Deep Dive

Colossians 3:23

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Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,

Deep dive References (13)

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 23

And--omitted in the oldest manuscripts (compare Eph 6:7-8). Compare the same principle in the case of all men, Hezekiah (Ch2 31:21; Rom 12:11). do, do it--two distinct Greek verbs, "Whatsoever ye do, work at it" (or "labor at" it). heartily--not from servile constraint, but with hearty good will.

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 23

I. The apostle exhorts us to set our hearts upon heaven and take them off from this world (Col 3:1-4). II. He exhorts to the mortification of sin, in the various instances of it (Col 3:5-11). III. He earnestly presses to mutual love and compassion (Col 3:12-17). And concludes with exhortations to relative duties, of wives and husbands, parents and children, masters and servants (Col 3:18-25).

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Original language

The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).

Strong's Concordancev. 23

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, G2038) — to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with,… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ψυχή (psychḗ, G5590) — breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Colossians 3:17rank 225

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

Romans 14:8rank 106

If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

II Chronicles 31:21rank 104

He was diligent in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law and the commandments, in order to seek his God. And so he prospered.

Ecclesiastes 9:10rank 99

Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

I Peter 2:15rank 78

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.

I Peter 2:13rank 42

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,

Psalms 119:10rank 39

With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments.

Romans 14:6rank 32

He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

I Peter 1:22rank 28

Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.

Psalms 119:34rank 25

Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.

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