Colossians 1:29
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
Whereunto
G1519
εἰς
Whereunto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀγωνιζόμενος
striving
G75
ἀγωνιζόμενος
striving
Strong's:
G75
Word #:
5 of 15
to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something)
κατὰ
according to
G2596
κατὰ
according to
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
which
G3588
τὴν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 15
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
τὴν
which
G3588
τὴν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:10But 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.Ephesians 1:19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.Ephesians 3:7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.Colossians 2:1For 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;Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Colossians 4:12Epaphras, 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.Romans 15:20Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:1 Corinthians 12:11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.Philippians 2:16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Historical Context
Ancient labor divided into manual (slaves) and intellectual (free citizens). Paul integrates both: intellectual rigor in teaching doctrine, manual labor in tentmaking (Acts 18:3), emotional labor in pastoral care. His example counters both activism (trusting human effort alone) and quietism (passively waiting for God to act without human cooperation). Effective ministry requires both divine power and human diligence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance working hard in ministry with depending on God's power rather than your own efforts?
- What evidence of divine empowerment exists in your service—results disproportionate to natural abilities or resources?
- Where might you be relying solely on human effort without seeking or expecting God's energizing power?
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Analysis & Commentary
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Paul describes intense effort using kopiō (κοπιῶ, "labor to exhaustion") and agōnizomenos (ἀγωνιζόμενος, "striving"), from which we get "agonize." The athletic imagery pictures maximum exertion—the effort that leaves competitors gasping. Ministry demands everything Paul possesses: physical stamina, mental acuity, emotional investment, spiritual discipline.
Yet this striving operates "according to his working" (kata tēn energeian autou, κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν αὐτοῦ). Energeian (ἐνέργειαν, "energizing power") provides the root for English "energy." Divine power energizes human effort—not replacing it but empowering it. This paradoxically combines maximum human exertion with total divine enablement. Paul works hard precisely because God works in him.
"Which worketh in me mightily" (tēn energoumenēn en emoi en dynamei, τὴν ἐνεργουμένην ἐν ἐμοὶ ἐν δυνάμει) emphasizes power's source and strength. Dynamei (δυνάμει, "power/might") appears repeatedly in Colossians (1:11), stressing that supernatural results require supernatural power. Paul's ministry achievements—despite opposition, suffering, and limitation—testify to divine empowerment, not human ability.