ὀφθαλμοδουλεία

From the study of Ephesians 6:6

Range of meaning

A compound of ophthalmos ('eye') and douleia ('slavery, service as a slave'). BDAG gives 'service performed only to attract attention', 'eye-service'. It covers two connected ideas: (1) work done only while the master is watching, and (2) work done to be seen and win favour, which looks good but is hollow.

Against the English

KJV/YLT 'eyeservice' is literal but obscure to modern readers. BSB, WEB and NIV spell it out as service 'while they are watching' or 'when eyes are on you'. That catches sense (1) well but can lose sense (2), the performance aimed at winning approval, which 'people-pleasers' then supplies.

Used elsewhere in the period

Not found before Paul. It occurs only here and in Colossians 3:22 (plural), and may have been coined in early Christian circles; later Christian writers take it from these passages. The idea behind it was proverbial in Greek household literature. Xenophon (Oeconomicus 12.20) tells the saying that 'the master's eye' is what fattens the horse, and Greek writers on running an estate assume that slaves slack off when not watched.

From the study of Colossians 3:22

Range of meaning

"Eye-slavery": service performed for the eyes of the one watching. It means working only when observed, or working for show and for credit rather than doing the job itself.

Against the English

KJV, YLT, ESV and NASB keep the picture with "eyeservice." BSB, NIV and WEB unpack it as service only "while they are watching" or similar, which is clear but loses the compact image of slavery to the eyes.

Used elsewhere in the period

The word is not found before Paul. It appears only here and in Eph 6:6, and may be his own coinage (BDAG). The idea it names was proverbial. Xenophon (Oeconomicus 12.20) tells of a man asked what fattens a horse fastest; the answer is "the master's eye." Greek and Roman comedy is full of slaves who loaf the moment the master turns his back.