Strong's Lexicon ophthalmodoulia: Eye-service Original Word: ὀφθαλμοδουλία Word Origin: From ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos, meaning "eye") and δουλεία (douleia, meaning "slavery" or "servitude") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "ophthalmodoulia," the concept of serving with sincerity and integrity can be related to Hebrew terms like עֲבֹדָה (avodah, meaning "service" or "work") and יָרֵא (yare, meaning "fear" or "reverence"), which emphasize serving with a heart oriented towards God. Usage: The term "ophthalmodoulia" refers to the act of performing duties or work only when being watched, to gain favor or approval from others. It implies a superficial or insincere effort, motivated by the desire to please human observers rather than a genuine commitment to the task or to God. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, where slavery was a common institution, the concept of "eye-service" would have been familiar. Slaves and servants might perform their duties diligently only when under the watchful eye of their masters, reflecting a lack of genuine dedication. This term is used in the New Testament to address the behavior of believers, urging them to serve with sincerity and integrity, as unto the Lord rather than merely to please human overseers. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ophthalmos and douleia Definition eye service NASB Translation external service (1), eyeservice (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3787: ὀφθαλμοδουλείαὀφθαλμοδουλεία (T WH ὀφθαλμοδουλία; see Iota), ὀφθαλμοδουλειας, ἡ (ὀφθαλμοδουλος, Apostolic Constitutions (4, 12, Coteler. Patr. Apost.) 1, p. 299a; and this from ὀφθαλμός and δοῦλος) (A. V. eye-service i. e.) service performed (only) under the master's eye (μή κατ' ὀφθαλμοδουλίαν, τουτεστι μή μόνον παρόντων τῶν δεσποτῶν καί ὁρώντων, ἀλλά καί ἀποντων, Theophylact on Ephesians 6:6; "for the master's eye usually stimulates to greater diligence; his absence, on the other hand, renders sluggish." H. Stephanus): Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22. Not found elsewhere; (cf. Winer's Grammar, 100 (94)). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance eye-service. From ophthalmos and douleia; sight-labor, i.e. That needs watching (remissness) -- eye-service. see GREEK ophthalmos see GREEK douleia Forms and Transliterations ἐν οφθαλμοδουλείαις οφθαλμοδουλείαν ὀφθαλμοδουλίᾳ οφθαλμοδουλιαις ὀφθαλμοδουλίαις οφθαλμοδουλιαν ὀφθαλμοδουλίαν en ophthalmodoulia ophthalmodoulíāi ophthalmodoulian ophthalmodoulíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
|
