Lexical Summary anthrópareskos: Pleaser of men, man-pleaser Original Word: ἀνθρωπάρεσκος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fawningFrom anthropos and aresko; man-courting, i.e. Fawning -- men-pleaser. see GREEK anthropos see GREEK aresko NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anthrópos and areskos (pleasing) Definition man-pleasing NASB Translation men-pleasers (1), please men (1), those who...please men (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 441: ἀνθρωπάρεσκοςἀνθρωπάρεσκος, ἀνθρωπάρεσκον (ἄνθρωπος and ἄρεσκος agreeable, pleasing, insinuating; cf. εὐάρεσκος, δυσαρεσκος, ἀυταρεσκος in Lob. ad Phryn., p. 621); only in Biblical and ecclesiastical writings. (Winers Grammar, 25): studying to please men, courting the favor of men: Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22. (Psalm 52:6 Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 441 designates “men-pleasers,” persons whose motivating aim is human approval rather than obedience to God. Scripture uses the term in the plural to expose a heart posture that performs outwardly yet lacks inward allegiance to Christ. Biblical Occurrences 1. Ephesians 6:5-7 warns slaves to obey earthly masters “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”. “Men-pleasers” stands in contrast to genuine, God-focused service. Both passages sit in household codes that ground every social role in the prior lordship of Jesus Christ. Men-pleasing is therefore portrayed as incompatible with true Christian discipleship. Historical and Cultural Background In the first-century Greco-Roman world, the economy of honor encouraged patrons and clients to exchange public praise for tangible benefits. Slaves were expected to appear diligent when the master was present (“eye-service”), a practice taken for granted in secular ethics. Paul confronts this norm by elevating the divine audience; the servant’s ultimate Master is Christ, whose watchful eye never closes. Theological Significance People-pleasing is not a minor character flaw but a rival allegiance: • It supplants the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 29:25). Because the gospel restores humanity to live coram Deo—before the face of God—seeking human applause threatens the very essence of gospel-shaped obedience. Connections to Wider Scripture • Jesus modeled flawless God-pleasing devotion: “I always do what pleases Him” (John 8:29). Thus, Strong’s 441 integrates into a robust biblical theme contrasting fear of man with fear of God. Implications for Ministry 1. Preaching and Teaching – Faithful exposition must aim at divine commendation, not congregational flattery (2 Corinthians 4:2). 2. Leadership and Governance – Decisions should rest on scriptural principle rather than polling or politics (Acts 20:27). 3. Workplace Discipleship – Employees serve Christ first; excellence, honesty, and diligence are sustained even when unobserved. 4. Personal Sanctification – Spiritual disciplines cultivate love for God’s approval above all. Regular self-examination exposes hidden motives. Pastoral Warnings • Men-pleasing can masquerade as humility or flexibility. Christ-Centered Remedy The antidote is a deepening awareness that believers already possess the Father’s gracious approval in Christ (Ephesians 1:6). The indwelling Spirit reorients motives so that “whether we are at home in the body or away from it, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). Reflection Questions 1. Whose praise most shapes my decisions—God’s or people’s? Summary Strong’s Greek 441 exposes a perennial temptation: performing for human spectators instead of the sovereign Lord. Scripture confronts this posture, redirects the believer’s gaze to Christ, and summons the Church to wholehearted, God-centered service that remains steadfast whether or not earthly eyes approve. Forms and Transliterations ανθρωπαρεσκοι ανθρωπάρεσκοι ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι ανθρωπαρέσκων anthropareskoi anthropáreskoi anthrōpareskoi anthrōpáreskoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ephesians 6:6 Adj-NMPGRK: ὀφθαλμοδουλίαν ὡς ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι ἀλλ' ὡς NAS: of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves KJV: eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as INT: eye-service as men-pleasers but as Colossians 3:22 Adj-NMP |
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