Colossians 1:29 kjv

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Colossians 1:29 nkjv

To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Colossians 1:29 niv

To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Colossians 1:29 esv

For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Colossians 1:29 nlt

That's why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ's mighty power that works within me.

Colossians 1 verses

Colossians 1 29 Meaning

Colossians 1:29 encapsulates Paul's understanding of his strenuous apostolic ministry. He asserts that his immense labor and struggle are not from his own natural abilities, but are powered entirely by Christ's divine, effective, and continuously active energy working profoundly within him. His relentless pursuit of proclaiming Christ and presenting every person mature in Him is fueled by God's dynamic power, not human effort, showcasing his absolute reliance on the Lord for strength in spiritual service.

Colossians 1 29 Context

Colossians 1:29 appears at the climax of Paul's articulation of his ministerial mission. Following a grand Christological hymn that establishes Christ's supreme identity as Creator, Sustainer, and Reconciler (Col 1:15-20), Paul explains how he, as a servant, participates in proclaiming this magnificent truth. Verse 28 states the direct objectives of his ministry: proclaiming Christ, warning, and teaching every person with all wisdom, so as to present every individual perfect (mature) in Christ. Verse 29 then details the personal commitment and supernatural enablement behind these lofty aims. Historically, the church in Colossae was facing pressures from syncretistic philosophies that might have emphasized human wisdom, ascetic practices, or angel worship. Paul's emphasis on absolute reliance on Christ's inherent power for effective ministry directly counteracts any notion that spiritual success comes from human striving alone or external rituals disconnected from the indwelling Christ. His portrayal of his work as divinely energized bolsters the truth of Christ's all-sufficiency against competing doctrines.

Colossians 1 29 Word analysis

• For this (εἰς τοῦτο, eis touto): This prepositional phrase indicates purpose or aim. It directly connects Paul's subsequent description of his effort to the preceding verse, which states his goal: "presenting every man perfect in Christ" (Col 1:28). It emphasizes that Paul's striving has a clear, Christ-centered objective.
• I toil (κοπιῶ, kopiō): From kopos, meaning "to grow weary, toil, work hard." It suggests intense, exhausting effort leading to fatigue, often associated with difficult manual labor or strenuous spiritual work. This word is used throughout the New Testament to describe demanding ministry that exacts a high cost on the worker (e.g., 1 Cor 15:10, Gal 4:11).
• striving (ἀγωνιζόμενος, agōnizomenos): Present participle from agonizomai, derived from agon, a wrestling or athletic contest. It conveys the image of a focused, disciplined struggle, like an athlete contending for a prize or a soldier in combat. It denotes intense exertion and a vigorous, arduous conflict. Paul saw his ministry not as a casual task but as a spiritual battle that required maximal effort.
• with all the energy (κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν, kata tēn energeian): Energeia (energy, active power, effective working) highlights a potent, operative force. "According to" (kata) means the toil and striving are in line with or in proportion to this divine power. It signifies that the source and measure of Paul's strength are external to himself and entirely divine. It speaks of power in actual operation.
• that he powerfully works (τὴν ἐνεργουμένην, tēn energoumenēn): This is a present passive participle of energeō (to be active, operative, effective). The passive voice means "being worked" or "being made effective." "He" implicitly refers to God or Christ (as established throughout Colossians and elsewhere as the ultimate source of power, e.g., Phil 4:13). The ongoing present tense ("works") signifies a continuous, dynamic operation. This phrase emphasizes that it is God's active power that enables Paul, rather than his own intrinsic strength.
• within me (ἐν ἐμοί, en emoi): This signifies an internal, indwelling source of power. It connects directly to the "mystery...Christ in you" (Col 1:27), meaning that the dynamic working of God's power originates from within Paul as a believer, rather than being an external aid or merely a general anointing.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For this I toil, striving": These verbs (kopiō, agōnizomai) emphasize the intense personal effort and struggle Paul endures. His ministry is not effortless; it involves deliberate, self-sacrificial labor, likened to a grueling athletic competition or battle.
• "with all the energy that he powerfully works": This crucial phrase immediately shifts the focus from human effort to divine enablement. Paul's strenuous activity is not self-generated but precisely "according to" (kata) a divine energeia that is constantly "being worked" (energoumenēn) by God/Christ. It clarifies that his human exertion is responsive to and empowered by a greater, divine force.
• "within me": This highlights the internal and intimate nature of this divine power source. It is not an external infusion but the indwelling presence of Christ and the Spirit, providing continuous strength and enablement for ministry from within the believer's core. It counters reliance on external factors and points to an internal spiritual dynamic.

Colossians 1 29 Bonus section

The word energeia and its cognates (energeō, energoumenē) are distinct in Paul's writings, often referring specifically to supernatural, effective, and divine power in operation. This sets it apart from more general terms for strength (dynamis) or might (kratos). Paul consistently connects energeia to the resurrection power of God in Christ (e.g., Eph 1:19-20). Therefore, his striving is powered by nothing less than the very force that raised Jesus from the dead. This deep theological underpinning means Paul's seemingly human effort is, in fact, an outpouring of divine, resurrection power experienced by the believer. The verse thus subtly, yet profoundly, integrates Paul's personal struggle with the ultimate triumph of Christ's victory.

Colossians 1 29 Commentary

Colossians 1:29 offers profound insight into the mechanics of effective Christian service. Paul, far from passively observing God's work, engages in arduous "toil" and intense "striving." This dispels any notion of effortless spiritual endeavor; true ministry demands everything from the servant. Yet, critically, Paul attributes the power for this exertion entirely to a divine source: "the energy that he powerfully works within me." This emphasizes absolute dependence on Christ, reflecting Paul's consistent theological conviction that his sufficiency comes from God (2 Cor 3:5). The Greek term energeia conveys active, effective, dynamic power, showing God's forceful operation in the life of His minister. The phrase "within me" underscores the truth of Christ's indwelling (Col 1:27), revealing that this divine energy is not merely external assistance but an internal empowerment arising from a deep, personal union with the resurrected Christ. Paul's ultimate goal is presenting every person mature in Christ (v.28), a task only accomplishable through this supernatural enablement. This verse calls believers to commit fully to God's work with maximum human effort, recognizing simultaneously that every ounce of effectiveness comes from the immeasurable power of God working through them.

Practical examples:

• A preacher diligently studying, praying, and crafting a sermon, knowing his words' impact relies on the Holy Spirit's power, not just his eloquence.
• A missionary tirelessly learning a new language and culture, while consistently praying for God to open hearts, trusting His divine energy for results.
• A Christian striving to overcome a persistent sin, acknowledging their own weakness but relying on Christ's strength and indwelling power for victory.