King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:22 Mean?

Colossians 3:22 in the King James Version says “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness... — study this verse from Colossians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Colossians 3:22 · KJV


Context

20

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

21

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

22

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

23

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily , as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God. Paul addresses slaves (douloi, δοῦλοι, "servants" in KJV)—perhaps majority of early church members. "Obey in all things" (hypakouete kata panta, ὑπακούετε κατὰ πάντα) commands comprehensive obedience to "masters according to the flesh" (tois kata sarka kyriois, τοῖς κατὰ σάρκα κυρίοις)—earthly masters, distinguished from ultimate Master (Christ).

"Not with eyeservice" (mē en ophthalmodouleiais, μὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοδουλείαις, "eye-slavery") prohibits working only when watched. "As menpleasers" (hōs anthrōpareskoi, ὡς ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι) condemns working merely for human approval. Instead: "in singleness of heart, fearing God" (en haplotēti kardias phoboumenoi ton theon, ἐν ἁπλότητι καρδίας φοβούμενοι τὸν θεόν)—sincere devotion, serving God not merely men. This transforms slavery from mere oppression into opportunity for witness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman Empire depended on slavery; perhaps one-third of population were enslaved. Christianity didn't immediately abolish slavery but transformed master-slave relationships through mutual Christian identity. Slaves served Christ through faithful work; masters treated slaves as brothers. This planted seeds that eventually led to slavery's abolition, though process took centuries. Paul's teaching gave dignity to slaves without promoting rebellion that would bring persecution and accomplish nothing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you work when no one's watching—with same diligence or cutting corners?
  2. Does your work ethic reflect 'fearing God' or merely seeking human approval and advancement?
  3. How can you view your job as serving Christ, transforming work from drudgery to worship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Οἱ1 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δοῦλοι2 of 21

Servants

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ὑπακούετε3 of 21

obey

G5219

to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority

κατὰ4 of 21

according

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πάντα5 of 21

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῖς6 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατὰ7 of 21

according

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

σάρκα8 of 21

to the flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

κυρίοις9 of 21

your masters

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

μὴ10 of 21

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐν11 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὀφθαλμοδουλείαις12 of 21

eyeservice

G3787

sight-labor, i.e., that needs watching (remissness)

ὡς13 of 21

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι14 of 21

menpleasers

G441

man-courting, i.e., fawning

ἀλλ'15 of 21

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐν16 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἁπλότητι17 of 21

singleness

G572

singleness, i.e., (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal)

καρδίας18 of 21

of heart

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

φοβούμενοι19 of 21

fearing

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

τὸν20 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Θεόν·21 of 21

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 3:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 3:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study