Colossians 3:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅ
G3739
ὅ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ποιῆτε
G4160
ποιῆτε
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
6 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
λόγῳ
word
G3056
λόγῳ
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
8 of 23
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἔργῳ
deed
G2041
ἔργῳ
deed
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
11 of 23
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ὀνόματι
the name
G3686
ὀνόματι
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
14 of 23
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
15 of 23
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
16 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εὐχαριστοῦντες
giving thanks
G2168
εὐχαριστοῦντες
giving thanks
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
17 of 23
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
19 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πατρὶ
the Father
G3962
πατρὶ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
21 of 23
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.Colossians 3:23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;Proverbs 3:6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.Ephesians 5:20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;1 Peter 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.1 Thessalonians 5:18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.Hebrews 13:15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.1 John 3:18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Historical Context
Ancient world sharply divided sacred (temple, ritual, religious activities) from secular (daily work, family life, recreation). Christianity abolished this division: all life is sacred when lived for Christ's glory. This transformed ordinary occupations into holy callings, giving dignity to mundane work and accountability for all activities. Medieval monasticism partially reverted to sacred/secular division; Reformation reclaimed Paul's vision of comprehensive Christian life.
Questions for Reflection
- What activities do you consider secular versus sacred, and does this division reflect biblical thinking?
- How specifically do you do your work, relationships, and recreation 'in Jesus's name' for His glory?
- What would change if you truly viewed all activities—eating, working, relaxing—as opportunities to represent Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. Paul provides comprehensive life principle. "Whatsoever ye do" (pan ho ti ean poiēte, πᾶν ὃ τι ἐὰν ποιῆτε) encompasses every activity without exception—no sacred/secular division. "In word or deed" (en logō ē en ergō, ἐν λόγῳ ἢ ἐν ἔργῳ) covers speech and action, communication and conduct, covering all human activity.
"Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (panta en onomati Kyriou Iēsou, πάντα ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ) means acting as Christ's representative, for His glory, under His authority. "Name" indicates identity and authority; doing something in someone's name means representing them. "Giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (eucharistountes tō theō patri di' autou, εὐχαριστοῦντες τῷ θεῷ πατρὶ δι' αὐτοῦ) makes thanksgiving constant accompaniment to all activity, recognizing God as source and Christ as mediator.