, al.; κ. πόλιν, Luk.8:1, 4 al.; κ. ἐκκλησίαν, Act.14:23. __(b) of time: κ. ἔτος, Luk.2:41; ἑορτήν, Mat.27:15, al.; __(with) of numbers, etc.: καθ᾽ ἕνα πάντες, 1Co.14:31 (on καθ᾽ εἷς, see: εἷς); κ. ἑκατόν, Mrk.6:40; κ. μέρος, Heb.9:5; κ. ὄνομα, Jhn.10:3. __4. Of fitness, reference, conformity, etc.; __(a) in relation to, concerning: Rom.1:3, 4 7:22 9:3, 5, 1Co.12:6 10:18, Php.1:12; κ. πάντα, Act.17:22, Col.3:20, 22 Heb.2:17 4:15; __(b) according to, after, like: Mrk.7:5, Luk.2:27, 29 Jhn.7:24 Rom.8:4 14:15, Eph.2:2, Col.2:8, Jas.2:8, al. __III. In composition, κ. denotes, __1. down, down from (καταβαίνω), etc.), hence, metaphorically; __(a) victory or rule over (καταδουλόω, -κυριεύω, etc.); __(b) "perfective" action (M, Pr., 111ff.). __2. under (κατακαλύπτω), etc.). __3. in succession (καθεξῆς). __4. after, behind (καταλείπω). __5. Hostility, against (καταλαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 435 NT verses. KJV: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 10:37; 1 Peter 1:2.

οφθαλμοδουλειαν ophthalmodouleia G3787 "eye-service" Noun-ASF

Eye-service means doing something only when someone is watching, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:6 and Colossians 3:22. It is about seeking to please others by appearances rather than genuinely serving them.

Definition: ὀφθαλμο-δουλία (Rec. -εία), -ας, ἡ (ὀφθαλμός, δοῦλος), eye-service: Eph.6:6, Col.3:22 (not found elsewhere).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: eye-service See also: Colossians 3:22; Ephesians 6:6.

ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv

This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.

Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.

ανθρωπαρεσκοι anthrōpareskos G441 "people-pleaser" Adj-NPM

A people-pleaser is someone who tries to please men, as described in Ephesians 6:6 and Colossians 3:22. This term signifies a desire to appease others.

Definition: ἀνθρωπ-άρεσκος, -ον (ἄνθρωπος, ἄρεσκος, pleasing), [in LXX: Psa.53:5 * ;] studying to please men: Eph.6:6, Col.3:22 (Cremer, 642; MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: men-pleaser See also: Colossians 3:22; Ephesians 6:6.

αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.

ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv

δουλοι doulos G1401 "slave" Noun-NPM

This word also means a slave or servant, like in Romans 6:19 and Luke 1:38. It describes someone who is subject to another person or is in a state of subjection. This concept is about being under someone's control.

Definition: δοῦλος, -η, -ον, [in LXX, ὁ δ. nearly always for עֶבֶד; ὁ δ. chiefly for שִׁפְחָה ,אָמָה ;] __1. in bondage to, subject to: Rom.6:19. __2. As subst., ὁ, ἡ δ., a slave; __(a) fem., ἡ δ., a female slave, bondmaid (Cremer, 702; DB, iii, 215): Luk.1:38, 48 Act.2:18" (LXX) ; __(b) masc., ὁ δ., a slave, bond-man: Mat.8:9 18:23, al.; opposite to ἐλεύθερος, 1Co.7:22 12:13, Gal.3:28, Eph.6:8, Col.3:11, Rev.6:15 13:16 19:18; opposite to κύριος, δεσπότης, οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.10:24 13:27, 28 Luk.12:46, Jhn.15:15, Eph.6:5, Col.3:22 4:1, al.; metaphorically, δ. Χριστοῦ, τοῦ Χρ., Ἰησοῦ Χρ., Rom.1:1, 1Co.7:22, Gal.1:10, Eph.6:6, Php.1:1, Col.4:12, Jas.1:1, 2Pe.1:1, Ju 1; δ. τ. θεοῦ, τ. κυρίου, Act.16:17, 2Ti.2:24, Tit.1:1, 1Pe.2:16, Rev.7:3 15:3; δ. πονηρός, ἀχρεῖος, κακός, Mat.18:32 24:48 25:26, 30, Luk.17:10 19:22; δ. ἁμαρτίας, Jhn.8:34, Rom.6:17, 20; τ. φθορᾶς, 2Pe.2:19. SYN.: διάκονος (q.V.), θεράπων, ὐπηρέτης (see DB, iii, 377; iv, 461, 469; DCG, i, 221; ii, 613; Cremer, 215, 702). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 119 NT verses. KJV: bond(-man), servant See also: 1 Corinthians 7:21; Luke 20:11; 1 Peter 2:16.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

χριστου Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-GSM

Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.

Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

ποιουντες poieō G4160 "to do/make: do" Verb-PAP-NPM

This word means to make or do something, and it's used in a very broad sense. It can mean to create, produce, or cause something to happen. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's creative power, like in Matthew 19:4 and Mark 10:6.

Definition: ποιέω, -ῶ, [in LXX for a great variety of words, but chiefly for עשׂה ;] __1. to make, produce, create, cause: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.17:4, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.9:11, Act.9:39, Rom.9:20, al.; of God as Creator (with accusative of person(s) also), Mat.19:4, Mrk.10:6, Luk.11:40, Act.4:24, Heb.1:2, al.; like Heb. עשׂה, absol. = ἐργάζομαι, to work, Mat.20:12 (cf. Rut.2:19; so AV, but see infr.), Rev.13:5, R, mg. (but see infr.); σκάνδαλα, Rom.16:17; εἰρεήνην, Eph.2:15, Jas.3:18; ἐπίστασιν, Act.24:12; συστροφήν, Act.23:12; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Luk.1:68, Act.15:3; with nouns expressing action or its accomplishment, forming a periphr. for the cogn. verb: ὁδόν π. (cl. ὁ ποιεῖσθαι), to go on, advance, Mrk.2:23; πόλεμον, Rev.11:7, al.; ἐκδίκησιν, Luk.18:7, 8; ἐνέδραν, Act.25:3; κρίσιν, Jhn.5:27, Ju 15; ἔργα, Jhn.5:36, al.; (σημεῖα), Jhn.2:23 and freq., Act.2:22, al.; so also mid. ποιεῖσθαι: μονήν, Jhn.14:23; πορείαν, Luk.13:22; κοινωνίαν, Rom.15:26; of food, to make ready, prepare: δεῖπνον, Mrk.6:21, al.; δοχήν, Luk.5:29 14:13; γάμους, Mat.22:2; of time, to spend (cl.): ὥραν, Mat.20:12, RV (but see supr. and cf. McN, in l.); μῆνας, Rev.13:5, R, txt. (cf. Swete, in l.; but see supr.); ἐνιαυτόν, Jas.4:13; with accusative before ἐκ, Jhn.2:15, al.; with accusative and accusative pred., Mat.3:3 12:16, Mrk.1:3 3:12, Jhn.5:11, al.; with adv., καλῶς, Mrk.7:37; ἑορτὴν π. (Dem., Exo.23:16, al.), Act.18:21, Rec.; πάσχα, Mat.26:18; to make or offer a sacrifice (Plat., Xen., al.; Job.42:8, 3Ki.11:33; so some understand τοῦτο ποιεῖτε, Luk.22:19, but see Abbott, Essays, 110ff.); before ἵνα (WM, 422f.; M, Pr., 228), Jhn.11:37, Col.4:16, Rev.3:9. __2. to do, perform, carry out, execute: absol., with adv., καλῶς π., Mat.12:12, 1Co.7:37, 38 Jas.2:19; id. before ptcp. (cl.; see M, Pr., 228), Act.10:33, Php.4:14, 2Pe.1:19, 3Jo.6; οὕτως, Mat.24:46, Luk.9:15, al.; ὡς (καθώς), Mat.1:24 2:16, al.; ὁμοίως, Luk.3:11; ὡσαύτως, Mat.20:5; with ptcp., ἀγνοῶν ἐποίησα, 1Ti.1:13; with accusative of thing(s): τί interrog., Mat.12:3, Mrk.2:25, Luk.6:2, al.; τοῦτο, Mat.13:28, Mrk.5:32, Luk.22:19 (WH om.; see supr., ref. to Abbott, Essays), Rom.7:20, al.; with nouns expressing command or regulation: τ. νόμον (not as in cl., to make a law), Jhn.7:19, Gal.5:3 (cf. in LXX, Jos.22:5, 1Ch.22:12, al.); τ. ἐντολάς, Mat.5:19; similarly with other nouns expressing conduct: τ. δικαιοσύνην, Mat.6:1, al.; τ. ἀλήθειαν, Jhn.3:21, al., etc.; with dupl. accusative, Mat.27:22, Mrk.15:12; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s) (commod., incomm.; rare in cl.), Mat.7:12, Mrk.5:19, 20 Luk.1:49, Jhn.9:26, al. SYN.: πράσσω, which see The general distinction between the two words is that between particular action and its habitual performance (cf. Tr., Syn., §xcvi; Westc. on Jhn.3:21; ICC on Rom.1:32). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 519 NT verses. KJV: abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield See also: 1 Corinthians 5:2; Acts 21:13; 1 Peter 2:22.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θελημα thelēma G2307 "will/desire" Noun-ASN

Will or desire refers to a person's choice or intention, like God's will in Matthew 18:14 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It can also mean a decree or purpose, like God's plan for our lives.

Definition: θέλημα, -τος, τό (θέλω), [in LXX chiefly for חָפֵץ, also for רָצוֹן, etc. ;] will, __(a) objectively = that which is willed: Mat.18:14, Luk.12:47, Jhn.5:30, 1Co.7:37, 1Th.5:18, 2Ti.2:26, Heb.10:10, Rev.4:11; θ. τ. θεοῦ, Act.22:14, Rom.2:18 12:2, Eph.1:9, Col.1:9 4:12, 1Pe.4:2; τ. κυρίου, Eph.5:17; pl., of precepts, Mrk.3:35, WH, mg., Act.13:22 (LXX); ἐστιν τὸ θ., with genitive of person(s), before ἵνα, Jhn.6:39-40, 1Co.16:12; with inf., 1Pe.2:15; with accusative and inf., 1Th.4:3 __(b) subjectively = τὸ θέλειν (cf. θέλησις): Luk.23:25, Jhn.1:13, 1Pe.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ποιεῖν, Mat.7:21 12:50 21:31, Mrk.3:35 (pl., WH, mg., see supr.), Jhn.4:34 6:38 7:17 9:31, Eph.6:6, Heb.10:7, 9 10:36 13:21, 1Jn.2:17; γίνεσθαι, Mat.6:10 26:42, Luk.22:42, Act.21:14; ἡ εὐδοκία ( βουλὴ) τοῦ θ., Eph.1:5, 11; ἐν τῷ θ. τοῦ θεοῦ, Rom.1:10; διὰ θ. θεοῦ, Rom.15:32, 1Co.1:1, 2Co.1:1 8:5, Eph.1:1, Col.1:1, 2Ti.1:1; κατὰ τὸ θ. τ. θεοῦ, Gal.1:4, 1Pe.4:19, 1Jn.5:14; pl., Eph.2:3 (Cremer, 728).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 60 NT verses. KJV: desire, pleasure, will See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:15.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

εκ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

Definition: ἐκ (ἐξ), prep. with genitive, from out of, from (see Addendum, p. 492).This entry is included here, but in the print version the entry is found on p. 492. ἐκ, before a vowel ἐξ, prep. with genitive, of motion outwards, separation from (opposite to εἰς; = Lat. e, ex), from out of, from among, from. __I. Of Place, __1. of motion, out of, forth from, off from: Jhn.6:31, Act.9:3, Gal.1:8, al.; esp. after verbs of motion, Mat.8:28 17:9, Mrk.1:25 7:28, Jhn.1:33 20:1, Act.12:7, 17 27:30, al.; constr. praeg., σώζειν (διας) ἐκ, Ju 5, Act.28:4. Metaphorical, Mat.7:4, 5, 1Pe.2:9; ἐκ τ. χειρός (-ῶν), before genitive of person(s), Luk.1:74, Jhn.10:28, 29, 39, Act.12:4 24:7, Rev.19:2; πίνειν (which see) ἐκ; of the place from which an action proceeds, Luk.5:3 (cf. 12:36, Jhn.13:4, 2Co.2:4). __2. Of change from one place or condition to another: Jhn.8:42, Rom.6:13 13:11, Rev.7:14, al.; with ellips. of verb of motion, 2Ti.2:26, 2Pe.2:21, Rev.2:21, al. __3. Of separation or distinction from a number, before collective or pl. nouns: Mat.13:47, 49, Jhn.12:1, Act.3:15, 1Pe.1:3, al.; after εἷς, Mat.10:29 Luk.17:15, al.; οὐδείς, Jhn.7:19, al.; πολλοί, Jhn.11:19, al.; τις, Luk.11:15, al.; τίς, Mat.6:27, al.; in partitive phrase as subject of sentence, Jhn.16:17; Hebraistically, ἐκ μέσου before genitive, = ἐκ (Heb. מִתּוֹךְ), Mat.13:49, al. __4. Of position or direction (so in cl. = ἔξω): ἐκ δεξιῶν (see: δεξιός); ἐξ ἐναντίας, Mrk.15:39 (metaphorically, Tit.2:8); ἐκ ῥιζῶν (i.e., utterly), Mat.11:20. __II. Of Time, __1. of the point of time from which, from, since: ἐκ γενετῆς, Jhn.9:1, cf. Mrk.10:20, Luk.23:8, Act.24:10, al. __2. Of succession in time: ἐκ δευτέρου, a second time, Mrk.14:72, al., cf. Mat.26:44; ἡμέραν ἐξ ἡμέρας, from day to day, 2Pe.2:8. __III. Of Origin, __1. of nativity, lineage, race: κοίτην (ἐν γαστρί) ἔχειν, Rom.9:10, Mat.1:18; γεννᾶν ἐκ, Mat.1:3ff.; γεννᾶσθαι (γίνεσθαι) ἐκ, Jhn.3:6 8:41, Gal.4:4; ἐκ πνεύματος (θεοῦ), Jhn.1:13 3:5ff., al. ἔρχεσθαι, εἶναι, etc., ἐκ τ. πολέως, Jhn.1:44; φυλῆς, Luk.2:36, al.; τ. ἐξουσίας Ἡρῴδου, Luk.23:7; ὁ ὢν ἐκ τ. γῆς, Jhn.3:31. __2. Of the author, occasion or source: Mat.5:37, Jhn.2:16, Rom.2:29, 1Co.8:6, Gal.5:8, al.; ἐκ (τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.7:7, 2Co.5:1, 1Jn.4:7; ἐκ τ. πατρός, Jhn.6:65, al.; ἐκ τ. γῆς ἐστιν, λαλεῖ, Jhn.3:31; εκ καρδίας, Rom.6:17, cf. Mrk.12:30, 1Ti.1:5; ἐκ ψυχῆς, Eph.6:6, Col.3:23; ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.14:23; κρίνειν ἐκ, Luk.19:22, Rev.20:12. __3. Of the agent, after passive verbs: Mat.15:5, Mrk.7:11, 2Co.2:2, al.; frequently in Re after αδικεῖσθαι (2:11), etc. __4. Of cause, dependence, source of supply: τ. πόνου (των), Rev.16:10, 11; τ. φωνῶν, Rev.8:13; ἐκ τούτου, Jhn.6:66 19:12 (but see Meyer, in ll.); ἐκ θεοῦ λαλεῖν, 2Co.2:17; ἐκ τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.18:37, 1Jn.3:19; ὁ ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.3:26 4:16; οἱ (ὄντες) ἐκ περιτομῆς, Act.11:2, Rom.4:12, Gal.2:12, Col.4:11; πίνειν ἐκ, Mat.26:29, Mrk.14:25, Jhn.4:13, al.; θερίζειν, Gal.6:8; μετέχειν ἐκ (= partit. genitive), 1Co.10:13; with inf., ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν, 2Co.8:11. __5. Of material: Mat.27:29, Jhn.2:15 19:2, Rom.9:21, 1Co.11:12, Rev.18:12, al.; allied to which is its use of price (= cl. genitive): Mat.27:7, cf. ib. 20:2, Act.1:18. __IV. By attraction = ἐν (cl.): τὰ ἐκ τ. οἰκιας, Mat.24:17; τ. ἐξ αὐτοῦ δύναμιν, Mrk.5:30 (see Field, in l.); ὁ πατὴρ ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, Luk.11:13. __V. Adverbial phrases: ἐξ ἀνάγκης, 2Co.9:7, Heb.7:12; ἐξ ἰσότητος, 2Co.8:13; ἐκ μέρους, 1Co.12:27 13:9-12; ἐκ μέτρου, Jhn.3:34; ἐκ συμφώνου, 1Co.7:5. __VI. in composition, ἐκ signifies, __1. procession, removal: ἐκβαίνω, ἐκβάλλω. __2. Opening out, unfolding: ἐκτείνω; metaphorically, ἐξαγγάλλω. __3. Origin: ἔκγονος. __4. Completeness: ἐξαπορέω (see M, Pr., 237), ἐκπληρόω, ἐκτελέω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 753 NT verses. KJV: after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; 3 John 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3.

ψυχης psuchē G5590 "soul" Noun-GSF

The Greek word for soul refers to the breath of life or the seat of emotions and desires, as seen in Matthew 6:25 and John 10:11. It is the essence of a person, encompassing their will and affections. This concept is central to understanding human nature in the Bible.

Definition: ψυχή, -ῆς, ἡ, [in LXX very frequently for נֶפֶשׁ, sometimes for לֵבַב ,לֵב, etc. ;] __1. breath (Lat. anima), breath of life, life (Hom., al.; in Arist., of the vital principle): Mat.6:25, Mrk.3:4 10:45, Luk.12:22, Jhn.10:11, Act.20:10, 24 2Co.1:23, Php.2:30, 1Th.2:8, al. __2. the soul, __(a) as the seat of the will, desires and affections: Mat.26:38, Mrk.12:30" (LXX) 14:34, Luk.1:46, Jhn.10:24, Act.14:2, Php.1:27, al.; ἐκ ψυχῆς, from the heart, heartily: Eph.6:6, Col.3:23; __(b) as a periphrasis for person or self (frequently in translation from Semitic originals, see M, Pr., 87; Robinson, Gospels, 113ff.; but also frequently in cl., see LS, see word II, 2; Edwards, Lex., App. A.): Mat.11:29, Mrk.8:36, Act.2:41, Rom.2:9, 1Pe.3:20, al.; πᾶσα ψ., Act.2:43 3:23" (LXX), Rom.13:1; ψ. ζῶσα (ζωῆς), 1Co.15:45, Rev.16:3; __(with) as the object of divine grace and eternal salvation: Heb.13:17, Jas.1:21 5:20, 1Pe.1:9, 22 2:11 4:19, 3Jo.2. SYN.: see: νοῦς, πνεῦμα, ψυχικός, and cf. ICC on 1Th.5:23, Lft., Notes, 88f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 95 NT verses. KJV: heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you See also: 1 Corinthians 15:45; John 13:37; 1 Peter 1:9.

Study Notes — Ephesians 6:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ephesians 6:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ephesians 6:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ephesians 6:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ephesians 6:6
Trapp's Commentary on Ephesians 6:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Ephesians 6:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ephesians 6:6
Cambridge Bible on Ephesians 6:6
Barnes' Notes on Ephesians 6:6
Whedon's Commentary on Ephesians 6:6
Sermons on Ephesians 6:6

Context — Serving with Honor

4Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

6And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

7Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Colossians 3:22–23	Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,
2	1 Thessalonians 2:4	Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.
3	Galatians 1:10	Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
4	1 Peter 4:2	Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.
5	Ephesians 5:17	Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
6	Philippians 2:12	Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
7	Matthew 12:50	For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
8	Hebrews 13:21	equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
9	Colossians 1:9	For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10	Matthew 7:21	Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Ephesians 6:6 Summary

[Ephesians 6:6 teaches us that when we serve others, we should do it not just to please them, but because we want to serve the Lord. This means doing things from our heart, not just when someone is watching. As mentioned in Colossians 3:23, we should do everything as if working for the Lord, because that's who we're really serving. By serving the Lord in this way, we can trust that He will be pleased, and that's what truly matters.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to do something 'from your heart'?

Doing something from your heart means to do it sincerely and with genuine intention, as seen in Ephesians 6:6, and is also encouraged in Colossians 3:23, where we are told to do everything as if working for the Lord.

How can we know if we are truly serving the Lord or just trying to please people?

According to Ephesians 6:6, serving the Lord means doing His will from the heart, and as mentioned in Jeremiah 29:13, when we seek Him with our whole heart, we will find Him.

Is it possible to please both God and people at the same time?

While it's not always easy, as seen in Galatians 1:10, trying to please people can sometimes lead to displeasing God, but when we focus on serving the Lord, as in Ephesians 6:6, we can trust that He will be pleased.

What role does obedience play in serving the Lord?

Obedience is crucial in serving the Lord, as seen in Ephesians 6:5-6, where slaves are instructed to obey their earthly masters, and in Deuteronomy 11:13, where obedience to God's commands is a key part of loving and serving Him.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am trying to please people instead of serving the Lord?
How can I ensure that my heart is in the right place when serving others, and that I am doing it for the Lord's sake?
In what ways can I apply the principle of serving the Lord 'from my heart' in my daily life, whether at work, at home, or in my community?
What are some potential consequences of serving the Lord only when it's convenient or when others are watching, and how can I avoid this trap?

Gill's Exposition on Ephesians 6:6

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers,.... Doing nothing but when under the master's eye, and then pretending a great deal of diligence and industry, in order to ingratiate themselves into his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ephesians 6:6

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; (Colossians 3:22.) Seeking to please masters only so long as their eyes are on them: as

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ephesians 6:6

Not with eyeservice; not merely having respect to your masters’ presence, and looking upon you in your work. As men-pleasers; such as make it their only business to please their masters, right or wrong, and ingratiate themselves with them, though by offending God. But as the servants of Christ; as becomes the servants of Christ, or as those that are the servants of Christ, and seek to please him. Doing the will of God; performing obedience to your masters not barely as their will, but God’ s will, who requires it, as .

Trapp's Commentary on Ephesians 6:6

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; Ver. 6. Not with eyeservice] And yet it were well if we would do God, our great Master, but eyeservice. For his eye is ever upon us, and pierceth into the inward parts. So that they much deceive themselves, who think all is well because no man can say to them, Black is thine eye.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ephesians 6:6

(6) Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers.—This verse is merely an expansion of the idea of singleness of heart. The word “eyeservice” (used here, and in Colossians 3:22) is peculiar to St. Paul, and to these passages; the word “menpleasers” is not found elsewhere in the New Testament, but is used in the LXX.; and the antithesis of “pleasing men” and “pleasing God “is not unfrequent with St. Paul. (See Galatians 1:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 2:4.) To a slave, looking on his master’s authority as mere power imposed by the cruel laws of man, this “eyeservice” is found to be an all but irresistible temptation. It is only when he looks on himself as “the slave of Christ”—who Himself “took on Him the form of a slave” (Philippians 2:7) in order to work out the will of God in a sinful world, and to redeem all men from bondage—that he can possibly serve from the heart.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ephesians 6:6

Verse 6. Not with eye-service] Not merely in their presence, when their eye is upon you, as unfaithful and hypocritical servants do, without consulting conscience in any part of their work. Doing the will of God] Seeing that you are in the state of servitude, it is the will of God that you should act conscientiously in it.

Cambridge Bible on Ephesians 6:6

6. eyeservice] The word is found elsewhere only Colossians 3:22, and was possibly coined by St Paul. It is the “service” which works for another only under the compulsion of inspection, and only in external action.menpleasers] With no higher aim than the personal comfort of getting, anyhow, the master’s approval or indulgence. Cp. Galatians 1:10 for a close parallel. The underlying fact is that the earthly master can be “pleased” by a merely specious service, but that the Christian is really enslaved to One who sees infallibly whether the service rendered Him is service of the heart. This comes out in the following clauses.the will of God] expressed in the present fact of your servile duty.Thus did the Gospel dignify the lowest walk of human life, in the act of imposing the yoke of Christ on the whole being of the Christian.“A servant with this clauseMakes drudgery divine;Who sweeps a room as for Thy lawsMakes that and th’ action fine.”Herbert, The Elixir.the heart] Lit., the soul. So (Gr.) Colossians 3:23. A spring of innermost good-will, alike to the Heavenly Master and the earthly, must work within. Cp. 1 Timothy 6:1-2.

Barnes' Notes on Ephesians 6:6

Nor with eye-service - That is, not with service rendered only under the eye of the master, or when his eye is fixed on you. The apostle has here adverted to one of the evils of involuntary servitude as it exists everywhere.

Whedon's Commentary on Ephesians 6:6

6. Eyeservice—Service performed only because the eye of the master would detect its omission or slight performance. This is serving the eye and not the interest of the man we profess to serve.

Sermons on Ephesians 6:6

	Sermon	Description
	Finding the Will of God by Carter Conlon	This sermon focuses on the importance of finding and walking in the will of God. It emphasizes the distinction between the revealed will of God, which is clear and practical, and t
	The Power of Obedience by Basilea Schlink	In this sermon transcript, Basilia Schlink discusses the power of obedience in our lives. She acknowledges that obedience is often seen as unpopular, especially among young people
	Christ's Meat the Will of God. by Watchman Nee	Watchman Nee emphasizes the importance of aligning our will with God's will, as demonstrated by Christ's commitment to fulfilling the Father's purpose. He illustrates that true sus
	A Faith of Practical Action by Phillips Brooks	Phillips Brooks emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith in obedience to God's will, rather than just holding theoretical beliefs. He contrasts the believer who merely l
	Listen Carefully, My Child by St. Benedict of Nursia	St. Benedict of Nursia preaches about the importance of obedience to God, emphasizing the need to listen to God's precepts with an open heart and willingly carry out His advice. He
	The Fallacy of "Secret Sin" by A.W. Tozer	The preacher delves into the multifaceted meanings of the Greek word 'psuche' (soul), emphasizing that its interpretation is context-dependent and can vary based on whether one is
	Thy Will Be Done by Charles Finney	Charles Finney emphasizes the profound implications of the prayer 'Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven,' exploring the relationship between human will, moral responsibilit