Eyeservice
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Eyeservice in the Bible?
A term coined by Paul to describe the conduct of slaves who only work when they are watched, motivated by fear of punishment or desire for reward from their masters.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this dynamic clarifies the social realities of the ancient household and the practical challenges Paul addressed in his instructions to Christian slaves and masters.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Eyeservice. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Eyeservice in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Eyeservice clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Eyeservice." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/eyeservice/