Colossians 1:29

Authorized King James Version

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰς
G1519
Whereunto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#2
ὃ
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#3
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
κοπιῶ
G2872
I
to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard
#5
ἀγωνιζόμενος
G75
striving
to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something)
#6
κατὰ
G2596
according to
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#7
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἐνέργειαν
G1753
working
efficiency ("energy")
#9
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#10
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἐνεργουμένην
G1754
worketh
to be active, efficient
#12
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
ἐμοὶ
G1698
me
to me
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
δυνάμει
G1411
mightily
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection