3787. ophthalmodoulia

Lexicon

ophthalmodoulia: Eye-service

Original Word: ὀφθαλμοδουλία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: ophthalmodoulia
Pronunciation: of-thal-mo-doo-LEE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (of-thal-mod-oo-li'-ah)
Definition: Eye-service
Meaning: eye-service; service rendered only while the master watches.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

eye-service.

From ophthalmos and douleia; sight-labor, i.e. That needs watching (remissness) -- eye-service.

see GREEK ophthalmos

see GREEK douleia

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from ophthalmos and douleia
Definition
eye service
NASB Translation
external service (1), eyeservice (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3787: ὀφθαλμοδουλεία

ὀφθαλμοδουλεία (T WH ὀφθαλμοδουλία; see Iota), ὀφθαλμοδουλειας, ἡ (ὀφθαλμοδουλος, Apostolic Constitutions (4, 12, Coteler. Patr. Apost.) 1, p. 299a; and this from ὀφθαλμός and δοῦλος) (A. V. eye-service i. e.) service performed (only) under the master's eye (μή κατ' ὀφθαλμοδουλίαν, τουτεστι μή μόνον παρόντων τῶν δεσποτῶν καί ὁρώντων, ἀλλά καί ἀποντων, Theophylact on Ephesians 6:6; "for the master's eye usually stimulates to greater diligence; his absence, on the other hand, renders sluggish." H. Stephanus): Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22. Not found elsewhere; (cf. Winer's Grammar, 100 (94)).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from two Greek words: ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos), meaning "eye," and δουλεία (douleia), meaning "servitude" or "slavery."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ὀφθαλμοδουλία, the concept of sincerity versus hypocrisy in service can be related to Hebrew terms such as עֲבֹדָה (avodah, Strong's H5656), meaning "service" or "work," and יָרֵא (yare, Strong's H3372), meaning "to fear" or "to revere," which together emphasize serving with reverence and integrity.

Usage: The term ὀφθαλμοδουλία is used in the context of describing a superficial or insincere form of service, where actions are performed primarily to be seen by others rather than out of genuine commitment or integrity.

Context: The term ὀφθαλμοδουλία appears in the New Testament in the context of exhortations to Christian servants and workers. It is used to caution against performing duties merely to please human overseers, emphasizing instead the importance of sincerity and wholeheartedness in service to God.

In Colossians 3:22, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord." Here, ὀφθαλμοδουλία is contrasted with genuine service that stems from a reverent heart, highlighting the Christian principle that all work should be done as unto the Lord, not merely for human approval.

Similarly, in Ephesians 6:6, Paul writes, "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." This reinforces the idea that true Christian service transcends mere external compliance and is rooted in a deeper spiritual commitment.

The concept of ὀφθαλμοδουλία serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and authenticity in the Christian life. It challenges believers to examine their motives and to ensure that their actions align with their professed faith, serving God with a sincere heart rather than seeking the fleeting approval of others.

Forms and Transliterations

ἐν οφθαλμοδουλείαις οφθαλμοδουλείαν ὀφθαλμοδουλίᾳ οφθαλμοδουλιαις ὀφθαλμοδουλίαις οφθαλμοδουλιαν ὀφθαλμοδουλίαν en ophthalmodoulia ophthalmodoulíāi ophthalmodoulian ophthalmodoulían

Englishman's Concordance

Ephesians 6:6 N-AFS
GRK: μὴ κατ' ὀφθαλμοδουλίαν ὡς ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι
NAS: not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers,
KJV: Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers;
INT: not with eye-service as men-pleasers

Strong's Greek 3787
1 Occurrence

ὀφθαλμοδουλίαν — 1 Occ.