Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 15
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ποιῆτε
ye do
G4160
ποιῆτε
ye do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
6 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐκ
it heartily
G1537
ἐκ
it heartily
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ψυχῆς
G5590
ψυχῆς
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
8 of 15
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
ἐργάζεσθε
do
G2038
ἐργάζεσθε
do
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
9 of 15
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
10 of 15
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
to the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
to the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Colossians 3:17And 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.Romans 14:8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.2 Chronicles 31:21And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.1 Peter 2:15For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:Psalms 119:10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.1 Peter 2:13Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:Romans 14:6He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.Psalms 119:34Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Historical Context
Ancient world divided humanity into those who worked (slaves, manual laborers—despised) and leisured elite (philosophers, politicians—honored). Christianity dignified all honest work as service to Christ, regardless of social status or task's nature. This attracted working-class converts and transformed Christian communities into economically diverse bodies where manual laborers worshiped alongside wealthy members as equals before Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How would your work quality, attitude, and diligence change if you truly worked for Christ, not humans?
- What work tasks do you do grudgingly or halfheartedly that you should do 'heartily as to the Lord'?
- How can you maintain excellent work ethic despite difficult circumstances, unreasonable demands, or lack of appreciation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Paul universalizes the principle. "Whatsoever ye do" (ho ean poiēte, ὃ ἐὰν ποιῆτε) encompasses all work without exception. "Do it heartily" (ek psychēs ergazesthe, ἐκ ψυχῆς ἐργάζεσθε) literally means "work from the soul"—wholeheartedly, with full energy and commitment, not grudgingly or halfheartedly.
"As to the Lord, and not unto men" (hōs tō Kyriō kai ouk anthrōpois, ὡς τῷ Κυρίῳ καὶ οὐκ ἀνθρώποις) reframes work's ultimate audience. Human employers are immediate authorities, but Christ is ultimate Master. This transforms even menial or unpleasant tasks into sacred service. Poor or cruel bosses can't diminish work's significance when offered to Christ. This doctrine revolutionizes work ethic, providing motivation transcending circumstances or recognition.