Ephesians 6:7

7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

Ephesians 6:7 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
English Standard Version (ESV)
7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,
New Living Translation (NLT)
7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
The Message Bible (MSG)
7 And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you're really serving God.
American Standard Version (ASV)
7 with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men:
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
7 Serve eagerly as if you were serving your heavenly master and not merely serving human masters.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
7 Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men,
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
7 Serve your masters with all your heart. Work as if you were not serving people but the Lord.

Ephesians 6:7 Meaning and Commentary

Ephesians 6:7

With good will doing service
To their masters; not grudgingly, with an ill will; no otherwise, nor longer than when they are forced to it; but of a ready mind, and with a cheerful spirit, taking delight in their work, and reckoning it a pleasure to serve their masters; as an Israelite that is not sold, who does his work (wnwurb) , "with his good will", and according to his own mind {b}; doing what they do

as to the Lord, and not to men;
not merely because it is the will of men, and they are commanded by them, and in order to please them, but because it is the will of the Lord, and is wellpleasing in his sight.


FOOTNOTES:

F2 Maimon. Hilchot Abadim, c. 1. sect. 7.

Ephesians 6:7 In-Context

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
6 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.
7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,
8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Colossians 3:23
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