📖 Biblical Definition
Duty in Scripture is what one owes by virtue of position and relation — and it is a heavier word than modern English usually allows. Solomon closes Ecclesiastes: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Christ teaches the unprofitable-servant posture: "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do" (Luke 17:10). Christian duty is debt acknowledged and paid — not earning grace, but living out the obligations grace assigns. "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another" (Romans 13:8).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
That which a person is bound to perform by any natural, moral, civil, or religious obligation.
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DUTY, n. That which a person is bound, by any natural, moral, or legal obligation, to do or perform.
Scripture treats duty positively (the comprehensive duty of man, Eccl 12:13) and modestly (the unprofitable servant who did only his duty, Lk 17:10). Both are right: the duty is binding, and performing it is no merit.
📖 Key Scripture
Ecclesiastes 12:13 — "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
Luke 17:10 — "When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."
Romans 13:7 — "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."
Romans 15:27 — "Their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern culture has replaced duty with preference; Scripture preserves duty as the daily framework of a faithful life.
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Romans 13:7 lists what is owed and to whom: tribute, custom, fear, honor. The list of duties is not optional; it is owed. Render therefore to all their dues.
Duty is unfashionable. Scripture restores it without apology. The Marine, the parent, the spouse, the citizen, the elder, the son — each has a list of dues. The recovery of duty as a positive word reshapes the daily life of the household.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek opheilō (to owe) gives the underlying concept.
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Greek opheilō — to owe; behind opheiletēs (debtor) and opheilēma (debt).
Note: render unto all their dues (Rom 13:7) lists what is owed by name.
Usage
"Fear God and keep His commandments — the whole duty of man."
"We are unprofitable servants; we did our duty."
"Duty is unfashionable; Scripture preserves it without apology."