Colossians 1:29

KJV

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whereunto {G1519}{G3739} I {G2872} also {G2532} labour {G2872}, striving {G75} according to {G2596} his {G846} working {G1753}, which {G3588} worketh {G1754} in {G1722} me {G1698} mightily {G1722}{G1411}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is for this that I toil, striving with all the energy that he stirs up in me so mightily.

Berean Standard Bible

To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.

American Standard Version

whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 1:29 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's profound commitment to his apostolic ministry, revealing that his intense labor and striving are not born of human strength alone, but are supernaturally empowered by the dynamic working of Christ within him. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the synergy between dedicated human effort and the indwelling, mighty power of God, all directed towards the ultimate goal of presenting every believer mature and complete in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 1:29 concludes a pivotal section (Colossians 1:24-29) where Paul expounds on the nature of his ministry. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul articulates his suffering for the church (Colossians 1:24), the stewardship of God's mystery entrusted to him (Colossians 1:25-26), and the glorious content of that mystery: "[Christ in you, the hope of glory](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")" (Colossians 1:27). He then states his overarching objective: to "[proclaim Christ, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ](/colossians/1-28 "Colossians 1:28 - Paul's Goal to Present Every Person Perfect in Christ")" (Colossians 1:28). Verse 29, therefore, acts as the explanatory culmination, detailing the *how* of Paul's ministry—the source and nature of the energy that drives his tireless pursuit of this divine calling. It underscores that his labor is not self-generated but divinely enabled for a Christ-centered purpose.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry took place within the Greco-Roman world, characterized by diverse philosophical schools, mystery religions, and imperial cults, all vying for allegiance. The city of Colossae itself was a melting pot of various religious influences, including Jewish mysticism and proto-Gnostic elements, which threatened to dilute the purity of the gospel. Paul's emphasis on Christ's supremacy and the sufficiency of His work (themes found throughout [the letter to the Colossians](/colossians/1 "Colossians - Christ's Supremacy")) directly countered these syncretistic tendencies. His "labor" and "striving" reflect the immense physical and spiritual demands of itinerant apostleship in this environment, involving arduous travel, constant opposition, persecution, and the demanding work of establishing and nurturing nascent Christian communities. The concept of divine power working through individuals was not alien to the ancient world, but Paul redefines it within a monotheistic, Christ-centered framework, emphasizing God's active presence in the believer for redemptive purposes, contrasting with the often impersonal or capricious divine interventions of pagan deities.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Colossians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Empowerment for Ministry**, asserting that effective Christian service is not merely human endeavor but is fundamentally sustained by God's supernatural power. This concept is central to Paul's understanding of his own apostleship, as seen in his declaration that his sufficiency comes from God ([2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "2 Corinthians 3:5 - Our Sufficiency is from God")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Synergy between Human Effort and Divine Power**. Paul's "labour" and "striving" demonstrate that divine empowerment does not negate human responsibility or diligent exertion; rather, it supernaturally enables and directs it. This dynamic partnership is crucial for understanding the Christian life and ministry, where believers are called to work out their salvation because God is at work within them ([Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Working Out Salvation with God Working In")). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Christ's Supremacy and Sufficiency**, as the "working" that empowers Paul is explicitly "his working," referring to Christ. This reinforces the idea that all power and effectiveness in ministry flow from Christ, who is "[the head of every rule and authority](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Christ is the Head of All Rule and Authority")" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Christ is the Head of All Rule and Authority")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **labour (Greek, _kopiáō'_):** From a derivative of κόπος (kopos), meaning "toil" or "trouble." This verb signifies to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard, to exert oneself to the point of weariness or exhaustion. It describes intense, painstaking effort, often implying a struggle against difficulties, and is used elsewhere by Paul to describe his tireless, self-sacrificing work for the gospel (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Labor by God's Grace")).
* **striving (Greek, _agōnízomai'_):** From ἀγών (agōn), meaning "a contest" or "struggle" (the root of our English word "agonize"). This verb means to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize, as in an athletic contest) or figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or generally to endeavor to accomplish something. It vividly portrays Paul's ministry as a vigorous, earnest fight, a spiritual wrestling match that demands total commitment, intense focus, and perseverance against opposition.
* **working (Greek, _enérgeia'_):** From ἐνεργής (energēs), meaning "active" or "efficient" (the root of our English word "energy"). This noun denotes efficiency, active, effective power, or operation. In the New Testament, it almost exclusively refers to a supernatural or divine force, emphasizing the dynamic, operative power of God or Christ. It highlights that the power at work in Paul is not natural human capability but a divine, dynamic, and effective operation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whereunto I also labour":** Paul begins by linking his intense effort ("labour") back to his overarching goal of presenting every person perfect in Christ, as stated in the preceding verse. The term "labour" (kopiáō) signifies a deep, wearisome toil, indicating the exhaustive nature of his apostolic work. It's not a casual effort but a full-bodied commitment to the demanding task of gospel proclamation and discipleship.
* **"striving according to his working":** Paul's "striving" (agōnízomai), which evokes the imagery of an athlete competing vigorously or a soldier fighting fiercely, is not a self-generated, independent effort. Instead, it is "according to his working," meaning it is aligned with, enabled by, and proportionate to the divine power at work. This phrase establishes the crucial connection between human exertion and divine enablement, emphasizing that Paul's struggle is not in vain but is empowered by a greater force.
* **"which worketh in me mightily":** This final clause identifies the source and nature of the power. The "working" (enérgeia) is not merely a passive influence but an active, dynamic operation. The verb "worketh" (energéō) reinforces this active, effective power, and the adverb "mightily" (en dýnamei, literally "in power" or "with power," from dýnamis) describes the inherent, extraordinary, often miraculous strength of this divine operation. It is God's (or Christ's) power, indwelling and operating within Paul, that makes his strenuous ministry effective and fruitful.

#### Literary Devices
Colossians 1:29 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Synecdoche**, where Paul uses his own "labour" and "striving" to represent the entire scope of his apostolic ministry, a part standing for the whole. This personal declaration makes the theological point more immediate and relatable. There is also strong **Emphasis** through repetition and cognate words: "working" (enérgeia) and "worketh" (energéō) are from the same root, highlighting the active, dynamic, and continuous nature of God's power. This repetition creates a sense of unstoppable divine momentum. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metaphor** in "striving" (agōnízomai), drawing on the imagery of an athletic contest or a battle, conveying the intensity, discipline, and opposition inherent in Paul's ministry. Finally, the phrase "worketh in me mightily" employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the extraordinary, supernatural nature of the power at play, suggesting a force far beyond human capacity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 1:29 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of Christian ministry and the Christian life: it is a synergistic partnership between human effort and divine power. Paul's experience demonstrates that God does not expect us to accomplish His work in our own strength, nor does His power negate our responsibility to labor diligently. Instead, His indwelling power supernaturally empowers and directs our earnest exertion, ensuring that the work is truly God's, yet performed through human vessels. This dynamic balance prevents both passive quietism and self-reliant activism, calling believers to pour themselves out in service while utterly depending on the divine energy that makes all things possible.

* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - God Works In You to Will and to Act")
* [1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Grace-Empowered Labor")
* [Ephesians 3:7](/ephesians/3-7 "Ephesians 3:7 - Paul's Ministry by God's Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 1:29 serves as a foundational principle for every believer engaged in God's work, whether in formal ministry or daily life. It liberates us from the burden of self-sufficiency, reminding us that our effectiveness comes not from our inherent talents or tireless efforts alone, but from the mighty working of God within us. This truth should inspire both humility and boldness: humility, because any success is ultimately His doing, and boldness, because the power at our disposal is divine and limitless. We are called to "labour" and "strive" with all our might, pouring out our energy and dedication, yet always with the profound awareness that it is God's power energizing our every step. This understanding transforms our approach to challenges, turning feelings of inadequacy into opportunities for God's power to be displayed. It encourages us to lean into His strength, knowing that our weaknesses become conduits for His perfect power, enabling us to accomplish far more than we could ever imagine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel the most "labour" or "striving"? How might recognizing God's "working" in you transform your perspective on these challenges?**
* **How does the balance between human effort and divine empowerment in this verse challenge both passive reliance on God and self-reliant striving?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consciously rely on God's "working" in your daily tasks and spiritual endeavors?**

### FAQ
**Does Colossians 1:29 mean that human effort is unnecessary if God is doing all the "working"?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. Colossians 1:29 presents a dynamic synergy between human effort and divine power. Paul explicitly states, "I also labour, striving," demonstrating his intense personal exertion. However, this effort is not independent but is "according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." This means Paul's human labor and striving are *enabled* and *empowered* by God's active presence. God's "working" (Greek: _enérgeia_) is the divine energy that makes human effort effective and fruitful. It's a partnership where God provides the supernatural ability, and we respond with diligent, consecrated effort. As [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - God Works Within You") beautifully puts it, we are to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Our effort is a response to, and a channel for, His power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 1:29 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's "labour" and "striving" are not for personal glory or human achievement, but are explicitly "according to *his* working," referring to the working of Christ. This verse reveals that the very energy and effectiveness of Paul's apostolic ministry flow directly from the indwelling Christ, the same Christ who is "[the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). The "mystery" that Paul proclaims is "[Christ in you, the hope of glory](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")" ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")), and it is this indwelling Christ, by His Spirit, who "worketh in me mightily." This divine empowerment is precisely how Paul can fulfill his mission to "[present every man perfect in Christ Jesus](/colossians/1-28 "Colossians 1:28 - Paul's Goal to Present Every Person Perfect in Christ")" ([Colossians 1:28](/colossians/1-28 "Colossians 1:28 - Paul's Goal to Present Every Person Perfect in Christ")), for only Christ's perfect righteousness and transformative power can bring about such maturity. Thus, Colossians 1:29 is a powerful testimony to the living, active, and empowering presence of the resurrected Christ, who continues His redemptive work through His servants, ensuring that all glory ultimately redounds to Him, "[who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power at Work Within Us")" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power at Work Within Us")).

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

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Ephesians 1:19

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

1 Corinthians 9:25

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

1 Corinthians 9:27

But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Ephesians 3:7

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.