What does not “with eyeservice” mean (Colossians 3:22)?

In Colossians 3:18–4:1, the apostle Paul gives instructions for Christian families. He addresses husbands and wives (Colossians 3:18–19), parents and children (Colossians 3:20–21), and masters and slaves (Colossians 3:22–4:1). Paul encouraged believers who were “bondservants”—those who were completely under the authority of a master—to serve as though they were serving the Lord. He tells them to obey their earthly masters “in all things” and to try to please them all the time, not just “with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God” (Colossians 3:22, NKJV).

In the Greco-Roman world, slaves were considered members of the household. They usually worked under the direct supervision of a family member. Paul urges enslaved Christians to reframe their servitude as service to God, giving believers, even in the lowest positions, new motivation, dignity, and spiritual meaning in their work. Paul continues his instruction, saying, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24, NLT).

The word “eyeservice” (ophthalmodouliais in Greek) in Colossians 3:22 describes someone who appears to fulfill his duties only when the master is present and watching. Paul says to obey “not with eyeservice,” meaning, not performing work duties merely to impress people, but instead working with sincerity, integrity, and genuine commitment always, because ultimately God is the One we serve.

Modern Bible translations convey this idea in similar ways. The NLT says, “Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you.” The NIV reads, “Do it, not only when their eye is on you,” while the CSB says, “Don’t work only while being watched.”

Paul taught the same principles to believers in Ephesus: “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free” (Ephesians 6:5–8).

Today, Christians can apply Paul’s teaching to any employer-employee relationship. In the workplace, not with eyeservice means we perform our duties with sincerity of heart, not with hypocrisy. We do not just put on a show, giving the appearance of faithful service only when the boss is watching. We must be genuinely committed and diligent even when unseen, because God sees us (Psalm 139:1–3; Proverbs 5:21).

Not with eyeservice means we serve our employers faithfully, not for human praise but out of reverence for the Lord. We do more than just the bare minimum. We do not slack off or spend time on personal matters while on the clock. We quit acting busy only when the boss walks by. We do not do our job to impress or for flattery.

Eyeservice is hollow performance. But God, who is more concerned with our hearts than outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 21:2; Matthew 23:25–28), calls believers to authentic service. We are to do our work with integrity, character, excellence, and consistency. Warren Wiersbe comments, “A Christian worker ought to be the best worker on the job. He ought to obey orders and not argue. He ought to serve Christ and not the boss only, and he ought to work whether anybody is watching or not. If he follows these principles, he will receive his reward from Christ even if his earthly master (his boss) does not recognize him or reward him” (The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2, Victor Books, 1996, p. 144).