### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anthrōpáreskos**, represented by `{{G441}}`, is defined as **man-courting, i.e. fawning:--men-pleaser**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This term identifies an attitude or action that is motivated by the desire to gain favor from people rather than from God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G441}}` is presented as a negative behavior to be avoided. Both occurrences contrast being **menpleasers** with a more sincere form of service. In Colossians, servants are instructed to obey their earthly masters not with **eyeservice**, as **menpleasers**, but with "singleness of heart, fearing God" [[Colossians 3:22]]. Similarly, Ephesians advises against working with **eyeservice**, as **menpleasers**, and instead encourages believers to act as "the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart" [[Ephesians 6:6]]. The term consistently describes a superficial service performed only for human observation and approval.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of being a men-pleaser:
* `{{G3787}}` **ophthalmodouleía**: Defined as "sight-labor, i.e. that needs watching (remissness):--eye-service," this word appears alongside `{{G441}}` in both of its uses, highlighting an external service that lacks inner conviction ([[Colossians 3:22]], [[Ephesians 6:6]]).
* `{{G1401}}` **doûlos**: This word for **servant** or "slave" establishes the context in which the command against being a men-pleaser is given. The believer is ultimately a servant of Christ, not merely of men [[Ephesians 6:6]].
* `{{G572}}` **haplótēs**: Meaning **singleness** or "sincerity," this term is presented as the direct antidote to the attitude of a men-pleaser, calling for service done with an undivided and sincere heart [[Colossians 3:22]].
* `{{G5219}}` **hypakoúō**: This word for **obey** sets the stage for the command. Believers are to obey, but the quality and motivation of that obedience are crucial, determining whether it is done to please men or God [[Colossians 3:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G441}}` is significant, as it addresses the core motivation behind a believer's conduct.
* **Heart Motivation:** The term forces a distinction between actions done for human praise and those done out of reverence for God. It condemns service performed with **eyeservice** `{{G3787}}` and commends work done from the heart as unto **Christ** `{{G5547}}` [[Ephesians 6:6]].
* **Ultimate Allegiance:** By contrasting service to earthly **masters** `{{G2962}}` with service to God, the use of **menpleasers** clarifies that a believer's ultimate loyalty must be to their heavenly Master. The alternative to pleasing men is "fearing God" [[Colossians 3:22]].
* **Authentic Faith:** The concept serves as a warning against a superficial faith that is concerned only with external appearances. True service is characterized by **singleness** `{{G572}}` of heart, demonstrating a genuine relationship with God rather than a performance for others.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G441}}` functions as a crucial ethical term that defines improper motivation in service. While it appears infrequently, its context in both Ephesians and Colossians provides a clear and powerful contrast between superficial, man-centered actions and the sincere, God-fearing obedience that should characterize a believer's life. It calls the faithful to move beyond **eyeservice** and to perform all work with a **singleness of heart** directed toward God.
TRV