Ephesians 6:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 6:7 provides a foundational principle for Christian service, urging believers to perform all their work, regardless of its nature or earthly recipient, with a sincere and willing heart, understanding that their ultimate accountability and dedication are to the Lord Jesus Christ, not merely to human employers or observers. This verse elevates every task into an act of worship, transforming the mundane into the sacred by shifting the focus from external recognition to divine approval.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 6:7 is nestled within Paul's comprehensive instructions regarding household relationships, following his exhortations to children and parents ([Ephesians 6:1-4](/ephesians/6-1-4 "Ephesians 6:1-4 - Instructions for Children and Parents")). Specifically, verses 5-9 address the dynamics between bondservants (or slaves) and masters, a significant social structure in the Roman world. This section forms part of the practical application (chapters 4-6) of the profound theological truths and spiritual realities Paul expounds in the first half of the letter (chapters 1-3), which detail God's redemptive plan and the unity of believers in Christ. The immediate verses, [Ephesians 6:5-6](/ephesians/6-5-6 "Ephesians 6:5-6 - Instructions for Bondservants"), set the stage by commanding bondservants to obey their earthly masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as they would Christ, not with eye-service as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. Verse 7 then builds upon this by specifying the *attitude* with which such service should be rendered.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Paul's time, slavery (or bondservitude) was a widespread and deeply ingrained institution, differing significantly from modern conceptions of slavery. While often harsh, it encompassed a wide spectrum of relationships, from highly educated household managers to manual laborers. Paul's instructions here are revolutionary not because they advocate for immediate social upheaval, but because they radically transform the *nature* of the relationship from within. By instructing both bondservants and masters to view their roles through a Christ-centered lens, Paul subverts the prevailing social hierarchy with spiritual equality and mutual respect. For bondservants, this meant finding dignity and purpose in their labor by performing it for God; for masters, it meant treating their bondservants with justice and fairness, remembering they too had a Master in heaven ([Ephesians 6:9](/ephesians/6-9 "Ephesians 6:9 - Instructions for Masters")). This spiritual reorientation provided a powerful, though gradual, catalyst for social change.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ephesians and Pauline theology. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Christian Work Ethic**, emphasizing that all legitimate labor, regardless of its social standing, can be consecrated to God. It highlights **Motivation in Service**, shifting the primary driver from human approval or compulsion to a sincere desire to honor God. This ties into the broader theme of **Living Out One's Calling in Christ**, where every aspect of a believer's life, including their daily tasks, becomes an arena for demonstrating their faith and obedience. The principle of serving "as to the Lord, and not to men" is a profound expression of **Ultimate Accountability to God**, a concept echoed in [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Work Heartily for the Lord"), which similarly encourages believers to "whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." This redefines the **Dignity of Labor**, imbuing even the most humble tasks with eternal significance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good will (Greek, _eúnoia'_):** From G2133. This word signifies kindness, benevolence, or a positive disposition. It implies a cheerful, willing, and sincere readiness to serve, rather than a forced, grudging, or merely compliant attitude. It speaks to the internal disposition of the heart from which service flows, emphasizing a spirit of eagerness and genuine desire to please.
* **doing service (Greek, _douleúō'_):** From G1398. This verb means "to be a slave to" or "to serve." It is derived from _doulos_ (slave/bondservant), highlighting the nature of the commitment and devotion inherent in the service being rendered. While originally referring to the status of a bondservant, in this context, it extends to the act of serving with the dedication and commitment characteristic of a devoted bondservant, underscoring that Christians are ultimately bondservants of Christ.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962. This term denotes supreme authority, a controller, or Master. In the New Testament, it is consistently used to refer to Jesus Christ as the divine sovereign. Paul's use of "as to the Lord" elevates the recipient of service from a human master to the ultimate divine Master, transforming the very nature and purpose of the work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With good will doing service":** This opening phrase sets the tone, emphasizing the *manner* and *attitude* of service. The "good will" (Greek: _eúnoia_) points to an internal disposition of cheerfulness, willingness, and sincerity. It contrasts sharply with grudging compliance, eye-service (as mentioned in [Ephesians 6:6](/ephesians/6-6 "Ephesians 6:6 - Not with eye-service")), or service motivated solely by obligation or fear of punishment. The "doing service" (Greek: _douleúō_) implies a commitment and diligence akin to that of a devoted bondservant.
* **"as to the Lord":** This is the pivotal clause, reorienting the ultimate object of service. It means that the work, though performed for an earthly master or employer, is to be done *as if* it were directly for Jesus Christ himself. This perspective transforms all labor into an act of worship and devotion, imbuing it with eternal significance and dignity. It shifts the focus from human approval or reward to divine commendation.
* **"and not to men":** This concluding phrase clarifies the preceding one by stating what the service is *not* primarily for. It does not mean that one should disregard human employers or neglect their duties to them. Rather, it means that the primary motivation, ultimate accountability, and deepest desire to please should not be directed towards human beings, with their fickle praise or limited understanding, but towards God. This frees the believer from people-pleasing and external validation, aligning their efforts with a higher, unchanging standard.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful use of **Antithesis** in this verse, juxtaposing "as to the Lord" with "and not to men." This rhetorical device highlights the stark contrast between two potential motivations and ultimate recipients of service, emphasizing that the Christian's allegiance and primary focus should be divinely oriented. This antithesis serves to elevate the mundane act of labor to a sacred offering. Furthermore, there is an element of **Transference of Agency**, where the immediate human recipient of service is transcended by the ultimate divine recipient. This redefines the very nature of work, infusing it with spiritual purpose and eternal value, regardless of its earthly context.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 6:7 encapsulates a profound theological truth: all of life, including our daily work and interactions, is an opportunity to serve God. This verse underscores the Christian understanding that our ultimate Master is Christ, and therefore, every task, no matter how humble or grand, can become an act of worship when performed with a heart dedicated to Him. This perspective dignifies all legitimate labor, transforming it from mere toil or a means to an end into a sacred calling. It challenges believers to cultivate an internal disposition of willingness and excellence, knowing that their true audience and ultimate reward come from God, not from human recognition or transient circumstances.

* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Work Heartily for the Lord")
* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 6:7 offers a transformative lens through which to view all our daily responsibilities, whether at home, in the workplace, or in our communities. It challenges us to move beyond a transactional understanding of work—where we simply exchange time for money or effort for recognition—to a theological one, where every task becomes an offering to God. This perspective liberates us from the pressures of people-pleasing, the frustrations of unappreciated effort, and the discouragement of mundane routines. When we perform our duties "with good will," knowing that we are ultimately serving the Lord, our attitude shifts, our diligence increases, and our integrity is strengthened, even when no human eye is watching. This principle encourages us to pursue excellence not for our own glory, but for His, finding joy and purpose in every endeavor as we seek to honor our divine Master.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself serving "men" more than "the Lord," and how can you reorient your perspective?**
* **How might adopting the attitude of "good will" transform your approach to tasks you find difficult or unfulfilling?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to consciously perform your work, chores, or responsibilities "as to the Lord"?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean we shouldn't care about our earthly employers or human relationships?**

Answer: Not at all. The phrase "and not to men" does not negate the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities to human employers, colleagues, or family members. Instead, it prioritizes the *ultimate* motivation and accountability. It means that our primary focus and desire to please should be directed towards God, not merely towards human beings. When we serve God first, our service to others naturally becomes more diligent, honest, and sincere, because we are acting from a higher principle. It frees us from the trap of people-pleasing or performing only when observed, encouraging integrity and excellence in all circumstances. Our service to people becomes an outflow of our service to God, as seen in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever You Did for One of the Least of These").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 6:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of one who served "with good will... as to the Lord, and not to men." From His incarnation to His crucifixion, Jesus' entire life was characterized by perfect obedience and willing service to His Father ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Does the Will of the Father")). He did not seek the praise of men ([John 5:41](/john/5-41 "John 5:41 - Jesus Does Not Receive Glory from Men")) but consistently sought to glorify the Father through His words and deeds ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorified the Father")). His ultimate act of service, laying down His life on the cross, was the supreme demonstration of serving "as to the Lord," fulfilling the Father's will for the salvation of humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, as believers, we are called to imitate Christ's humble and selfless service ([Philippians 2:5-7](/philippians/2-5-7 "Philippians 2:5-7 - Imitate Christ's Humility")). Our service, performed "as to the Lord," is not merely an ethical principle but a response to the boundless grace and love we have received from Christ, who Himself became a bondservant for our sake ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thus, our good will and diligent service become a tangible expression of our devotion to the One who perfectly served God and humanity.

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

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.