Colossians 3:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Servants {G1401}, obey {G5219} in {G2596} all things {G3956} your masters {G2962} according {G2596} to the flesh {G4561}; not {G3361} with {G1722} eyeservice {G3787}, as {G5613} menpleasers {G441}; but {G235} in {G1722} singleness {G572} of heart {G2588}, fearing {G5399} God {G2316}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Slaves, obey your human masters in everything, not serving only when they are watching you, to win their favor, but single-heartedly, fearing the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 3:22 exhorts those in positions of servitude or employment to perform their duties with integrity and sincerity, driven not by a desire for human approval or mere supervision, but by a profound reverence for God. This verse is a foundational component of Paul's instructions on how the transformative power of new life in Christ should manifest in daily vocational and relational conduct, emphasizing an internal, God-centered motivation for all work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 3:22 is situated within a larger section (Colossians 3:18-4:1) commonly identified as a "household code" or *Haustafel*. This literary form, prevalent in Greco-Roman ethical discourse, was adopted by early Christian writers to provide practical guidance for believers within established social structures. Paul systematically addresses various relational dynamics: wives and husbands (Colossians 3:18-19), children and parents (Colossians 3:20-21), and here, servants and masters (Colossians 3:22-4:1). This particular verse directly follows the admonition to children to obey their parents and precedes the reciprocal instruction to masters, highlighting the interconnectedness of these relationships under Christ's Lordship. The overarching theme of this section is that Christian identity should radically transform even the most mundane or challenging social roles, encouraging believers to [do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Doing All in the Name of the Lord Jesus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Roman world of the first century, the institution of slavery and various forms of servitude (e.g., indentured labor, household workers, skilled artisans) were deeply entrenched. The Greek term *douloi* (translated "servants" or "slaves") encompassed a wide spectrum of individuals, from chattel slaves with no legal rights to highly skilled and educated household managers. Paul's letters, including Colossians, do not directly advocate for the abolition of these social structures, which would have been revolutionary and destabilizing in that era. Instead, they transform the *ethos* and *nature* of these relationships from within, imbuing them with Christian principles. Paul addresses both servants and masters, emphasizing mutual respect, fairness, and a shared ultimate accountability to God, thereby laying the groundwork for a radical re-evaluation of human dignity and labor that would eventually contribute to the decline of slavery.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 3:22 contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter. Foremost is the theme of **Christian Transformation and Practical Ethics**, demonstrating how the believer's new identity in Christ (Colossians 3:1-4) should translate into concrete actions and attitudes in daily life. The verse underscores the **Supremacy of Christ** by shifting the ultimate allegiance of the servant from an earthly master to God Himself, thereby elevating mundane labor into sacred service. It also highlights the theme of **Authenticity and Integrity**, contrasting superficial, performance-driven work ("eyeservice") with genuine, heart-felt diligence ("singleness of heart"). This aligns with Paul's broader call for believers to [put off the old self with its practices and put on the new self](/colossians/3-9-10 "Colossians 3:9-10 - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New"), which is being renewed in the knowledge of its Creator. The ultimate motivation for this transformed work ethic is the **Fear of God**, understood not as terror but as reverential awe and respect for God as the supreme authority and judge, who sees all things, as further expounded in [Colossians 3:23-25](/colossians/3-23-25 "Colossians 3:23-25 - Working for the Lord, Not Men").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servants (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From δέω; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):--bond(-man), servant. This term, while often translated "slave," in the context of ancient household codes and the broad range of Greco-Roman servitude, encompasses anyone in a subordinate position, including bondservants, hired laborers, or even employees. Paul's use of *doûlos* here is not to endorse chattel slavery but to address the reality of social structures and infuse them with Christian ethics, transforming the *attitude* of the subordinate rather than immediately dismantling the system.
* **Eyeservice (Greek, _ophthalmodouleía'_):** From ὀφθαλμός and δουλεία; sight-labor, i.e. that needs watching (remissness):--eye-service. This is a unique Pauline compound word, vividly describing work that is performed only when the master's "eye" is upon the servant. It denotes a superficial, insincere, and often lazy approach to duty, motivated solely by the desire to avoid punishment or gain temporary favor. It implies a lack of internal commitment and integrity when supervision is absent.
* **Singleness (Greek, _haplótēs'_):** From ἁπλοῦς; singleness, i.e. (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal):--bountifulness, liberal(-ity), simplicity, singleness. In this context, *haplótēs* refers to sincerity, integrity, and an undivided heart. It stands in stark contrast to "eyeservice" and "menpleasers," advocating for a pure, unmixed motive in one's work, free from duplicity or ulterior motives. When combined with *kardía* ("heart"), it signifies a genuine, wholehearted dedication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh":** This opening clause establishes the primary command: obedience to earthly authorities. The phrase "according to the flesh" (κατὰ σάρκα) acknowledges that these masters are human and their authority is temporal and earthly, distinguishing them from the ultimate Master, God. The command to obey "in all things" implies a comprehensive submission, though always implicitly limited by a higher obedience to God (e.g., Acts 5:29).
* **"not with eyeservice, as menpleasers;":** This is a negative injunction, specifying *how not* to obey. "Eyeservice" (ophthalmodouleía) condemns work done superficially, only when observed, or merely to impress others. "As menpleasers" (ὡς ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι) further clarifies this negative motivation, highlighting the desire to gain favor or avoid disfavor from human beings as the primary driver, rather than a genuine commitment to the task or to God.
* **"but in singleness of heart, fearing God:":** This is the positive injunction, outlining the *correct* manner and motivation for obedience. "In singleness of heart" (ἐν ἁπλότητι καρδίας) calls for sincerity, integrity, and an undivided devotion to the task. The ultimate motivation is "fearing God" (φοβούμενοι τὸν Θεόν), which refers not to a servile dread but to a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God as the supreme authority and the one to whom all believers are ultimately accountable. This divine fear transforms mundane labor into an act of worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Antithesis** is prominent, contrasting two opposing ways of working: "not with eyeservice, as menpleasers" *but* "in singleness of heart, fearing God." This sharp contrast highlights the desired internal motivation over superficial external performance. The term **"eyeservice"** itself is a vivid **Neologism** (a newly coined word by Paul), functioning as a **Metaphor** that encapsulates the entire concept of insincere, performance-driven work. The phrase "according to the flesh" serves as a **Qualification**, limiting the scope of earthly authority and implicitly pointing to a higher, spiritual authority. The entire verse functions as a **Moral Exhortation**, characteristic of the ethical sections in Paul's epistles, providing clear directives for Christian conduct within specific social roles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 3:22 profoundly reshapes the understanding of work and authority within a Christian worldview. It elevates even the most humble or challenging forms of labor into a spiritual act, transforming the workplace into a sphere of worship. The core theological insight is that all human endeavors, when undertaken with a sincere heart and a reverential fear of God, become service rendered directly to the Lord, regardless of the immediate human recipient. This perspective liberates the worker from the tyranny of human approval and empowers them with a divine motivation, ensuring integrity and diligence even when unseen. It underscores the pervasive nature of Christ's Lordship, extending His dominion into every facet of a believer's life, including their vocational responsibilities.

* [Ephesians 6:5-8](/ephesians/6-5-8 "Ephesians 6:5-8 - Slaves and Masters")
* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Doing All for God's Glory")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man vs. Trust in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 3:22 offers timeless principles for all believers in their daily work, whether in formal employment, volunteer service, academic pursuits, or household duties. It challenges us to examine the true motivation behind our efforts. Are we driven by a desire to impress others, to merely fulfill external requirements, or to avoid negative consequences? Or is our work an outflow of a heart genuinely committed to excellence, integrity, and ultimately, to honoring God? This verse calls us to cultivate an internal work ethic that transcends external supervision, recognizing that our ultimate audience is not human but divine. When we perform our tasks "in singleness of heart, fearing God," even the most mundane chores become acts of worship, transforming our perspective and infusing our labor with purpose and dignity. This perspective helps us to resist the temptation to cut corners, to procrastinate, or to engage in superficial performance, reminding us that every task, however small, can be sanctified when done as unto the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary motivations behind your work or daily tasks? Are they primarily external (e.g., praise, pay, avoiding criticism) or internal (e.g., integrity, excellence, honoring God)?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to engage in "eyeservice," doing just enough to be seen or to please others, rather than working with "singleness of heart"?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper "fear of God" (reverential awe and respect) transform your approach to your responsibilities and relationships?**

### FAQ

**What does "masters according to the flesh" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "masters according to the flesh" (Greek: *kyrious kata sarka*) refers to earthly, human masters or employers, distinguishing them from God, who is the ultimate, spiritual Master. It acknowledges that the authority of these human masters is temporal and pertains to the physical, earthly realm ("the flesh"), implying that their authority is limited and subordinate to God's ultimate authority. This distinction is crucial because it sets the stage for the command to obey with a motivation that transcends mere human approval, ultimately rooted in the "fearing God." It reminds believers that while they are to respect and obey earthly authorities, their highest allegiance belongs to Christ, as further elaborated in [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working as for the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 3:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse directly addresses servants, its underlying principle—that all labor is to be performed with sincerity and a God-fearing heart, as if for the Lord—is perfectly embodied by Christ. Jesus, the ultimate Servant, consistently acted not for human applause or "eyeservice," but with absolute "singleness of heart" and perfect obedience to His Father, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His entire earthly ministry, from His humble beginnings to His sacrificial death, was an act of perfect obedience, demonstrating that true greatness lies in serving God and others wholeheartedly (Mark 10:45). Believers are called to imitate Christ's humble, obedient service, understanding that their work, when done in His name and for His glory, becomes a participation in His ongoing redemptive mission. Just as Christ's service was a fragrant offering to God (Ephesians 5:2), so too our work, done with integrity and reverence, becomes a spiritual act of worship, transforming mundane tasks into sacred service that reflects the character of our Lord (Romans 12:1-2). This Christ-centered perspective elevates vocational duties beyond mere obligation, revealing them as opportunities to bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in every sphere of life (1 Peter 2:21).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 1:10

¶ For 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.

1 Timothy 6:1

¶ Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed.

1 Timothy 6:2

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them], because they are brethren; but rather do [them] service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

Ephesians 6:5

Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

Ephesians 6:7

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

1 Peter 2:18

Servants, [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

1 Peter 2:19

For this [is] thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.