Definition:
Eyeservice refers to the act of performing duties or tasks only when being watched, primarily to gain favor or avoid disapproval. It is characterized by a lack of genuine commitment or integrity, as the individual is motivated by external observation rather than internal conviction or dedication to the task.

Biblical References:
The term "eyeservice" is specifically mentioned in the New Testament, where it is addressed in the context of Christian conduct, particularly in the relationship between servants and masters. The Apostle Paul uses this term to instruct believers on the importance of sincerity and wholeheartedness in their work.

1. Ephesians 6:5-6 :
"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."

In this passage, Paul exhorts slaves to serve their masters with the same sincerity and respect they would show to Christ. The emphasis is on serving not merely to gain approval when being observed ("not only to please them while they are watching"), but with genuine dedication as if serving the Lord Himself.

2. 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 reverence for the Lord."

Here, Paul reiterates the call for sincerity in service, urging slaves to work with integrity and reverence for God, rather than performing tasks solely for human approval.

Theological Implications:
Eyeservice is contrasted with the Christian ideal of serving with a sincere heart, as unto the Lord. This concept underscores the biblical principle that God values the intentions and motivations of the heart over mere outward appearances or actions. The call to avoid eyeservice is a call to integrity, where one's actions are consistent regardless of human oversight.

Practical Application:
For Christians, the admonition against eyeservice extends beyond the historical context of slaves and masters to encompass all areas of life, including work, ministry, and personal relationships. Believers are encouraged to perform their duties with excellence and sincerity, recognizing that their ultimate accountability is to God, who sees beyond external actions to the heart's true intentions.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
The avoidance of eyeservice aligns with the broader biblical ethic of truthfulness and authenticity. It challenges individuals to examine their motivations and to cultivate a character that is consistent and genuine, reflecting the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. By serving with sincerity, Christians bear witness to the integrity and faithfulness of their Lord, providing a powerful testimony to the world.(n.) Service performed only under inspection, or the eye of an employer.EYESERVICE

i'-sur-vis (ophthalmodouleia):

A term coined by Paul to express the conduct of slaves, who work only when they are watched, and whose motive, therefore, is not fidelity to duty, but either to avoid punishment or to gain reward from their masters (Ephesians 6:6 Colossians 3:22). "A vice which slavery everywhere creates and exhibits. Hence, the need for drivers and overseers" (Eadie).

3787. ophthalmodoulia -- eye service
... Word Origin from ophthalmos and douleia Definition eye service NASB Word
Usage external service (1), eyeservice (1). eye-service. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3787.htm - 6k

Colossians iii. 18-25
... Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh;
not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the ...
/.../homily x colossians iii 18-25.htm

In Rome
... On the other hand, servants were to perform their duties, "not with eyeservice,
as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

Christ is All
... 22. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not
with eyeservice, as menpleasers; How much there is of that! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/christ is all.htm

Eyeservice (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EYESERVICE. ... Hence, the need for drivers and overseers"
(Eadie). Multi-Version Concordance Eyeservice (2 Occurrences). ...
/e/eyeservice.htm - 7k

Menpleasers (2 Occurrences)
... Menpleasers (2 Occurrences). Ephesians 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers;
but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; (KJV). ...
/m/menpleasers.htm - 7k

Eye-service (2 Occurrences)
Eye-service. Eyeservice, Eye-service. Eye-services . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Eyeservice, Eye-service. Eye-services . Reference Bible.
/e/eye-service.htm - 7k

Eye-salve (1 Occurrence)
Eye-salve. Eyesalve, Eye-salve. Eyeservice . Multi-Version Concordance ... (WEY
DBY WBS YLT). Eyesalve, Eye-salve. Eyeservice . Reference Bible.
/e/eye-salve.htm - 6k

Men-pleasers (2 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 6:6 not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of
Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; (ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/m/men-pleasers.htm - 7k

Service (317 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh;
not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God ...
/s/service.htm - 42k

Eye (145 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh;
not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God ...
/e/eye.htm - 54k

Eyeservice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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