Colossians 3 23

Colossians 3:23 kjv

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Colossians 3:23 nkjv

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

Colossians 3:23 niv

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Colossians 3:23 esv

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Colossians 3:23 nlt

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Colossians 3 verses

Colossians 3 23 Meaning

Colossians 3:23 is a profound exhortation on the nature and motivation of Christian work and service. It calls believers to perform all tasks, without exception, with their entire being – encompassing their will, mind, and affections – viewing their effort not as service primarily to human beings, but as a devoted offering directed ultimately to the Lord Jesus Christ. This perspective transforms ordinary labor into an act of worship, elevating its purpose and sanctifying the laborer's heart.

Colossians 3 23 Context

Colossians 3:23 falls within a broader section of Colossians (3:18-4:1) that addresses "household codes" or practical instructions for daily living within the Christian community, building upon the theological truths established in earlier chapters. Following teachings on the new identity in Christ (Col 3:1-11) and the qualities of a transformed life (Col 3:12-17), Paul pivots to specific relationships: wives and husbands, children and parents, and finally, bondservants and masters.

This verse is directed specifically towards bondservants, instructing them on their attitude towards work, but its principle extends to all believers. In the Greco-Roman world, the master-slave relationship was prevalent, but Paul consistently elevates the bondservant's status and purpose by rooting their service in Christ, rather than human authority alone. This counteracts the tendency of some philosophies or the common perception that certain forms of labor were undignified or unworthy of "spiritual" effort. It transforms menial tasks into avenues for glorifying God, a subtle yet powerful polemic against any dualistic view that might diminish the value of physical labor or common life activities in favor of abstract spirituality.

Colossians 3 23 Word analysis

• And whatever you do (καὶ πᾶν ὅτι ἐὰν ποιῆτε - kai pan hoti ean poiēte)

  • καὶ (kai): "And." Connects this verse to the preceding exhortations, emphasizing continuity in the Christian life.
  • πᾶν (pas): "All," "every," "whatever." This Greek word emphasizes an absolute and comprehensive scope. No work is exempt; the principle applies to everything undertaken. This is a deliberate broadening beyond just the context of bondservice, though it applies there strongly.
  • ὅτι ἐὰν ποιῆτε (hoti ean poiēte): "What you may do," "whatever you may do." The subjunctive mood indicates potential or general actions, reinforcing the universal applicability. It means not just your primary occupation, but every single task, chore, or interaction that constitutes your day.

• do it with all your heart (ἐκ ψυχῆς ἐργάζεσθε - ek psychēs ergazesthe)

  • ἐκ (ek): "Out of," "from." Denotes origin or source. The action originates from the inner being.
  • ψυχῆς (psychēs): "Soul," "life," "self," "heart." In biblical Greek, psychē often refers to the entire inner person, the seat of life, emotion, thought, and will. It signifies a genuine, internal commitment, not superficial effort. It implies enthusiasm, diligence, sincerity, and undivided devotion, not just external compliance. It speaks of the whole being engaged. This counters "eye-service" (Eph 6:6), where one works only when being watched.
  • ἐργάζεσθε (ergazesthe): "You work," "you do," "you accomplish." This verb denotes active engagement, labor, and performance. It emphasizes the active, practical outworking of one's inner commitment. The imperative indicates a command.

• as to the Lord and not to men (ὡς τῷ Κυρίῳ καὶ οὐκ ἀνθρώποις - hōs tō Kyriō kai ouk anthrōpois)

  • ὡς (hōs): "As," "just as," "like." Indicates manner or perspective. The work is regarded and performed as if it is directed to the Lord Himself. This is crucial for defining the ultimate recipient and standard.
  • τῷ Κυρίῳ (tō Kyriō): "To the Lord." "Lord" (Kyrios) refers to Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate authority, owner, and recipient of the believer's work. This elevates mundane tasks into spiritual acts, recognizing that all of life can be worship.
  • καὶ (kai): "And."
  • οὐκ (ouk): "Not." A strong negation.
  • ἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois): "To men." This is a contrast. While men (employers, family, community) are the immediate beneficiaries, they are not the ultimate motivation or standard. This warns against people-pleasing, seeking human applause, or working only for human approval or reward. It calls for an inner purity of motive, liberating one from the fear of man or reliance on earthly recognition.

Colossians 3 23 Bonus section

The emphasis on ek psychēs (out of the soul/heart) echoes Old Testament calls for wholehearted devotion (e.g., Deut 6:5; 10:12). It highlights that true service is not just outward action but an internal disposition. The phrase also implicitly challenges any Gnostic tendencies or pagan fatalism that might have pervaded Colossae, which could lead people to believe that physical labor or earthly duties were inferior or inconsequential for spiritual advancement. Instead, Paul elevates the mundane by connecting it directly to the Divine, asserting that a consecrated life encompasses all domains. This verse served as a critical theological basis for the "Protestant work ethic," though its origins are firmly in biblical injunctions to the early church. It reminds us that our primary audience for every action is God, who sees beyond the visible act into the heart of the performer.

Colossians 3 23 Commentary

Colossians 3:23 succinctly captures the transformative power of Christian vocation. It means that every activity, from the most mundane chore to the most significant profession, becomes an arena for serving Christ. The standard is not what is required by a human employer or a societal expectation, but what is due to the King of Kings. This perspective eradicates any hierarchy of sacred vs. secular tasks, as all are brought under the Lordship of Christ. When one works from the soul and to the Lord, diligence is inspired by divine accountability, quality is motivated by reverence, and even adversity is endured with grace, knowing that ultimate recognition comes from God. This internal motivation safeguards against discouragement from lack of human appreciation and fuels consistent effort, even in unseen labors. For believers, this is not just good work ethic but an act of faith and worship, turning every task into a spiritual discipline.

• Examples: A homemaker meticulously caring for their home, viewing it as managing God's entrusted resources. A student studying diligently, understanding that sharpening their mind honors God. A professional executing their job with integrity and excellence, recognizing they represent Christ in the workplace. An artisan pouring creativity into their craft, knowing it reflects the Creator's artistry.