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Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,

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</div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">&nbsp; (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/colossians/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/colossians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/colossians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Whatever you might do, work from <i>the</i> soul, as to the Lord and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/colossians/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And whatsoever ye do, do <i>it</i> heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/colossians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/colossians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/colossians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/colossians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/colossians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/colossians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/colossians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/colossians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/colossians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/colossians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do your work willingly, as though you were serving the Lord himself, and not just your earthly master. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/colossians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/colossians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for your real master and not merely for humans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/colossians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/colossians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/colossians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/colossians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/colossians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/colossians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/colossians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Whatever you are doing, let your hearts be in your work, as a thing done for the Lord and not for men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/colossians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/colossians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and all, whatever you may do&#8212;out of soul work&#8212;as to the LORD, and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Whatever you might do, work from <i>the</i> soul, as to the Lord and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/colossians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and all, whatever ye may do -- out of soul work -- as to the Lord, and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/colossians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And all, whatever ye do, work ye from the soul, as to the Lord, and not to men;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/colossians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Whatsoever you do, do it from the heart, as to the Lord, and not to men: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/colossians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as for the Lord, and not for men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/colossians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/colossians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/colossians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And whatever you do, do it with your whole soul, as to our LORD and not unto men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/colossians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And do all that you do with all your soul, as for Our Lord, and not as for the children of men.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/colossians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And whatever you do, do from the soul, as to the Lord, and not to men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/colossians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Whatsoever you may do, work from your soul, as for the Lord, and not for men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/colossians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And in every thing that ye do, labour from the soul, as for the Lord, and not man;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/colossians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and whatever you do, do it heartily, as serving the Lord, and not men:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/colossians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Whatever you are doing, let your hearts be in your work, as a thing done for the Lord and not for men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/colossians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/colossians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/colossians/3-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q-K-qsfihQ?start=696" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm">Christian Households</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">22</span>Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: Ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">Whatever</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poi&#275;te (V-PSA-2P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">you do,</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: ergazesthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. ">work at it</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out."></a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psych&#275;s (N-GFS) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.">with your whole being,</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: h&#333;s (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: t&#333; (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyri&#333; (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthr&#333;pois (N-DMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">for men,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7</a></span><br />Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a></span><br />So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-21.htm">Matthew 25:21</a></span><br />His master replied, &#8216;Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!&#8217;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-11.htm">1 Peter 4:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11</a></span><br />Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a></span><br />Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Philippians 2:14-15</a></span><br />Do everything without complaining or arguing, / so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11-12</a></span><br />and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. / Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">2 Timothy 2:15</a></span><br />Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9-10</a></span><br />Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, / not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Proverbs 16:3</a></span><br />Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/100-2.htm">Psalm 100:2</a></span><br />Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Proverbs 3:6</a></span><br />in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-24.htm">1 Samuel 12:24</a></span><br />Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2"> And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men;</p><p class="hdg">whatsoever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/3-17.htm">Colossians 3:17</a></b></br> And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, <i>do</i> all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/31-21.htm">2 Chronicles 31:21</a></b></br> And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did <i>it</i> with all his heart, and prospered.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/47-6.htm">Psalm 47:6,7</a></b></br> Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises&#8230; </p><p class="hdg">as.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/7-5.htm">Zechariah 7:5-7</a></b></br> Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh <i>month</i>, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, <i>even</i> to me? &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16</a></b></br> Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/14-6.htm">Romans 14:6,8</a></b></br> He that regardeth the day, regardeth <i>it</i> unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard <i>it</i>. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks&#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-19.htm">Heartily</a> <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/colossians/3-13.htm">Readily</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/philippians/2-2.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/galatians/2-7.htm">Task</a> <a href="/colossians/3-17.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/colossians/3-17.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/colossians/3-17.htm">Work</a> <a href="/colossians/2-12.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">Heartily</a> <a href="/colossians/4-8.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-2.htm">Readily</a> <a href="/colossians/3-24.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-3.htm">Task</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-10.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Work</a> <a href="/colossians/4-13.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Colossians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">He shows where we should seek Christ.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">He exhorts to holiness;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-10.htm">to put off the old self, and put on Christ;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">exhorting to charity, humility, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-18.htm">and other duties.</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/colossians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>Whatever you do</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the instruction. It applies to all aspects of life, whether mundane or significant. Biblically, this echoes the call to live a life of integrity and purpose, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a>, where believers are encouraged to do everything for the glory of God. The universality of this command reflects the holistic nature of Christian discipleship, where every action is an opportunity to serve God.<p><b>work at it with your whole being</b><br>The call to work wholeheartedly is a reminder of the diligence and commitment expected of believers. This mirrors the work ethic seen in <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-8</a>, where the ant is commended for its industriousness. In the cultural context of the early church, where many were slaves or laborers, this instruction would have been particularly poignant, encouraging them to find dignity and purpose in their work. The phrase also points to the inner transformation that comes from serving Christ, where one's entire being is engaged in the task at hand.<p><b>as for the Lord</b><br>This phrase shifts the focus from earthly masters to the divine Master. It aligns with <a href="/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7</a>, which instructs believers to serve wholeheartedly, as if serving the Lord, not people. This perspective elevates all work to an act of worship, transforming ordinary tasks into sacred duties. It reflects the biblical principle that God is the ultimate authority and judge of all actions, as seen in <a href="/romans/14-12.htm">Romans 14:12</a>, where each person is accountable to God.<p><b>and not for men</b><br>This final phrase underscores the distinction between serving God and seeking human approval. It challenges believers to prioritize divine commendation over human recognition, as seen in <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a>, where Paul emphasizes pleasing God rather than people. In the historical context of Colossae, where social status and human approval were highly valued, this instruction would have been countercultural, encouraging believers to find their identity and worth in Christ alone.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote this epistle while imprisoned, addressing the church in Colossae to encourage them in their faith and to provide guidance on Christian living.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a></b><br>An ancient city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), where the church to whom Paul was writing was located. The city was a center of early Christian teaching and faced challenges from false teachings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_colossian_church.htm">The Colossian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, this early Christian community was dealing with issues of false doctrine and needed encouragement to live out their faith authentically.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/w/work_as_worship.htm">Work as Worship</a></b><br>Understand that all work, whether secular or sacred, is an opportunity to worship God. Our attitude towards work should reflect our devotion to Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/motivation_matters.htm">Motivation Matters</a></b><br>Our motivation should be to please God, not to seek approval or recognition from others. This shifts our focus from earthly rewards to eternal significance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wholehearted_effort.htm">Wholehearted Effort</a></b><br>Engage in every task with your full effort and integrity, as if you are directly serving Christ. This approach transforms mundane tasks into meaningful service.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Keeping an eternal perspective helps us to prioritize our actions and decisions, ensuring they align with God's will and purpose for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/impact_on_witness.htm">Impact on Witness</a></b><br>Our work ethic and attitude can serve as a powerful testimony to others about our faith and the God we serve. Strive to be a light in your workplace or community.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_colossians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Colossians 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_excellence.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on excellence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_you_live_honoring_the_gospel.htm">Are you living in a way that honors the Gospel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'heartily_as_unto_the_lord'_mean.htm">What does "Heartily as Unto the Lord" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_careers_suit_christians.htm">What careers are suitable for Christians to pursue?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/colossians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Whatever ye be doing, work</span> (therein) <span class="cmt_word">from</span> (the) <span class="cmt_word">soul, as to the Lord, and not to men</span> (ver. 17; <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Ephesians 6:6, 7</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-23</a>). (On the first clause, see ver. 17.) In the Revised Text, however, the turn of expression differs from that of ver. 17, <span class="greek">&#x3c0;&#x1fb6;&#x3bd;</span> being cancelled. The writer is thinking, not so much of the variety of service possible, as of the spirit which should pervade it. "Do" is replaced in the second clause by the more energetic "work," opposed to indolent or useless doing (comp. <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10</a>; <a href="/john/5-17.htm">John 5:17</a>; <a href="/john/9-4.htm">John 9:4</a>). "From [<span class="greek">&#x1f10;&#x3ba;</span>, <span class="accented">out of</span>] the soul "indicates the spring of their exertions - <span class="accented">inward principle</span>, not <span class="accented">outward compulsion</span>; the servant must <span class="accented">put his soul into his work.</span> "Soul" implies, even more than "heart," the engagement of the man's best individual powers (comp. <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a>, as well as <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Ephesians 6:6</a>). The slaves' daily taskwork is to be done, not only in sight and in fear of the Lord (ver. 22 <span class="accented">b</span>; <a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ephesians 5:21</a>), but as actually "to the Lord." Him they are serving (ver. 24 <span class="accented">b</span>), who alone is "the Lord" (<a href="/colossians/2-6.htm">Colossians 2:6</a>); every mean and hard task is dignified and sweetened by the thought of being done <span class="accented">for</span> <span class="accented">him</span>, and the commonest work must be done with the zeal and thoroughness that his service demands (comp. <a href="/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7</a>, "with good will doing bond service"). The word "not" (<span class="greek">&#x3bf;&#x1f50;</span> instead of <span class="greek">&#x3bc;&#x1f74;</span>) implies that their service is actually rendered to One other and higher than "men" (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">1 Corinthians 7:22</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/colossians/3-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Whatever</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8011;</span> <span class="translit">(Ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">you do,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#959;&#953;&#8134;&#964;&#949;</span> <span class="translit">(poi&#275;te)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">work at it</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#961;&#947;&#940;&#950;&#949;&#963;&#952;&#949;</span> <span class="translit">(ergazesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2038.htm">Strong's 2038: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">with your whole being,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#968;&#965;&#967;&#8134;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(psych&#275;s)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> </span><span class="str2">From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8033;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(h&#333;s)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#8183;</span> <span class="translit">(t&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Lord</span><br /><span class="grk">&#922;&#965;&#961;&#943;&#8179;</span> <span class="translit">(Kyri&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#8054;</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">&#959;&#8016;&#954;</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for men,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7936;&#957;&#952;&#961;&#974;&#960;&#959;&#953;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(anthr&#333;pois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">NT Letters: Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do work heartily as (Coloss. Col Co) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Colossians 3:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Colossians 3:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/colossians/3-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Colossians 3:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Colossians 3:24" /></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>

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