Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Original Language Analysis
δυνάμει
might
G1411
δυνάμει
might
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
3 of 17
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
κατὰ
according to
G2596
κατὰ
according to
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξης
glorious
G1391
δόξης
glorious
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
9 of 17
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μακροθυμίαν
longsuffering
G3115
μακροθυμίαν
longsuffering
Strong's:
G3115
Word #:
15 of 17
longanimity, i.e., (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude
Cross References
Ephesians 3:16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.Ephesians 4:2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;2 Corinthians 4:7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.Ephesians 6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.Revelation 14:12Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.Acts 5:41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.2 Peter 1:6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;Exodus 15:6Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
Historical Context
The Colossian heretics apparently promised immediate spiritual experiences and mystical visions. Paul redirects attention to mundane but miraculous graces: enduring difficulty without quitting, maintaining patience when provoked, experiencing joy amid suffering. These reflect Christ's character and require divine power, though they lack dramatic appeal. True spirituality shows in sustained faithfulness, not spectacular experiences.
Questions for Reflection
- Where in your life do you currently need divine power for patient endurance rather than miraculous deliverance?
- How does recognizing that patience and longsuffering require God's glorious power change your approach to trials?
- Can you testify to joyfulness amid difficulty, or does your joy depend entirely on favorable circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. The participle dynamoumenoi (δυναμούμενοι, "being empowered") indicates continuous divine enabling, not one-time experience. "With all might" (en pasē dynamei, ἐν πάσῃ δυνάμει) emphasizes comprehensive strength—not partial or intermittent but complete sufficiency for every demand.
This power operates "according to his glorious power" (kata to kratos tēs doxēs autou, κατὰ τὸ κράτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ), literally "according to the might of his glory." The same power that created the universe and raised Christ from death operates in believers. Yet remarkably, this cosmic power produces not spectacular miracles but hypomonē (ὑπομονή, "endurance") and makrothymia (μακροθυμία, "patience")—quiet graces enabling perseverance through trials with joy.