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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Colossians 1:29 To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/colossians/1-29.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/51_Col_01_29.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Colossians 1:29 - Paul's Suffering for the Church" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/colossians/1-28.htm" title="Colossians 1:28">◄</a> Colossians 1:29 <a href="/colossians/2-1.htm" title="Colossians 2:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/colossians/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/colossians/1.htm">New International Version</a> To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. <a href="/nlt/colossians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. <a href="/esv/colossians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. <a href="/bsb/colossians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. <a href="/blb/colossians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Unto this also I toil, striving according to His energy, working in me in power. <a href="/kjv/colossians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. <a href="/nkjv/colossians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. <a href="/nasb_/colossians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His power which works mightily within me. <a href="/nasb/colossians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. <a href="/nasb77/colossians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. <a href="/lsb/colossians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His working, which He works in me in power. <a href="/amp/colossians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For this I labor [often to the point of exhaustion], striving with His power and energy, which so greatly works within me. <a href="/csb/colossians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me. <a href="/hcsb/colossians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me. <a href="/asv/colossians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. <a href="/cev/colossians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> This is why I work so hard and use the mighty power he gives me. <a href="/erv/colossians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> whereunto I labour also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. <a href="/gwt/colossians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I work hard and struggle to do this while his mighty power works in me. <a href="/gnt/colossians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> To get this done I toil and struggle, using the mighty strength which Christ supplies and which is at work in me. <a href="/isv/colossians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> I work hard and struggle to do this, using the energy that he powerfully provides in me. <a href="/msb/colossians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. <a href="/net/colossians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me. <a href="/nheb/colossians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> for which I also labor, struggling according to his power, which works in me mightily. <a href="/wbt/colossians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For which I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. <a href="/wey/colossians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> To this end, like an earnest wrestler, I exert all my strength in reliance upon the power of Him who is mightily at work within me. <a href="/web/colossians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/colossians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for which I also labor, striving according to His working that is working in me in power. <a href="/blb/colossians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Unto this also I toil, striving according to His energy, working in me in power. <a href="/ylt/colossians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for which also I labour, striving according to his working that is working in me in power. <a href="/slt/colossians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For which also I am wearied, struggling according to his operation, working in me in power.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/colossians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Wherein also I labour, striving according to his working which he worketh in me in power. <a href="/cpdv/colossians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> In him, too, I labor, striving according to his action within me, which he works in virtue. <a href="/nabre/colossians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me. <a href="/nrsvce/colossians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/colossians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And to this end, I labour and strive through the help of the power which is given to me. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/colossians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For in this I also labor and fight with the help of the power that is given to me. <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/colossians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> to which end I also labor, striving according to his energy, which works in me mightily. <a href="/godbey/colossians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> unto which I also labor, agonizing according to his energy, working in me with power. <a href="/haweis/colossians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> for which also I am labouring, conflicting in the energy of his might, which worketh in me powerfully.<CM> <a href="/mace/colossians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> this is what I earnestly strive to effect, by virtue of that power, which effectually operates in me. <a href="/wey/colossians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> To this end, like an earnest wrestler, I exert all my strength in reliance upon the power of Him who is mightily at work within me. <a href="/worrell/colossians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> to which end I am toiling also, striving according to His working, which is working in me with power. <a href="/worsley/colossians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> in order to which I also labour, striving earnestly according to his energy which operates in me with power. <a href="/parallel/colossians/1-29.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q-K-qsfihQ?start=268" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/colossians/1.htm">Paul's Suffering for the Church</a> …28We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29<a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: Eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">To</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">this end</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">I also</a> <a href="/greek/2872.htm" title="2872: kopiō (V-PIA-1S) -- From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard.">labor,</a> <a href="/greek/75.htm" title="75: agōnizomenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case.">striving</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">with all</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1753.htm" title="1753: energeian (N-AFS) -- Working, action, productive work, activity; in the NT, confined to superhuman activity. From energes; efficiency.">energy</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1754.htm" title="1754: energoumenēn (V-PPM-AFS) -- From energes; to be active, efficient.">working</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1411.htm" title="1411: dynamei (N-DFS) -- From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.">powerfully</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">within</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: emoi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a> I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. <a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Ephesians 3:7</a> I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a> But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a> But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">1 Timothy 4:10</a> To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe. <a href="/galatians/2-8.htm">Galatians 2:8</a> For the One who was at work in Peter’s apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in my apostleship to the Gentiles. <a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Romans 15:18-19</a> I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, / by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5-6</a> Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. / And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. <a href="/1_peter/4-11.htm">1 Peter 4:11</a> If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. <a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">2 Timothy 1:7</a> For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/ephesians/1-19.htm">Ephesians 1:19-20</a> and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, / which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, <a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7</a> Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a> Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ... <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:11</a> To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div> Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.labour.<a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Colossians 4:12</a> Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a> But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.<a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9</a> Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.striving.<a href="/colossians/2-1.htm">Colossians 2:1</a> For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;<a href="/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24</a> Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.<a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20,30</a> Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: … his.<a href="/1_corinthians/12-6.htm">1 Corinthians 12:6,11</a> And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all… <a href="/ephesians/1-19.htm">Ephesians 1:19</a> And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,<a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Ephesians 3:7,20</a> Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power… mightily.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9,10</a> And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me… <a href="/2_corinthians/13-3.htm">2 Corinthians 13:3</a> Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Combating</a> <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Earnest</a> <a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">End</a> <a href="/amos/2-14.htm">Exert</a> <a href="/philippians/4-16.htm">Help</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-18.htm">Inspires</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Mightily</a> <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Power</a> <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">Reliance</a> <a href="/colossians/1-11.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-12.htm">Strongly</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-11.htm">Struggling</a> <a href="/philippians/4-3.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-16.htm">Using</a> <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Whereunto</a> <a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Within</a> <a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Work</a> <a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Worketh</a> <a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Working</a> <a href="/colossians/1-21.htm">Works</a> <a href="/psalms/18-26.htm">Wrestler</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Combating</a> <a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Earnest</a> <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">End</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">Exert</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-2.htm">Help</a> <a href="/job/20-3.htm">Inspires</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/revelation/18-2.htm">Mightily</a> <a href="/colossians/2-10.htm">Power</a> <a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/job/8-14.htm">Reliance</a> <a href="/colossians/2-19.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-7.htm">Strongly</a> <a href="/exodus/2-13.htm">Struggling</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/colossians/2-22.htm">Using</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-14.htm">Whereunto</a> <a href="/colossians/2-12.htm">Within</a> <a href="/colossians/3-17.htm">Work</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Worketh</a> <a href="/colossians/2-12.htm">Working</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">Works</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-27.htm">Wrestler</a><div class="vheading2">Colossians 1</div>1. <a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">After salutation Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith;</a> 7. <a href="/colossians/1-7.htm">confirms the doctrine of Epaphras;</a> 9. <a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">prays further for their increase in grace;</a> 14. <a href="/colossians/1-14.htm">describes the supremacy of Christ;</a> 21. <a href="/colossians/1-21.htm">encourages them to receive Jesus Christ, and commends his own ministry.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/colossians/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>To this end I also labor Paul emphasizes his dedication to the mission of spreading the Gospel and nurturing the faith of believers. The term "labor" suggests intense effort and toil, reflecting the physical and spiritual challenges Paul faced. This echoes his commitment seen in other letters, such as <a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a>, where he speaks of laboring more abundantly than others, yet attributing it to God's grace. The historical context of Paul's missionary journeys, which involved travel across the Roman Empire, often under harsh conditions, underscores the depth of his commitment.Striving with all His energy The word "striving" is translated from the Greek "agonizomai," which conveys the idea of an athlete competing in a contest. This metaphor highlights the disciplined and focused effort required in ministry. The source of Paul's strength is not his own, but God's energy. This aligns with <a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a>, where Paul declares he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. The cultural context of athletic games in the Greco-Roman world would have made this imagery particularly vivid for Paul's audience.Working powerfully within me Paul acknowledges that the effectiveness of his ministry is due to God's power at work within him. This reflects the biblical theme of divine empowerment, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/3-20.htm">Ephesians 3:20</a>, where God is described as able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us. Theologically, this underscores the concept of sanctification, where believers are transformed and enabled by the Holy Spirit. This phrase also connects to the idea of Christ living in believers, as expressed in <a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a>, emphasizing the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who wrote the letter to the Colossians. He is emphasizing his dedication and the divine empowerment he receives in his ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a> An ancient city in Asia Minor, the recipients of Paul's letter. The church there was dealing with false teachings, and Paul wrote to encourage and instruct them. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a> While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the reference to "His energy" implies the work of the Holy Spirit empowering Paul.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_empowerment.htm">Divine Empowerment</a> As believers, we are not left to our own strength. Just as Paul labored with God's energy, we too can rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us in our daily lives and ministries. <a href="/topical/p/purposeful_labor.htm">Purposeful Labor</a> Paul’s labor was purposeful, aimed at fulfilling God’s mission. We should evaluate our efforts to ensure they align with God’s purposes and seek His guidance in our endeavors. <a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_ministry.htm">Perseverance in Ministry</a> The word "striving" indicates effort and perseverance. In our spiritual walk and service, we should be prepared to work diligently, trusting in God’s power to sustain us. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> Recognize the Holy Spirit's role in empowering and guiding us. We should cultivate a relationship with the Spirit through prayer and obedience. <a href="/topical/h/humility_and_dependence.htm">Humility and Dependence</a> Paul’s acknowledgment of God’s power working in him teaches us humility and dependence on God rather than our abilities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_colossians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Colossians 1</a> <a href="/q/what_does_true_freedom_in_christ_mean.htm">How does work reflect our faith and diligence?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'my_body'.htm">Can long-distance relationships succeed?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_'consuming_fire'_fit_science.htm">In Hebrews 12:29, how does describing God as a 'consuming fire' fit with modern scientific understanding of fire and energy?</a> <a href="/q/actuality_vs._potentiality.htm">What is the purpose of work in a spiritual context?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/colossians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(29) Whereunto I also labour.--In this verse St. Paul passes from the plural to the singular, evidently in preparation for the strong personal remonstrance of <a href="/context/colossians/2-1.htm" title=" For I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;">Colossians 2:1-7</a>.His working . . .--See <a href="/ephesians/1-12.htm" title="That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.">Ephesians 1:12</a>, and Note there. Perhaps, as in <a href="/galatians/2-8.htm" title="(For he that worked effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)">Galatians 2:8</a> ("He that wrought effectually in Peter to the Apostleship of the Circumcision, the same was mighty in me towards the Gentiles"), there is special allusion to the grace given to him for his Apostleship of the Gentiles.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/colossians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 29. - To which end also I toil hard, striving according to his working (<a href="/colossians/2-1.htm">Colossians 2:1</a>; <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Colossians 4:12, 13</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a>; <a href="/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Philippians 2:16</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">1 Timothy 4:10</a>; <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a>). Κοπιῶ, to labour to weariness, often used of manual labour, is a favourite word of St. Paul's (<a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">2 Corinthians 11:27</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a>: comp. <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:3</a>; <a href="/john/4-38.htm">John 4:38</a>). The figurative use of "striving" ("agonizing," i.e. "contending in the arena") is only Pauline in the New Testament: comp. <a href="/colossians/2-1.htm">Colossians 2:1</a>; <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Colossians 4:12</a>; <a href="/philippians/1-30.htm">Philippians 1:30</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:2</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7</a>; also <a href="/luke/22-44.htm">Luke 22:44</a>; in <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">1 Timothy 4:10</a> (R.V.) it is again connected with "toil" (κοπιάω). We need not, with Meyer and Ellicott, distinguish inward from outward striving in this word. The apostle's bodily sufferings (ver. 21) and his mental anxiety (<a href="/colossians/2-1.htm">Colossians 2:1</a>) alike enter into the mighty struggle which he is maintaining on the Church's behalf, and which strains every fibre of his nature to the utmost (comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">2 Corinthians 11:28</a>). "Striving" implies opponents against whom he contends (<a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-2.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:2</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-26.htm">2 Corinthians 11:26</a>); "toiling hard," the painful efforts he has to make. In this toll he is divinely sustained, for he "strives according to his [Christ's: comp. <a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a>] working." Ανεργεία ("energy," "operative force," "power in action") - another word of St. Paul's vocabulary (frequent also in Aristotle) - is used by him only of supernatural power, "a working of God," "of Satan" (<a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:9, 11</a>). Which worketh in me with power (ver. 11; <a href="/ephesians/3-16.htm">Ephesians 3:16</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a>; <a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9, 10</a>). The "energy of Christ" is such that it "effectually works" in the apostle; the same idea is repeated in noun and verb (ver. 11, note). The verb is middle in voice, as this "working" is that in which the Divine "energy of Christ" puts itself forth and shows what it can do (comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/13-3.htm">2 Corinthians 13:3-6</a>); see note on "bearing fruit," ver. 6, and Winer's 'N. T. Grammar,' p. 318 (dynamic middle). So it works unmistakably "in [or, 'with'] power." Never do we find this consciousness of the Divine power dwelling in himself expressed by St. Paul with such joyous confidence as at this period (see <a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Philippians 1:20, 21</a>; <a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a>; <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Ephesians 3:9, 20</a>; and comp. note on ver. 23 b). <a href="/commentaries/colossians/1-29.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>To Εἰς (Eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. this end ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. I labor, κοπιῶ (kopiō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2872.htm">Strong's 2872: </a> From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard. striving ἀγωνιζόμενος (agōnizomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_75.htm">Strong's 75: </a> From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case. with all κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. energy ἐνέργειαν (energeian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1753.htm">Strong's 1753: </a> Working, action, productive work, activity; in the NT, confined to superhuman activity. From energes; efficiency. working ἐνεργουμένην (energoumenēn) Verb - Present Participle Middle - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1754.htm">Strong's 1754: </a> From energes; to be active, efficient. powerfully δυνάμει (dynamei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1411.htm">Strong's 1411: </a> From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power. within ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. me. ἐμοὶ (emoi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">NT Letters: Colossians 1:29 For which I also labor striving according (Coloss. Col Co) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/colossians/1-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Colossians 1:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Colossians 1:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/colossians/2-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Colossians 2:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Colossians 2:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>