### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ophthalmodouleía**, represented by `{{G3787}}`, refers to **eye-service**. This term, formed from words meaning "sight" and "labor," describes work that is performed only under supervision. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, highlighting a specific type of superficial service that is outwardly compliant but inwardly remiss.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3787}}` is always presented as a negative example of service. It warns **servants** `{{G1401}}` against obeying their masters according to the **flesh** `{{G4561}}` with **eyeservice**, as **menpleasers** `{{G441}}` do [[Colossians 3:22]]. Instead of this superficial work, the proper way to serve is as **servants** `{{G1401}}` of **Christ** `{{G5547}}`, **doing** `{{G4160}}` the **will** `{{G2307}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}` from the **heart** `{{G5590}}` [[Ephesians 6:6]]. The term consistently contrasts work done for human approval with sincere, heartfelt labor offered to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of **eyeservice** by providing its context and its opposite:
* `{{G441}}` **anthrōpáreskos** (men-pleaser): Defined as "man-courting, i.e. fawning," this term is used in direct conjunction with **eyeservice** to describe those whose primary motivation is to gain favor with people rather than God [[Ephesians 6:6]].
* `{{G1401}}` **doûlos** (servant): Meaning "a slave... bond(-man), servant," this word identifies the audience being instructed. Believers are called to move beyond being mere servants of men to become **servants** of **Christ** `{{G5547}}`, changing the entire nature of their work [[Colossians 3:22]].
* `{{G572}}` **haplótēs** (singleness): This term, meaning "sincerity," is presented as the direct antidote to **eyeservice**. The command is to work not with a divided, superficial motive but in "singleness of heart" [[Colossians 3:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3787}}` focuses on the inner motivation behind a believer's actions.
* **The Object of Service:** The concept of **eyeservice** challenges believers to recognize their ultimate **master** `{{G2962}}`. While they may serve human masters on earth, their true service is rendered to the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` [[Colossians 3:22]].
* **The Heart of Worship:** True obedience is not external compliance but an internal disposition. Service must be performed from the **heart** `{{G5590}}`, **doing** `{{G4160}}` the **will** `{{G2307}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}` sincerely [[Ephesians 6:6]].
* **Fear of God vs. Fear of Man:** The alternative to being a **menpleaser** `{{G441}}` is **fearing** `{{G5399}}` **God** `{{G2316}}`. This reverential awe reorients a person's priorities and becomes the driving force for genuine, non-superficial work [[Colossians 3:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3787}}` defines more than just lazy or watched work; it addresses a fundamental spiritual issue of motivation and worship. **Ophthalmodouleía** is the practice of serving for human approval, while the scriptures call believers to a higher standard: a service done with **singleness** `{{G572}}` of heart as unto **Christ** `{{G5547}}`. This transforms all labor, no matter how mundane, into an act of sincere devotion to **God** `{{G2316}}`.
TRV