Devine Scripture

Ephesians 6:7

What does Ephesians 6:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 6:7 means

Paul urges servants to render service with good will, as to the Lord and not to men. Good will is more than reluctant compliance; it is a generous spirit that seeks the other’s good. When work is oriented to the Lord, even difficult tasks gain dignity and purpose. This outlook resists cynicism, transforms routine into offering, and frees the heart from resentment. The phrase “not unto men” doesn’t deny human relationships; it reorders them. Serving the Lord first enables fair, consistent service to people. The believer’s internal compass points to God’s pleasure, which steadies them amid unjust treatment and helps them persevere with integrity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Doing your work readily, as to the Lord, and not to men:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

with good-will serving, as to the Lord, and not to men,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

With a good will serving, as to the Lord, and not to men.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

serving with good will as to the Lord, and not to men;

Context

This verse amplifies verses 5–6 by emphasizing the positive posture—good will—necessary for Christlike service. It leads directly into verse 8’s promise of the Lord’s recompense, providing the motivation to sustain such good will even when earthly recognition is lacking. The section will conclude in verse 9 with instructions to masters, showing that Christ’s authority both dignifies servants’ work and restrains masters’ power.

v.6not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

v.7This passage

v.8knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 31:38

    These twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she-goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flocks have I not eaten.

  • Ephesians 6:5

    Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

  • Colossians 3:23

    whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men;

  • Genesis 31:6

    And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

  • 2 Kings 5:2

    And the Syrians had gone out in bands, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maiden; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Ephesians 6

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ephesians 6.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Ephesians 6:7.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary