### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἀρεσκεία (areskeía, `{{G699}}`) is derived from the verb ἀρέσκω (areskō, `{{G700}}`), meaning "to please," "to be agreeable," or "to gratify." As a noun, ἀρεσκεία signifies the act or quality of pleasing, or the disposition to please. Its base definition, "complaisance," suggests a readiness to comply or an eagerness to gratify others. While the root verb `{{G700}}` can be used in both positive (pleasing God) and negative (pleasing men) contexts, the noun `{{G699}}` carries a more specific, often pejorative, connotation in its biblical usage, pointing to a potentially problematic pursuit of human approval.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἀρεσκεία (`{{G699}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both times within the Pauline epistles and in parallel contexts concerning the conduct of slaves towards their masters.
In [[Ephesians 6:6]], Paul exhorts slaves: "not by the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers [ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι, `{{G441}}`], but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart." Similarly, [[Colossians 3:22]] states: "Bondservants, obey in everything your earthly masters, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers [ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι, `{{G441}}`], but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord."
In both instances, areskeía (implied by the related adjective `{{G441}}` "men-pleasers") is explicitly condemned. "Eyeservice" (ὀφθαλμοδουλεία) refers to work done only when under the master's direct supervision, for outward show. This is contrasted with the genuine, heartfelt service that springs from an inner devotion to God. The "men-pleasing" attitude is characterized by a motivation to gain human favor, avoid human displeasure, or simply perform superficially for external recognition, rather than from a sincere desire to fulfill one's duty as if serving Christ. The context is not against pleasing others in a general sense, but against making human approval the *primary* or *ultimate* aim of one's actions, especially in service.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀρέσκω (areskō, `{{G700}}`)**: The verbal root, meaning "to please." This verb can be used positively (e.g., pleasing God in [[1 Thessalonians 4:1]]) or negatively (e.g., pleasing men in [[Galatians 1:10]]). The noun `{{G699}}` specifies the *act* or *disposition* of pleasing, often with the negative connotation found in its biblical occurrences.
* **ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (anthrōpareskos, `{{G441}}`)**: This adjective, meaning "man-pleaser," is directly related to `{{G699}}` and is used in the same verses ([[Ephesians 6:6]], [[Colossians 3:22]]) to describe those who engage in areskeía. It highlights the object of their desire to please: human beings.
* **ὀφθαλμοδουλεία (ophthalmodouleia)**: "Eyeservice" (literally "eye-slavery"), also found in [[Ephesians 6:6]] and [[Colossians 3:22]]. This term describes the superficial, outward performance designed to impress human observers, which is the practical manifestation of a "men-pleasing" attitude.
* **Concepts**: Sincerity of heart, genuine obedience, hypocrisy, fear of God, fear of man, motivation in service. The contrast is consistently drawn between serving "as to men" versus serving "as to the Lord."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀρεσκεία (`{{G699}}`) lies in its sharp condemnation of a particular kind of motivation in service and obedience. While pleasing others can be a virtuous act (e.g., [[Romans 15:2]]), the "men-pleasing" condemned here is rooted in a desire for human approval that displaces or diminishes the ultimate desire to please God.
This concept underscores a vital principle of Christian ethics: the *motive* behind an action is as crucial as the action itself. Believers are called to serve with sincerity and integrity, their ultimate accountability being to Christ, not merely to earthly authorities or peers. It challenges any form of hypocrisy, superficiality, or externalism in faith and practice. True Christian service flows from an inward commitment to "do the will of God from the heart" ([[Ephesians 6:6]]) and from a "sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord" ([[Colossians 3:22]]). This divine orientation liberates believers from the pressure of human expectations and the instability of human approval.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀρεσκεία (areskeía, `{{G699}}`), meaning "complaisance" or the "act of pleasing," appears in the New Testament exclusively within the context of warning against "men-pleasing." In [[Ephesians 6:6]] and [[Colossians 3:22]], it describes a superficial mode of service driven by the desire for human approval rather than a sincere, heart-felt devotion to God. This term, closely linked with "eyeservice" and the adjective "men-pleaser" (`{{G441}}`), highlights the theological imperative for believers to act from pure motives, ultimately serving Christ rather than seeking the applause or avoiding the disapproval of humans. It calls for an authentic, Christ-centered obedience that transcends outward performance and superficiality.
TRV