Ephesians 6:7

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

With {G3326} good will {G2133} doing service {G1398}, as to the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} not {G3756} to men {G444}:

Work willingly as slaves, as people do who are serving not merely human beings but the Lord.

Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,

with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men:

Commentary on Ephesians 6:7 (KJV)

Ephesians 6:7 is part of Paul's practical instructions for Christian living within various household relationships, specifically addressing servants (or bondservants) and masters. While originally directed at those in servitude in the Roman world, its principles extend to anyone engaged in labor or service, providing profound insight into the Christian work ethic and motivation.

Context

This verse follows Paul's exhortation to children and parents, and then to servants and masters. In the broader context of Ephesians, Paul transitions from theological doctrines of grace and unity in Christ (chapters 1-3) to practical applications of these truths in daily life (chapters 4-6). Verses 5-9 specifically deal with the master-servant relationship, urging both parties to act with integrity and spiritual understanding, acknowledging God as their ultimate Master. This particular verse emphasizes the attitude and ultimate recipient of one's labor.

Key Themes

  • Motive in Service: The core message is about the internal disposition behind one's actions. Service should not be grudging or merely for human approval, but performed "with good will," implying eagerness, sincerity, and a positive attitude.
  • Serving the Lord, Not Men: This verse elevates all honest labor into an act of worship. Regardless of who the earthly employer or beneficiary might be, the Christian's ultimate focus and accountability are to God. This transformative perspective means that even the most mundane tasks can become sacred when performed "as to the Lord." This theme is powerfully echoed in Colossians 3:23-24, which states, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
  • Dignity of Labor: By framing service as directed "as to the Lord," Paul imbues all legitimate work with inherent dignity and eternal significance, regardless of its social standing.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "good will" translates the Greek word eunoia (εὔνοια), which signifies a positive disposition, kindness, or benevolence. It suggests a cheerful, willing, and sincere readiness to serve, rather than a forced or begrudging compliance. The term "doing service" comes from douleuontes (δουλεύοντες), related to doulos, meaning "bondservant" or "slave." This highlights the commitment and devotion inherent in the service being rendered, underscoring that Christians are ultimately bondservants of Christ.

Practical Application

Ephesians 6:7 has profound implications for modern work ethic and daily life. It encourages believers to:

  • Transform Mundane Tasks: Every task, from professional work to household chores or volunteer efforts, can be seen as an offering to God. This perspective elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary.
  • Cultivate a Positive Attitude: Regardless of circumstances or difficult human relationships, the focus shifts to pleasing God, fostering a spirit of excellence and diligence.
  • Seek Divine Approval: This verse encourages believers to prioritize God's approval over human praise or recognition. It frees individuals from the pressure of people-pleasing and external validation, aligning with the principle that one cannot serve two masters (God and mammon).
  • Maintain Integrity: Knowing that one serves the Lord fosters honesty, diligence, and integrity in all dealings, even when unobserved by human eyes.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Colossians 3:23

    And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

  • 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 6:6

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

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

  • 2 Kings 5:13

    And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

  • 2 Kings 5:2

    And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.

  • 2 Kings 5:3

    And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord [were] with the prophet that [is] in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back