Colossians 3 17

Colossians 3:17 kjv

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:17 nkjv

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3:17 niv

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17 esv

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17 nlt

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Colossians 3 verses

Colossians 3 17 Meaning

Colossians 3:17 serves as a culminating principle for the Christian's renewed life, outlined in the preceding verses. It mandates that every action, thought, and word of a believer must be done under the authority, in the character, and for the glory of the Lord Jesus. This holistic submission to Christ's Lordship must be accompanied by a consistent attitude of thanksgiving directed to God the Father, mediated solely through Jesus Christ. It underscores the all-encompassing nature of Christ's sovereignty over every aspect of a believer's existence and their direct access to the Father through Him.

Colossians 3 17 Context

Colossians 3:17 stands as a powerful summary within the larger theme of the new life in Christ. Following the opening exhortation to set one's mind on things above (Col 3:1-4), Paul transitions into practical ethics. He urges believers to "put to death" the old self with its sinful practices (Col 3:5-9) and to "put on" the new self, characterized by Christ-like virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and especially love (Col 3:10-14). The verse directly follows Paul's command to let the peace of Christ rule in hearts, be thankful, and let the word of Christ dwell richly (Col 3:15-16). Colossians 3:17, therefore, serves as an overarching principle that governs all these aspects of the new life – both the eradication of sin and the cultivation of virtue. It extends the principle to every word and deed, providing the foundational motive and method for the entire Christian walk.Historically, Colossians was written to address syncretistic teachings that undermined the supreme and all-sufficient nature of Christ. These false teachings often involved legalism, asceticism, angel worship, and reliance on mystical experiences or "elements of the world," which detracted from Christ's unique mediation and authority. By asserting that everything must be done "in the name of the Lord Jesus" and "through Him," Paul directly counters any notion of a necessary additional mediator, spiritual experience, or human effort outside of Christ for salvation, access to God, or holy living. This verse firmly grounds all Christian practice in the person and work of Jesus Christ, affirming His sole Lordship and sufficiency.

Colossians 3 17 Word analysis

• And whatever you do (καὶ πᾶν ὅ τι ἐὰν ποιῆτε - kai pan ho ti ean poiēte):
  • kai (And): Connects this verse seamlessly with the preceding exhortations, emphasizing it as a continuous application.
  • pan ho ti ean poiēte (whatever you do): The phrase signifies an unqualified totality. "Whatever" emphasizes comprehensiveness, leaving no sphere of life untouched. This is not limited to explicitly religious acts but encompasses all aspects of daily life—personal, familial, professional, social.
• in word or deed (ἐν λόγῳ ἢ ἐν ἔργῳ - en logō ē en ergō):
  • en logō (in word): Refers to speech, conversation, teachings, and expressions.
  • ē en ergō (or in deed): Refers to actions, behaviors, tasks, and activities.
  • This phrase covers the complete spectrum of human expression and activity. It means that the Christian life is integrated; there is no separation between what is said and what is done, nor between sacred and secular spheres of life. Every utterance and every action are brought under the Lordship of Christ.
• do everything (πάντα ποιείτε - panta poieite):
  • panta (everything): This is the third Greek word related to "all" (the previous "pan ho ti" and "panta" are derived from pas/pasa/pan), emphatically reiterating the comprehensive scope. This reiteration serves to underline the absolute inclusiveness and lack of exceptions.
  • poieite (do): The verb commands action, reinforcing that these are active expressions of faith, not passive acknowledgment.
• in the name of the Lord Jesus (ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ - en onomati Kyriou Iēsou):
  • en onomati (in the name): This idiom signifies acting by someone's authority, representing them, with their power, for their glory, according to their character, and in dependence upon them. It is far more than a mere mention; it means acting as His accredited representative, with His endorsement. This contrasts sharply with acting in one's own strength or relying on other spiritual powers.
  • Kyriou (Lord): A pivotal title in Paul's Christology, emphasizing Jesus' supreme divine sovereignty. It declares Jesus as ultimate master and deity. To do things "in the name of the Lord" means recognizing and submitting to His absolute rule over all.
  • Iēsou (Jesus): Refers to the historical person of Jesus, God incarnate, the Christ, whose saving work is the basis for the new life.
• giving thanks (εὐχαριστοῦντες - eucharistountes):
  • eucharistountes (giving thanks): This is a participle, indicating an accompanying attitude or continuous action. It means that gratitude should permeate all words and deeds. "Eucharistia" (thankfulness) is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, marking genuine faith and spiritual maturity. It indicates a heart fully reliant on God's grace and provision, rather than self-reliance or legalistic effort. This counters any grumbling or discontent characteristic of an old way of life.
• to God the Father (τῷ Θεῷ πατρί - tō Theō Patri):
  • tō Theō Patri (to God the Father): The ultimate recipient of all honor, worship, and thanksgiving. It points to the Triune God, with the Father as the final destination of our praise. This underscores the Trinitarian dynamic of Christian worship and living—through Christ, by the Spirit (implied by the life in Christ), to the Father.
• through Him (διʼ αὐτοῦ - diʼ autou):
  • di' autou (through Him): Refers to Jesus Christ. This phrase establishes Jesus as the sole mediator and channel through whom believers can access the Father and offer acceptable worship and service. It reinforces His exclusivity as "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6), leaving no room for other intermediaries or means.

Colossians 3 17 Bonus section

The comprehensive nature of Colossians 3:17 signifies a total transformation of one's worldview and life purpose, shifting from self-centered living to Christ-centered living. This holistic approach addresses not just external behavior but also the internal disposition of the heart, from which both words and deeds flow. The "name" of Jesus, encompassing His person, power, and character, becomes the lens through which every decision is filtered. This profound integration of faith into daily life cultivates spiritual maturity and resists the temptation to compartmentalize faith into isolated religious activities. It reminds believers that all life, lived through Christ, by Christ, and for Christ, is an act of worship. This verse encapsulates the very essence of Paul's practical theology, moving from doctrine (Christ's supremacy) to doxology (giving thanks) and daily duty (whatever you do, in word or deed).

Colossians 3 17 Commentary

Colossians 3:17 provides a foundational theological and ethical directive for Christian living. It asserts the radical omnipresence of Christ's Lordship: every single word spoken and every action undertaken by a believer must find its motive, authority, and ultimate purpose in the Lord Jesus. This commandment leaves no part of life "unbaptized," ensuring that there is no sacred-secular divide in the believer's experience. Whether in the home, workplace, public square, or private thoughts, Christ's reign must be acknowledged. This holistic approach naturally leads to and is empowered by a posture of continuous thanksgiving. True Christian living is not burdensome adherence to rules but a grateful response to God's grace, channelled through Jesus Christ. Furthermore, by explicitly stating "through Him," the verse decisively reinforces Christ's unique and exclusive role as the mediator between God and humanity, directly refuting any claims of alternative paths, practices, or intermediaries promoted by false teachers. It means all spiritual blessings and our offerings of worship and service come to and go from the Father solely through Christ.

Practical examples of Colossians 3:17's application include:

• In word: Choosing words carefully, speaking truthfully and kindly, praying, evangelizing, or simply conversing with the intention of glorifying Christ.
• In deed: Performing daily tasks at work with diligence, volunteering, raising children, or resting, all done as an act of worship unto the Lord.
• Giving thanks: Maintaining a grateful attitude in success and difficulty, recognizing God's hand in all circumstances, and expressing thanks continually to God for His provision and redemption.