Colossians 3:17

Authorized King James Version

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
πάντα
G3956
do all
all, any, every, the whole
#3
ὅ
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#4
τι
G5100
some or any person or object
#5
ἂν
G302
ye do
whatsoever
#6
ποιῆτε
G4160
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#7
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
λόγῳ
G3056
word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#9
ἢ
G2228
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#10
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
ἔργῳ
G2041
deed
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#12
πάντα
G3956
do all
all, any, every, the whole
#13
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
ὀνόματι
G3686
the name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#15
κυρίου
G2962
of the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#16
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#17
εὐχαριστοῦντες
G2168
giving thanks
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
#18
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
θεῷ
G2316
to God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#20
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
πατρὶ
G3962
the Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#22
δι'
G1223
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#23
αὐτοῦ
G846
him
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Colossians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Colossians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Colossians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection