King James Version
What Does Ephesians 6:7 Mean?
“With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:”
Context
5
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
9
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. forbearing: or, moderating your: some read, both your and their Master
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.**—Here we ascend to a still higher quality than “singleness of heart.” To do service “with good will,” that is, gladly and cheerfully, “counting it joy to spend and to be spent” in the service, is really to serve, not as a slave, but as a freeman. Only so far as in the relation of slaves to masters there is, or has been, any shadow of the filial and parental relation, is this possible on merely human grounds. But St. Paul urges, in 1Corinthians 7:22, that the slave “when called in the Lord, becomes the Lord’s freeman,” entering a “service which is perfect freedom.” That conception, logically worked out, has ultimately destroyed slavery. Meanwhile it gave to the slave in his slavery—lightened though not yet removed—the power of service “with good will, as to the Lord.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ephesians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ephesians 6:7 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 Ephesians 6:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge