Meaning, commentary and cross references
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
NIV · New International Version
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
WEB · World English Bible
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
What does Colossians 3:23 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do,.... Some have thought that these words, and the two following verses, regard the Colossians in general, and the performance of any, and all good works by them; but by their connection with the preceding verse, and with the beginning of the next chapter, they appear to concern servants only, and what they do under that character, and under the discharge of their duty: do it heartily, not by mere force and necessity, grudgingly, and with murmurings, but from the heart, and with good will, having a true, real, and hearty affection for their masters, having their good and interest at heart, and a delight in their service; like the Hebrew servant, that loved his master, as…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Colossians 3:18–25
23. Et quicquid feceritis, ex animo facite, tanquam Domino, et non hominibus: 24. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 24. Scientes quod a Domino recipietis mercedem hereditatis, nam Domino Christo servitis. 25.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Colossians 3:20–25 (WEB)
20Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. 21Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged. 22Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. 23And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.
Cross references
- Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Ephesians 6:6–7
not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
- Romans 14:8
For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
- 2 Chronicles 31:21
In every work that he began in the service of God’s house, in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart and prospered.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor plan, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going.
- 1 Peter 2:15
For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
- 1 Peter 2:13
Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme,
- Psalms 119:10