### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (anthrōpáreskos, `{{G441}}`) is a compound term derived from ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos, `{{G444}}`), meaning "man" or "human being," and ἀρέσκω (areskō, `{{G700}}`), meaning "to please" or "to be agreeable to." Its literal meaning is "man-pleasing" or "human-pleasing." However, the term carries a distinctly negative connotation in the New Testament. It describes someone who is excessively eager to please people, often to the point of fawning, servility, or insincerity. The core semantic range thus includes notions of flattery, obsequiousness, and a motivation for action that stems from the desire for human approval rather than integrity or divine principle. It implies a compromise of conviction for the sake of social acceptance or personal gain.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (`{{G441}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the Pauline epistles and in parallel contexts addressing the conduct of bondservants (slaves) towards their earthly masters.
1. **[[Ephesians 6:6]]**: "not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart."
* Here, "men-pleasers" is explicitly contrasted with "bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart." The phrase "eye-service" (ὀφθαλμοδουλεία) further clarifies the negative behavior: work performed only when observed, lacking genuine commitment. The implication is that a "man-pleaser" performs duty superficially, motivated by external human oversight and approval, rather than by an internal devotion to God's will.
2. **[[Colossians 3:22]]**: "Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord."
* This verse echoes the sentiment of [[Ephesians 6:6]] almost identically. The call is for obedience "with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord," directly opposing the insincere, externally motivated behavior of "people-pleasers" who engage in "eye-service." The "fearing the Lord" (φοβούμενοι τὸν Κύριον) provides the proper, God-centered motivation that should replace the human-centered one.
In both contexts, the word highlights a fundamental issue of motivation: whether one's actions are driven by a desire to please humans or to please God. The apostles condemn the former as a superficial and ultimately ungodly approach to one's responsibilities.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (`{{G441}}`) is illuminated by its constituent parts and contrasting concepts:
* **ἄνθρωπος** (`{{G444}}`): The "man" or "human" whose pleasure is sought. This highlights the misplaced focus of the "man-pleaser."
* **ἀρέσκω** (`{{G700}}`): The verb "to please." While ἀρέσκω itself can be used positively (e.g., pleasing God, as in [[Hebrews 11:6]]) or negatively (e.g., pleasing oneself, as in [[Romans 15:1]]), its compound form ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (`{{G441}}`) specifically denotes the negative, servile aspect of pleasing humans.
* **ὀφθαλμοδουλεία** (`{{G3787}}`): "Eye-service." This term, used alongside ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (`{{G441}}`) in both occurrences, describes the superficial nature of the "man-pleaser's" work—done only when observed, lacking inner conviction.
* **Contrast with God-pleasing**: Though not a direct antonym in the New Testament, the concept of "God-pleasing" (e.g., θεάρεστος - the-arestos, though not used in the NT, the concept of pleasing God is central, cf. [[Romans 8:8]], [[Hebrews 11:6]]) stands in direct opposition to "man-pleasing."
* **Sincerity (ἐν ἁπλότητι καρδίας)**: The quality advocated as the alternative to "man-pleasing" in [[Colossians 3:22]], emphasizing inner integrity and genuine motivation.
* **Fear of the Lord (φοβούμενοι τὸν Κύριον)**: The proper motivation for service, as presented in [[Colossians 3:22]], indicating reverent awe and obedience to God, which displaces the fear of human disapproval.
* **Pauline Ethics**: The concept resonates with Paul's broader rejection of seeking human approval, as seen in [[Galatians 1:10]]: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (`{{G441}}`) is profound, extending beyond the specific context of bondservants to all believers.
1. **Ultimate Audience**: The term underscores a core theological principle: the ultimate audience for a believer's life and service is God, not humanity. To act as an ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (`{{G441}}`) is to misdirect one's devotion and effort, placing human opinion above divine commendation.
2. **Authenticity vs. Hypocrisy**: It exposes the danger of hypocrisy and insincerity in Christian living. When actions are motivated by the desire to impress or conform to human expectations, they lack genuine spiritual depth and integrity. True service flows from a transformed heart, not from a desire for external validation.
3. **Motivation for Service**: The contrast between "man-pleasing" and "doing the will of God from the heart" or "fearing the Lord" highlights the crucial importance of motivation in Christian ethics. God values the heart and the underlying intent more than the outward performance.
4. **Freedom in Christ**: Being free from the need to be an ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (`{{G441}}`) is an aspect of Christian freedom. It liberates believers from the bondage of public opinion and allows them to serve God faithfully, even when it means incurring human disapproval.
5. **Idolatry of Approval**: In its extreme form, "man-pleasing" can become an idolatry of human approval, where one's identity and worth are derived from external validation rather than from one's relationship with God.
### Summary
ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (anthrōpáreskos, `{{G441}}`) is a pejorative Greek term meaning "man-pleaser," describing someone whose actions are primarily driven by the desire for human approval or the avoidance of human disapproval. Appearing twice in the New Testament, in [[Ephesians 6:6]] and [[Colossians 3:22]], it is used in the context of instructions to bondservants, condemning "eye-service" and advocating for sincere, heart-felt obedience. Theologically, this word serves as a critical warning against misdirected motivation in Christian life and service. It contrasts superficial, externally driven performance with the authentic, integrity-filled service that flows from a genuine desire to do God's will and a reverent fear of the Lord. Ultimately, ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (`{{G441}}`) calls believers to direct their ultimate devotion and efforts towards pleasing God alone, rather than seeking the fleeting praise of humanity.