TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
See on the biblical-era map
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Colossians 1:9–11. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The apostle proceeds in these verses to pray for them. He heard that they were good, and he prayed that they might be better. He was constant in this prayer: We do not cease to pray for you. It may be he could hear of them but seldom, but he constantly prayed for them. - And desire that you may be filled with the knowledge, etc. Observe what it is that he begs of God for them,
I.That they might be knowing intelligent Christians:
filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Observe,
1.The knowledge of our duty is the best knowledge. A mere empty notion of the greatest truths is insignificant. Our knowledge of the will of God must be always practical: we must know it, in order to do it.
2.Our knowledge is then a blessing indeed when it is in wisdom, when we know how to apply our general knowledge to our particular occasions, and to suit it to all emergencies.
3.Christians should endeavour to be filled with knowledge; not only to know the will of God, but to know more of it, and to increase in the knowledge of God (as it is Col 1:10), and to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Pe2 3:18.
II.That their conversation might be good.
Good knowledge without a good life will not profit. Our understanding is then a spiritual understanding when we exemplify it in our way of living: That you may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing (Col 1:10), that is, as becomes the relation we stand in to him and the profession we make of him. The agreeableness of our conversation to our religion is pleasing to God as well as to good men. We walk unto all well-pleasing when we walk in all things according to the will of God. Being fruitful in every good work. This is what we should aim at. Good words will not do without good works. We must abound in good works, and in every good work: not in some only, which are more easy, and suitable, and safe, but in all, and every instance of them. There must be a regular uniform regard to all the will of God. And the more fruitful we are in good works the more we shall increase in the knowledge of God. He who doeth his will shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, Joh 7:17.
III.That they might be strengthened:
Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power (Col 1:11), fortified against the temptations of Satan and furnished for all their duty. It is a great comfort to us that he who undertakes to give strength to his people is a God of power and of glorious power. Where there is spiritual life there is still need of spiritual strength, strength for all the actions of the spiritual life. To be strengthened is to be furnished by the grace of God for every good work, and fortified by that grace against every evil one: it is to be enabled to do our duty, and still to hold fast our integrity. The blessed Spirit is the author of this strength; for we are strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inward man, Eph 3:16. The word of God is the means of it, by which he conveys it; and it must be fetched in by prayer. It was in answer to earnest prayer that the apostle obtained sufficient grace. In praying for spiritual strength we are not straitened in the promises, and therefore should not be straitened in our own hopes and desires. Observe,
1.He prayed that they might be strengthened with might: this seems a tautology; but he means, that they might be mightily strengthened, or strengthened with might derived from another.
2.It is with all might. It seems unreasonable that a creature should be strengthened with all might, for that is to make him almighty; but he means, with all that might which we have occasion for, to enable us to discharge our duty or preserve our innocence, that grace which is sufficient for us in all the trials of life and able to help us in time of need.
3.It is according to his glorious power. He means, according to the grace of God: but the grace of God in the hearts of believers is the power of God; and there is a glory in this power; it is an excellent and sufficient power. And the communications of strength are not according to our weakness, to whom the strength is communicated, but according to his power, from whom it is received. When God gives he gives like himself, and when he strengthens he strengthens like himself.
4.The special use of this strength was for suffering work: That you may be strengthened unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness. He prays not only that they may be supported under their troubles, but strengthened for them: the reason is there is work to be done even when we are suffering. And those who are strengthened according to his glorious power are strengthened,
(1.)To all patience. When patience hath its perfect work (Jam 1:4) then we are strengthened to all patience - when we not only bear our troubles patiently, but receive them as gifts from God, and are thankful for them. To you it is given to suffer, Phi 1:29. When we bear our troubles well, though ever so many, and the circumstances of them ever so aggravating, then we bear them with all patience. And the same reason for bearing one trouble will hold for bearing another, if it be a good reason. All patience includes all the kinds of it; not only bearing patience, but waiting patience.
(2.)This is even unto long-suffering, that is, drawn out to a great length: not only to bear trouble awhile, but to bear it as long as God pleases to continue it.
(3.)It is with joyfulness, to rejoice in tribulation, to take joyfully the spoiling of our goods, and rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer for his name, to have joy as well as patience in the troubles of life. This we could never do by any strength of our own, but as we are strengthened by the grace of God.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
And again, "strengthened with all power," and again, "unto all patience and long-suffering"; for the constant addition of "all" bears witness to their doing well in part, though, it might be, not in all.
"Strengthened with all power." He is here speaking of trials and persecutions. We pray that ye might be filled with strength, that ye faint not for sorrow, nor despair. "According to the might of His glory." But that ye may take up again such forwardness as it becometh the power of His glory to give. "Unto all patience and long-suffering." What he saith is of this sort. Summarily, he saith, we pray that ye may lead a life of virtue, and worthy of your citizenship, and may stand firmly, being strengthened as it is reasonable to be strengthened by God.
Continue studying Colossians 1:11 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Colossians 1:11, part of Paul's profound prayer for the Colossian believers, articulates the divine source and ultimate purpose of true Christian strength. It reveals that believers are supernaturally empowered by God's own magnificent and active might to navigate life's challenges, cultivating steadfast endurance, gracious patience with others, and an abiding joy that transcends circumstances. This verse underscores the believer's complete reliance on God's glorious power for a life that honors Him amidst trials and opposition.
Context
Literary Context
Colossians 1:11 is deeply embedded within Paul's opening prayer for the Colossian church, which begins in Colossians 1:9. In verses 9-10, Paul prays that the Colossians would be "filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." Verse 11 directly follows and elaborates on how they are enabled to walk in such a worthy manner. The strength described here is not merely for passive endurance but for active, fruitful living that pleases God. It is the divine enablement for the virtuous life Paul desires for them, flowing directly from their increasing knowledge of God.
Historical & Cultural Context
The church in Colossae faced significant challenges from various forms of false teaching, often referred to as the "Colossian heresy." This heresy was a syncretistic blend of Jewish legalism (e.g., dietary laws, circumcision, observance of festivals as mentioned in Colossians 2:16), Gnostic tendencies (emphasizing secret knowledge and a devaluation of the physical world), and mystical practices (like the worship of angels, as seen in Colossians 2:18). These teachings threatened to diminish the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. In such an environment, believers needed supernatural strength to stand firm against these alluring but deceptive doctrines, to persevere in sound doctrine, and to live out their faith consistently without compromise. Paul's prayer for their strengthening was thus profoundly practical and pastoral, equipping them for spiritual warfare and faithful living.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Colossians and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the theme of Divine Empowerment, emphasizing that Christian living is not by human effort but by God's enabling power, a concept foundational to Paul's understanding of grace. It also speaks to Spiritual Maturity and Perseverance, as the strength is given "unto all patience and longsuffering," virtues essential for enduring trials and maintaining healthy relationships within the community. Furthermore, the inclusion of "joyfulness" underscores the theme of Joy in Suffering, a recurring motif in Paul's letters (e.g., Philippians 4:4). Ultimately, this strength enables believers to live a life "worthy of the Lord" (Colossians 1:10), reflecting the Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ as the source of all spiritual vitality.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, derived from dýnamis (power), means "to enable" or "to make strong." It signifies an active, divine impartation of power, not merely a passive reception. The passive voice ("strengthened") indicates that God is the agent of this empowerment. It implies a continuous process, a constant supply of spiritual vigor.
This term refers to "glory" as something "very apparent," encompassing dignity, honor, praise, and worship. When applied to God's power, it describes its magnificent, awe-inspiring, and weighty nature. It's not just power, but power that radiates God's intrinsic character and majesty, making it worthy of honor and adoration.
This compound word literally means "long-tempered" or "slow to anger." It denotes forbearance, patience, and endurance specifically in relation to people who provoke, annoy, or wrong us. It's the ability to bear with offenses and difficulties without retaliating or giving up hope for the offender, reflecting God's own patience with humanity.
Verse Breakdown
"Strengthened with all might"
This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and comprehensive nature of the believer's strength. The strength comes from God, and it is "all might" (Greek, pâs dýnamis), indicating a full, complete, and sufficient measure of power, not a partial or limited supply. This strength is not inherent in the believer but is actively supplied by God.
"according to his glorious power"
This clause specifies the standard and source of the strengthening. The measure of strength given to believers is commensurate with God's own magnificent and inherent power. It is not according to human capacity or deservingness, but according to the limitless, awe-inspiring might of God Himself. This emphasizes the supernatural and transcendent nature of the enablement.
"unto all patience and longsuffering"
This phrase declares the purpose and direction of the divine strengthening. The power is given not for personal gain or worldly success, but specifically for the cultivation of spiritual virtues. "Patience" (Greek, hypomonḗ) refers to steadfast endurance under trials, difficulties, and afflictions without giving up. "Longsuffering" (Greek, makrothymía) refers to patience with people, a slowness to anger or retaliation when wronged or provoked. The repetition of "all" (Greek, pâs) before both virtues suggests a comprehensive, unyielding endurance in every circumstance and with every person.
"with joyfulness;"
This final phrase describes the attitude that accompanies this divinely empowered endurance. It is not a grim or stoic resignation, but a deep, abiding joy (Greek, chará) that transcends external circumstances. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit, rooted in God's presence, promises, and ultimate control, enabling believers to persevere with gladness even amidst hardship.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in this verse. The use of Hyperbole is evident in the repeated use of "all" (pâs)—"all might," "all patience," and "all longsuffering." This intensifies the scope and completeness of the divine enablement, suggesting an inexhaustible supply of strength for every conceivable challenge and relationship. Emphasis is achieved through the close proximity of "might" (dýnamis) and "power" (krátos), both denoting strength, which serves to underscore the sheer magnitude and effectiveness of God's enabling force. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates a clear Cause and Effect relationship: God's glorious power is the cause, and the resulting patience, longsuffering, and joyfulness are the effects. This highlights the transformative work of God within the believer.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Colossians 1:11 powerfully articulates the theological truth that genuine Christian living is not a matter of self-effort but of divine enablement. It underscores God's active involvement in the sanctification of believers, providing the supernatural strength necessary to live out the virtues of patience and longsuffering, even in challenging circumstances. This strength flows from His very nature—His "glorious power"—and is given for the purpose of spiritual maturity and bearing fruit that honors Him. The inclusion of "joyfulness" elevates this endurance from mere stoicism to a Spirit-empowered gladness, demonstrating that even in trials, the believer's hope and peace are rooted in God's faithfulness. This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's empowering presence in the lives of His people, from the Exodus to the indwelling Spirit.
Reflection and Application
Colossians 1:11 offers immense encouragement and a clear directive for believers today. In a world that often values immediate gratification and avoids discomfort, the call to "all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" is counter-cultural. This verse reminds us that we are not left to our own devices to face life's inevitable trials, difficult relationships, or the pressures of living faithfully in a fallen world. Instead, God Himself, in His magnificent and glorious power, actively strengthens us. Our role is to humbly acknowledge our need for this divine enablement, to lean into His strength rather than our own limited reserves, and to actively cultivate the virtues He empowers us to possess. This means embracing trials as opportunities for God's power to be displayed, extending grace to those who provoke us, and choosing joy even when circumstances dictate otherwise, knowing that our inner gladness is a testament to God's sustaining presence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How does God strengthen believers according to this verse?
According to Colossians 1:11, God strengthens believers "according to his glorious power." This means the strength imparted is not a human effort or a mere psychological resolve, but a supernatural enablement that flows from God's own infinite, magnificent, and awe-inspiring might. It is an active, continuous impartation by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live a life that transcends their natural capabilities. This divine power equips them for steadfast endurance and gracious patience, even in the face of adversity.
What is the difference between "patience" and "longsuffering" in this context?
While often used interchangeably in common language, the Greek words translated as "patience" (hypomonḗ) and "longsuffering" (makrothymía) in Colossians 1:11 have distinct nuances. Hypomonḗ (patience) primarily refers to steadfast endurance under difficult circumstances, trials, and afflictions without giving up hope or succumbing to despair. It's the ability to "remain under" pressure. Makrothymía (longsuffering) specifically denotes patience with people, particularly those who are difficult, irritating, or who cause offense. It's a slowness to anger or retaliation, a forbearance that gives others grace and time to change, reflecting God's own patient character towards humanity. Both are essential virtues for a mature Christian walk.
Is it truly possible to have "joyfulness" amidst trials and difficult situations?
Yes, Colossians 1:11 asserts that this divinely empowered endurance is to be "with joyfulness." This is not a superficial happiness based on favorable circumstances, but a deep, abiding spiritual joy (chará) that transcends external difficulties. This joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22), rooted in the believer's secure relationship with God, His sovereign control, and His unfailing promises. It's a joy that comes from knowing God is at work even in suffering, refining character and drawing us closer to Him. Believers can experience this joy because their ultimate hope and strength come from God, not from their fleeting circumstances.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Colossians 1:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ, who is the very "image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). He is the one through whom and for whom all things were created, and in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19). Christ perfectly demonstrated "all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" throughout His earthly ministry, especially in His suffering and death. He endured the cross "for the joy that was set before him" (Hebrews 12:2), displaying unparalleled patience with His disciples' weaknesses and longsuffering towards His persecutors. His resurrection is the ultimate manifestation of God's "glorious power," a power now available to believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is through union with Christ that believers are "strengthened with all might," enabling them to walk in the same Spirit-empowered endurance and joy that characterized His life, anticipating the day when they will be "presented holy and blameless and above reproach before him" (Colossians 1:22).