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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>Colossians 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/colossians/3-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/51_Col_03_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Colossians 3:22 - Christian Households" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/colossians/3-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/colossians/3-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/colossians/">Colossians</a> > <a href="/colossians/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.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="/colossians/3-21.htm" title="Colossians 3:21">◄</a> Colossians 3:22 <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm" title="Colossians 3:23">►</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">Verse<a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/colossians/3.htm">New International Version</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. <a href="/nlt/colossians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. <a href="/esv/colossians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. <a href="/blb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Slaves, obey the earthly masters in all things, not with eye-services as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/kjv/colossians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: <a href="/nkjv/colossians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. <a href="/nasb_/colossians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Slaves, obey those who are your human masters in everything, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/nasb/colossians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/nasb77/colossians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/lsb/colossians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but with integrity of heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/amp/colossians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Servants, in everything obey those who are your masters on earth, not only with external service, as those who merely please people, but with sincerity of heart because of your fear of the Lord. <a href="/csb/colossians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Slaves, obey your human masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. <a href="/hcsb/colossians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Slaves, obey your human masters in everything. Don&#8217t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. <a href="/asv/colossians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord: <a href="/cev/colossians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Slaves, you must always obey your earthly masters. Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. Honor the Lord and serve your masters with your whole heart. <a href="/erv/colossians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord: <a href="/gwt/colossians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Slaves, always obey your earthly masters. Don't obey them only while you're being watched, as if you merely wanted to please people. Be sincere in your motives out of respect for your real master. <a href="/gnt/colossians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Slaves, obey your human masters in all things, not only when they are watching you because you want to gain their approval; but do it with a sincere heart because of your reverence for the Lord. <a href="/isv/colossians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only while being watched in order to please them, but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/msb/colossians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of God. <a href="/net/colossians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching--like those who are strictly people-pleasers--but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/nheb/colossians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as people-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/wbt/colossians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: <a href="/wey/colossians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Slaves, be obedient in everything to your earthly masters; not in acts of eye service, as aiming only to please men, but with simplicity of purpose, because you fear the Lord. <a href="/web/colossians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/colossians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> the servants: obey those who are masters in all things according to the flesh, not in eye-service as men-pleasers, but in simplicity of heart, fearing God; <a href="/blb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Slaves, obey the earthly masters in all things, not with eye-services as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/ylt/colossians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> The servants! obey in all things those who are masters according to the flesh, not in eye-service as men-pleasers, but in simplicity of heart, fearing God; <a href="/slt/colossians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Servants, listen ye in all things to lords according to the flesh; not in eyeservice as pleasing men; but in simplicity of heart, fearing God:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/colossians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not serving to the eye, as pleasing men, but in simplicity of heart, fearing God. <a href="/cpdv/colossians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Servants, obey, in all things, your lords according to the flesh, not serving only when seen, as if to please men, but serving in simplicity of heart, fearing God. <a href="/nabre/colossians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Slaves, obey your human masters in everything, not only when being watched, as currying favor, but in simplicity of heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/nrsvce/colossians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/colossians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Servants, obey your human masters in all things, not with eyeservice, as men pleasers; but with a sincere heart, in fear of the LORD. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/colossians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Servants, obey your Masters of the body in all things, not outwardly as those who please men, but with a pure heart and in the awe of THE LORD JEHOVAH.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/colossians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as pleasing men, but with simplicity of heart, fearing God. <a href="/godbey/colossians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Ye servants, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things; not with eye-service, pleasing men, but of purity of heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/haweis/colossians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Servants, obey in all things your masters after the flesh, not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but, in simplicity of heart, fearing God. <a href="/mace/colossians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> servants, be entirely obedient to those, whom the laws have made your masters, and not meerly out of regard to their observation, as designing only to please men, but from a principle of integrity, as fearing God: <a href="/wey/colossians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Slaves, be obedient in everything to your earthly masters; not in acts of eye service, as aiming only to please men, but with simplicity of purpose, because you fear the Lord. <a href="/worrell/colossians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord. <a href="/worsley/colossians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Servants, be obedient in all things to your lawful masters, not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but in uprightness of heart, fearing God; and whatever service ye do, <a href="/parallel/colossians/3-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q-K-qsfihQ?start=684" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm">Christian Households</a> …21Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged. 22<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hoi (Art-VMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: douloi (N-VMP) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">Slaves,</a> <a href="/greek/5219.htm" title="5219: hypakouete (V-PMA-2P) -- From hupo and akouo; to hear under, i.e. To listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority.">obey</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">your</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">earthly</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarka (N-AFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. "></a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: kyriois (N-DMP) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">masters</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">in</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-ANP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everything,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not only</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner."></a> <a href="/greek/441.htm" title="441: anthrōpareskoi (Adj-NMP) -- From anthropos and aresko; man-courting, i.e. Fawning.">to please them</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3787.htm" title="3787: ophthalmodouliais (N-DFP) -- From ophthalmos and douleia; sight-labor, i.e. That needs watching.">while they are watching,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/572.htm" title="572: haplotēti (N-DFS) -- Simplicity, sincerity, purity, graciousness. From haplous; singleness, i.e. sincerity, or generosity.">sincerity</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardias (N-GFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">of heart</a> <a href="/greek/5399.htm" title="5399: phoboumenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.">and fear</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrion (N-AMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord.</a> 23Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / 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. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ... <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18-20</a> Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. / For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. <a href="/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9-10</a> Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, / not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior. <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1-2</a> All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles. <a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10-16</a> I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. / Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. / I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. ... <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a> There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-24</a> Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. / You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. ... <a href="/romans/6-16.htm">Romans 6:16-18</a> Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? / But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. / You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a> 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. <a href="/luke/16-13.htm">Luke 16:13</a> 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.” <a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2-6</a> If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. / If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. / If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12-18</a> If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ... <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-43</a> If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ... <a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Proverbs 22:7</a> The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. <a href="/genesis/24-2.htm">Genesis 24:2-9</a> So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, / and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, / but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.” ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div> Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;obey.<a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Colossians 3:20</a> Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.<a href="/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2</a> Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.<a href="/malachi/1-6.htm">Malachi 1:6</a> A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?menpleasers.<a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a> For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:4</a> But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.in singleness.<a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22</a> The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.<a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Acts 2:46</a> And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,<a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5</a> 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;fearing.<a href="/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18</a> And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:<a href="/nehemiah/5-9.htm">Nehemiah 5:9,15</a> Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies? … <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7</a> For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-33.htm">Aiming</a> <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/philippians/3-17.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Eyeservice</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Eye-Service</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Menpleasers</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Men-Pleasers</a> <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Obedient</a> <a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/colossians/1-19.htm">Please</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Pleasers</a> <a href="/colossians/3-15.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Reverence</a> <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/philippians/2-30.htm">Service</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Simplicity</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Singleness</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Win</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/john/8-50.htm">Aiming</a> <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/colossians/3-25.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/revelation/1-7.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-3.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Eyeservice</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Eye-Service</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Menpleasers</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Men-Pleasers</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-3.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Obedient</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-8.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-2.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">Please</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Pleasers</a> <a href="/colossians/4-8.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm">Reverence</a> <a href="/colossians/3-24.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-2.htm">Service</a> <a href="/genesis/20-5.htm">Simplicity</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-33.htm">Singleness</a> <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Win</a><div class="vheading2">Colossians 3</div>1. <a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">He shows where we should seek Christ.</a> 5. <a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">He exhorts to holiness;</a> 10. <a href="/colossians/3-10.htm">to put off the old self, and put on Christ;</a> 12. <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">exhorting to charity, humility, </a> 18. <a href="/colossians/3-18.htm">and other duties.</a> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/colossians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything In the Roman Empire, slavery was a common institution, and slaves were considered part of the household. This directive reflects the social structure of the time, where slaves were expected to serve their masters. The call for obedience is consistent with other New Testament teachings, such as <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a> and <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18</a>, which also address the conduct of slaves. The emphasis on obedience "in everything" suggests a comprehensive submission, aligning with the broader biblical principle of respecting authority (<a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a>). This phrase underscores the importance of order and discipline within the Christian community, even in difficult circumstances.not only to please them while they are watching This phrase highlights the temptation to perform duties only when under supervision, a common human tendency. The instruction here is to avoid mere eye-service, which is also mentioned in <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Ephesians 6:6</a>. The deeper principle is integrity, doing what is right regardless of who is watching. This reflects the biblical call to sincerity and truthfulness, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/11-3.htm">Proverbs 11:3</a>, which speaks of the integrity of the upright guiding them. The focus is on internal motivation rather than external appearances.but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord "Sincerity of heart" implies a genuine and wholehearted approach to one's duties, contrasting with hypocrisy or pretense. This aligns with the biblical theme of God valuing the heart's intentions over outward actions, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>. The "fear of the Lord" is a foundational biblical concept, representing reverence and awe towards God, which is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). This fear is not about terror but about respect and acknowledgment of God's authority and holiness. By serving with sincerity and fear of the Lord, slaves are reminded that their ultimate accountability is to God, not just their earthly masters. This perspective elevates their service to an act of worship, aligning with <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a>, which encourages doing everything as if for the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Colossians, providing guidance to the early Christian community. 2. <a href="/topical/c/colossian_church.htm">Colossian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in the city of Colossae in Asia Minor. 3. <a href="/topical/s/slaves.htm">Slaves</a> Individuals in servitude, addressed directly in this passage, representing a significant portion of the early Christian community. 4. <a href="/topical/e/earthly_masters.htm">Earthly Masters</a> The human authorities over the slaves, to whom the slaves are instructed to show obedience. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord</a> Refers to Jesus Christ, whose authority and reverence are the ultimate motivation for the behavior of believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_as_a_testimony_of_faith.htm">Obedience as a Testimony of Faith</a> Believers are called to demonstrate their faith through obedience, reflecting Christ’s example of submission. <a href="/topical/s/sincerity_of_heart.htm">Sincerity of Heart</a> Actions should be motivated by genuine sincerity and integrity, not merely external compliance. <a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_the_lord.htm">Reverence for the Lord</a> Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, and our earthly duties should reflect our reverence for Him. <a href="/topical/w/work_as_worship.htm">Work as Worship</a> Every task, no matter how mundane, can be an act of worship when done for the Lord. <a href="/topical/t/transforming_social_structures.htm">Transforming Social Structures</a> While the text addresses a specific social structure, the principles of respect and integrity transcend time and culture, encouraging believers to transform their environments through Christ-like behavior.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_colossians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Colossians 3</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'despising_the_shame'_mean.htm">What does 'eye-service' mean in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_christianity_oppose_abolition.htm">Why did Christianity historically resist abolitionism?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'eye-service'_in_the_bible.htm">What does "eye-service" mean in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_doesn't_colossians_4_1_condemn_slavery.htm">Why does Colossians 4:1 seem to accept slavery instead of condemning it outright? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/colossians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22-25) Compare throughout <a href="/context/ephesians/6-5.htm" title="Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;">Ephesians 6:5-9</a>. The only peculiarity of this passage is the strong emphasis laid on "the reward of the inheritance." "The reward" is in the original, a perfect recompense or requital. The "inheritance" is exactly that which no slave could receive; only a son could be an heir (<a href="/galatians/4-7.htm" title="Why you are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.">Galatians 4:7</a>). Hence the slave on earth is recognised as a son in heaven. He "serves the Lord," but his service is the perfect freedom of sonship.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/colossians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 22. - Ye servants (literally, bondmen), be obedient in all things to your lords according to the flesh (<a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-9</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1, 2</a>; <a href="/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9, 10</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-24</a>; <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1, 5</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18-25</a>). The duties of servants and masters are prominent here (ver. 22- <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1</a>), in view of the emphasis thrown upon the lordship of Christ; and partly, no doubt, with reference to the case of the runaway slave Onesimus (<a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Colossians 4:9</a>; Epistle to Philemon) "Servant" is δοῦλος, bondman, as in <a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1</a> and commonly in St. Paul. In <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18</a> we have the milder οἰκετής, domestic. The vast majority of servants of all kinds at this time in the Greek and Roman world were slaves. In most districts the slaves were much more numerous than the free population. And they were undoubtedly numerous in the early Church. The gospel has always been welcome to the poor and oppressed. The attitude of St. Paul and of Christianity towards slavery claims consideration under the Epistle to Philemon; on this point see Lightfoot's 'Introduction.' Here and in <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5</a> (comp. vers. 7, 8) the apostle calls the master κύριος ("lord") in reference to "the Lord Christ" (vers. 22 b, 24); elsewhere in the New Testament, as in common Greek, the opposite of δοῦλος is δεσποτής (<a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1, 2</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/2-21.htm">2 Timothy 2:21</a>, etc.), "According to flesh," that is, "in outward, earthly relationship" (comp. <a href="/romans/4-1.htm">Romans 4:1</a>): Christ is the Lord in the absolute and abiding sense of the word (similarly, "in the flesh" and "in the Lord," <a href="/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16</a>). Not with acts of eye service (literally, not in eye services), as man pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord (<a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Ephesians 6:6</a>; <a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ephesians 5:21</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:4</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a>; <a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22</a>; <a href="/luke/11-34.htm">Luke 11:34</a>; <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5-8</a>; <a href="/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2</a>; <a href="/isaiah/8-13.htm">Isaiah 8:13</a>; <a href="/revelation/2-23.htm">Revelation 2:23</a>). "Eye service" is plural here, according to Revised Text; singular in <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Ephesians 6:6</a>. Here the word ὀφθαλμοδουλεία first oocurs in Greek, like ἐθελοθρησκεία (<a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Colossians 2:23</a>). It strikes at the besetting sin of servants of all kinds. Ανθρωπάρεσκος ("man pleaser") occurs in the LXX, <a href="/psalms/52-6.htm">Psalm 52:6</a> (comp. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:6</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a>). The servant whose aim it is to please his earthly master in what will catch his eye, plays a double part, acting in one way when observed, in another when left to himself; with this duplicity is contrasted "singleness of heart" (comp. <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Romans 12:8</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a>; ἀπλότης in <a href="/2_corinthians/8-2.htm">2 Corinthians 8:2</a> and 1 Cor 9:11, 13 has a different application). "Fearing the Lord" more than the eye of his earthly lord, the Christian servant will always act in "singleness of heart;" for "the eyes of the Lord are in every place." In the same manner the apostle ("bondman of Christ Jesus," <a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1</a>) speaks of his own relations to men and to the Lord Christ respectively (<a href="/1_corinthians/4-3.htm">1 Corinthians 4:3-5</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/5-11.htm">2 Corinthians 5:11</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:4-6</a>, etc.: comp. <a href="/john/5-37.htm">John 5:37-44</a>). The reading "God" of Received Text is a copyist's emendation, a sample of a large class of corruptions of the text, where a word more familiar in any given connection is, more or less unconsciously, substituted for the original word. <a href="/commentaries/colossians/3-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Slaves, δοῦλοι (douloi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. obey ὑπακούετε (hypakouete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5219.htm">Strong's 5219: </a> From hupo and akouo; to hear under, i.e. To listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority. [your] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. earthly κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). masters κυρίοις (kyriois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. in κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). everything, πάντα (panta) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. not [only] μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. to please them ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι (anthrōpareskoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_441.htm">Strong's 441: </a> From anthropos and aresko; man-courting, i.e. Fawning. while they are watching, ὀφθαλμοδουλίαις (ophthalmodouliais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3787.htm">Strong's 3787: </a> From ophthalmos and douleia; sight-labor, i.e. That needs watching. but ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. with ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. sincerity ἁπλότητι (haplotēti) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_572.htm">Strong's 572: </a> Simplicity, sincerity, purity, graciousness. From haplous; singleness, i.e. sincerity, or generosity. of heart καρδίας (kardias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. [and] fear φοβούμενοι (phoboumenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. of the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord. Κύριον (Kyrion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">NT Letters: Colossians 3:22 Servants obey in all things those who (Coloss. Col Co) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/colossians/3-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Colossians 3:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Colossians 3:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/colossians/3-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Colossians 3:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Colossians 3:23" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>