Colossians 1:11

KJV

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

KJV (with Strong's)

Strengthened {G1412} with {G1722} all {G3956} might {G1411}, according to {G2596} his {G846} glorious {G1391} power {G2904}, unto {G1519} all {G3956} patience {G5281} and {G2532} longsuffering {G3115} with {G3326} joyfulness {G5479};

Complete Jewish Bible

We pray that you will be continually strengthened with all the power that comes from his glorious might; so that you will be able to persevere and be patient in any situation, joyfully

Berean Standard Bible

being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully

American Standard Version

strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;

Commentary

### 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](/colossians/1-9 "Colossians 1:9 - Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom"). 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](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16 - Warnings Against Legalism")), 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](/colossians/2-18 "Colossians 2:18 - Warnings Against Angel Worship")). 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](/philippians/4-4 "Rejoice in the Lord Always")). Ultimately, this strength enables believers to live a life "worthy of the Lord" ([Colossians 1:10](/colossians/1-10 "Colossians 1:10 - Walking Worthy of the Lord")), reflecting the **Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ** as the source of all spiritual vitality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strengthened (Greek, _dynamóō'_):** 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.
* **Glorious (Greek, _dóxa'_):** 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.
* **Longsuffering (Greek, _makrothymía'_):** 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.

* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewed Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")

### 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
* **In what specific areas of your life do you feel a lack of strength or patience? How might Colossians 1:11 encourage you to look to God for enablement in those areas?**
* **How does understanding that God's strength is "according to his glorious power" change your perspective on your own weaknesses or limitations?**
* **What is the difference between "patience" (endurance in circumstances) and "longsuffering" (patience with people) in your daily life? How can you intentionally cultivate both with joyfulness?**
* **How can you maintain "joyfulness" when facing difficult trials or dealing with challenging individuals, as this verse commands? What role does faith play in this joy?**

### FAQ

**How does God strengthen believers according to this verse?**

Answer: According to [Colossians 1:11](/colossians/1-11 "Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened by God's Glorious Power"), 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?**

Answer: While often used interchangeably in common language, the Greek words translated as "patience" (_hypomonḗ_) and "longsuffering" (_makrothymía_) in [Colossians 1:11](/colossians/1-11 "Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened by God's Glorious Power") 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?**

Answer: Yes, [Colossians 1:11](/colossians/1-11 "Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened by God's Glorious Power") 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](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), 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](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the Image of God")). 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](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). 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](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")), 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](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 3:16

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Ephesians 4:2

¶ With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Romans 5:3

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Romans 5:5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.