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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 6:7 Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/6-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/49_Eph_06_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 6:7 - Slaves and Masters" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men," /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm" title="Ephesians 6:6">◄</a> Ephesians 6:7 <a href="/ephesians/6-8.htm" title="Ephesians 6:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ephesians/6.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ephesians/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ephesians/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />rendering service with good will as to the Lord and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ephesians/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />With goodwill render service, as to the Lord, and not to people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />serving with good will as to the Lord, and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />rendering service with goodwill, as to the Lord, and not [only] to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Gladly serve your masters, as though they were the Lord himself, and not simply people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Serve eagerly as if you were serving your heavenly master and not merely serving human masters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ephesians/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do your work as slaves cheerfully, as though you served the Lord, and not merely human beings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Serve willingly, as if you were serving the Lord and not merely people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Obey with enthusiasm, as though serving the Lord and not people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to people;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />With right good will, be faithful to your duty as service rendered to the Lord and not to man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />serving with goodwill, as to the LORD, and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />rendering service with good will as to the Lord and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> with good-will serving, as to the Lord, and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />With affection serving the Lord, and not men.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />With a good will serving, as to the Lord, and not to men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Serve with good will, as to the Lord, and not to men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />willingly serving the Lord and not human beings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And serve well with your whole soul, with love, as to our LORD, and not to men:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And serve them with all your soul in love, as unto our Lord and not as unto men,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />with good will doing service as to the Lord, and not as to men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />serving with good will as the Lord, and not men:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />with good will doing service as to the Lord, and not unto men:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />serve them with affection, as if it was to the Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />With right good will, be faithful to your duty as service rendered to the Lord and not to man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />with good-will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />with good-will, <i>as</i> serving the Lord rather than men:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/6-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=1119" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm">Slaves and Masters</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1398.htm" title="1398: douleuontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to.">Serve</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: met’ (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/2133.htm" title="2133: eunoias (N-GFS) -- Good-will, kindliness; enthusiasm. From the same as eunoeo; kindness; euphemistically, conjugal duty.">good will,</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpois (N-DMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">to men,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">8</span>because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-24</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a></span><br />So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a></span><br />And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a></span><br />Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11</a></span><br />Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-11.htm">1 Peter 4:11</a></span><br />If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a></span><br />No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-13.htm">Luke 16:13</a></span><br />No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:4</a></span><br />Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Philippians 2:14-15</a></span><br />Do everything without complaining or arguing, / so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-10.htm">Hebrews 6:10</a></span><br />For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9</a></span><br />So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Proverbs 16:3</a></span><br />Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/100-2.htm">Psalm 100:2</a></span><br />Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:</p><p class="hdg">good.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-6.htm">Genesis 31:6,38-40</a></b></br> And ye know that with all my power I have served your father… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/5-2.htm">2 Kings 5:2,3,13</a></b></br> And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife… </p><p class="hdg">as.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5,6</a></b></br> Servants, be obedient to them that are <i>your</i> masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a></b></br> Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Good-Will</a> <a href="/galatians/1-6.htm">Readily</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">Render</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">Rendered</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">Rendering</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Right</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Service</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/romans/6-17.htm">Wholeheartedly</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/colossians/4-4.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/philippians/1-15.htm">Good-Will</a> <a href="/colossians/3-13.htm">Readily</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Render</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-6.htm">Rendered</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-8.htm">Rendering</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-8.htm">Right</a> <a href="/philippians/2-22.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Service</a> <a href="/philippians/2-22.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/numbers/14-24.htm">Wholeheartedly</a> <a href="/philippians/1-6.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">The duty of children toward their parents;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">of servants toward their masters.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Our life is a warfare, not only against flesh and blood, but also spiritual enemies.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">The complete armor of a Christian;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">and how it ought to be used.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Tychicus is commended.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the Greco-Roman world, where slavery was prevalent, this instruction was radical. It called for slaves and servants to serve with genuine kindness and sincerity, not merely out of obligation or fear. The concept of "good will" aligns with the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>, which includes kindness and goodness. This attitude reflects the character of Christ, who served others selflessly (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>). The call to serve with good will transcends cultural and social boundaries, urging believers to embody Christ-like love in all interactions.<p><b>as to the Lord</b><br>This phrase shifts the focus of service from earthly masters to the divine Master, Jesus Christ. It echoes <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a>, which instructs believers to work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men. This perspective transforms mundane tasks into acts of worship, recognizing that all work is ultimately for God's glory. The Lordship of Christ over every aspect of life is a central theme in Ephesians, emphasizing that believers are to live under His authority and for His purposes. This mindset encourages integrity and excellence, knowing that the Lord sees and rewards faithful service (<a href="/hebrews/6-10.htm">Hebrews 6:10</a>).<p><b>and not to men</b><br>This phrase contrasts serving the Lord with serving human masters, highlighting the eternal significance of our actions. While earthly authorities may be temporary and flawed, serving God has lasting value and purpose. This perspective liberates believers from seeking human approval or fearing human disapproval, as seen in <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a>, where Paul states that seeking to please men would make him not a servant of Christ. The call to serve "not to men" also reflects the teaching of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/6.htm">Matthew 6:1-4</a>, where He warns against performing acts of righteousness to be seen by others. Instead, believers are to seek God's approval, trusting that He will reward them openly.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of commerce and culture. The Ephesian church was one of the early Christian communities to which Paul wrote.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ephesian_church.htm">The Ephesian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, this early Christian community faced challenges of living out their faith in a predominantly pagan society.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/serve_with_sincerity.htm">Serve with Sincerity</a></b><br>The Greek word for "good will" implies a genuine, heartfelt attitude. Our service should be sincere, reflecting our love for God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/focus_on_the_lord.htm">Focus on the Lord</a></b><br>When serving, our primary focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking approval from people. This perspective transforms mundane tasks into acts of worship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Understanding that our service is ultimately for the Lord helps us maintain an eternal perspective, knowing that our reward is from Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/joy_in_service.htm">Joy in Service</a></b><br>Serving with good will brings joy and fulfillment, as it aligns our actions with God's purposes and reflects His character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_through_service.htm">Witness Through Service</a></b><br>Our attitude in service can be a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_'vain_deceit'_in_col._2_8.htm">What does 'Heartily as Unto the Lord' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'place_of_the_skull'_mean.htm">How can we work effectively during the day?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'stand_firm'_mean_biblically.htm">Is Arminianism considered heretical?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'heartily_as_unto_the_lord'_mean.htm">What does "Heartily as Unto the Lord" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.</span>--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 <a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm" title="For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.">1Corinthians 7:22</a>, 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."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.</span> Some join the last words of the preceding verse to this clause, "from the heart with good will," etc., on the ground that it is not needed for ver. 6, for if you do the will of God at all, you must do it from the heart. But one may do the will of God in a sense outwardly and formally, therefore the clause is not superfluous in ver. 6, whereas, if one does service with good will, one surely does it from the heart, so that the clause would be more superfluous here. Jesus is the Overlord of every earthly lord, and his follower has but to substitute him by faith for his earthly master to enable him to do service with good will. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/6-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Serve</span><br /><span class="grk">δουλεύοντες</span> <span class="translit">(douleuontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1398.htm">Strong's 1398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">μετ’</span> <span class="translit">(met’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">good will,</span><br /><span class="grk">εὐνοίας</span> <span class="translit">(eunoias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2133.htm">Strong's 2133: </a> </span><span class="str2">Good-will, kindliness; enthusiasm. From the same as eunoeo; kindness; euphemistically, conjugal duty.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="grk">ὡς</span> <span class="translit">(hōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Lord</span><br /><span class="grk">Κυρίῳ</span> <span class="translit">(Kyriō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to men,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνθρώποις</span> <span class="translit">(anthrōpois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/6-7.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 6:7 With good will doing service as (Ephes. Eph. 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