Colossians 3:23

Authorized King James Version

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

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
πᾶν
G3956
whatsoever
all, any, every, the whole
#3
ὃ
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#4
τι
G5100
some or any person or object
#5
ἐὰν
G1437
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#6
ποιῆτε
G4160
ye do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#7
ἐκ
G1537
it heartily
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#8
ψυχῆς
G5590
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#9
ἐργάζεσθε
G2038
do
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
#10
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#11
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
κυρίῳ
G2962
to the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
ἀνθρώποις
G444
unto men
man-faced, i.e., a human being

Cross References

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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 sovereignty 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection