Colossians 3:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whatsoever {G3956}{G3748}{G1437} ye do {G4160}, do {G2038} it heartily {G1537}{G5590}, as {G5613} to the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} not {G3756} unto men {G444};

Complete Jewish Bible

Whatever work you do, put yourself into it, as those who are serving not merely other people, but the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,

American Standard Version

whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 3:23 provides a foundational principle for Christian living, urging believers to approach every task, regardless of its nature or perceived significance, with wholehearted devotion. This verse transcends mere instruction for employees or servants, establishing a universal ethic where all labor is transformed into an act of worship. By directing our efforts "as to the Lord, and not unto men," Paul liberates individuals from seeking human validation as their primary motivation, instead grounding their diligence, integrity, and excellence in their ultimate accountability and service to Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 3:23 is situated within the latter, hortatory (exhortational) section of Paul's letter to the Colossians, following a profound theological exposition on Christ's supremacy and the believer's new identity in Him. Chapter 3 begins with a call to "seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God" ([Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Setting Affections on Things Above")). This heavenly focus then transitions into practical instructions for daily living, urging believers to "put off the old man with his deeds" ([Colossians 3:9](/colossians/3-9 "Colossians 3:9 - Putting Off the Old Man")) and to "put on the new man" ([Colossians 3:10](/colossians/3-10 "Colossians 3:10 - Putting On the New Man")). The chapter then moves into specific household codes, addressing wives and husbands ([Colossians 3:18-19](/colossians/3-18-19 "Colossians 3:18-19 - Wives and Husbands")), children and parents ([Colossians 3:20-21](/colossians/3-20-21 "Colossians 3:20-21 - Children and Parents")), and finally, servants (or slaves) and masters ([Colossians 3:22-4:1](/colossians/3-22-4-1 "Colossians 3:22-4:1 - Servants and Masters")). Verse 23, along with verse 24, directly addresses the attitude of servants towards their work, but its principle is universally applicable to all believers in their vocations and responsibilities, serving as a capstone for the entire section on Christian conduct.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman world, in which the Colossian church existed, was heavily stratified, with slavery being a deeply embedded social and economic institution. While different from the chattel slavery of later eras, Roman slavery still involved a master-slave relationship where slaves were considered property. Paul's instruction to "servants" (δοῦλοι, _douloi_, often translated as "slaves") in [Colossians 3:22](/colossians/3-22 "Colossians 3:22 - Servants Obeying Masters") and [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Working Heartily for the Lord") was revolutionary. Instead of advocating for immediate social upheaval (which could have endangered the nascent Christian movement), Paul transformed the *ethic* of labor and the *purpose* of service from within. He elevated the slave's work from mere human obligation to divine worship, challenging the prevailing power structures by asserting that both master and slave ultimately served the same heavenly Lord. This perspective provided dignity and meaning to even the most menial tasks, fostering integrity and hope in a system that often denied both.

* **Key Themes:** Colossians 3:23 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the letter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian transformation and new identity in Christ**. Having been "raised with Christ" ([Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Raised with Christ")), believers are called to live out this new reality in every sphere of life, including their work. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Christ's Lordship and ultimate authority**. By emphasizing that work is done "as to the Lord," Paul reinforces Christ's supreme position over all of life, including daily labor and social structures. This aligns with the broader Christological emphasis of the letter, where Christ is presented as the head of the church and the preeminent one in all creation ([Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - The Supremacy of Christ")). Thirdly, it develops the theme of **holistic discipleship**, demonstrating that Christian faith is not confined to spiritual exercises but permeates all aspects of existence. Every action, no matter how mundane, can be sanctified and offered as an act of worship, echoing the call to do "all to the glory of God" found in [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heartily (Greek, _ek psychēs_):** This phrase, literally "out of the soul," combines G1537 (_ek_), a preposition denoting origin or source ("from, out of"), with G5590 (_psychḗ_), referring to the "soul," "life," "mind," or "innermost being." The KJV's "heartily" captures the essence of this phrase, signifying a deep, internal commitment and passion that originates from the very core of one's being. It implies more than mere outward compliance; it demands sincerity, enthusiasm, and a genuine investment of one's inner self in the task at hand, contrasting with grudging or superficial effort.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** Derived from a root implying supremacy, G2962 (_kýrios_) denotes supreme authority and control, often translated as "Master" or "Lord." In the New Testament, it is consistently applied to Jesus Christ, acknowledging His divine sovereignty and rightful dominion. In this context, calling Him "the Lord" elevates Him as the ultimate Master and recipient of all service, contrasting sharply with human masters or authorities. This designation shifts the entire paradigm of work from human-centric to God-centric.
* **Whatsoever (Greek, _pâs_):** G3956 (_pâs_) is a comprehensive adjective meaning "all," "any," "every," or "the whole." When combined with "ye do" (G4160, _poiéō_, "to make or do"), it emphasizes the universal scope of the command. It means that this principle applies to *every single thing* a believer undertakes, without exception or qualification. It leaves no room for compartmentalizing life into "sacred" and "secular" activities, asserting that all actions fall under the purview of divine service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whatsoever ye do":** This opening clause establishes the expansive scope of the command. It signifies that the principle applies to all actions, tasks, responsibilities, and vocations in a believer's life, from the most significant to the most mundane. It implies a comprehensive Christian worldview where no activity is outside the realm of divine service.
* **"do [it] heartily":** This is the core instruction regarding *how* to perform these tasks. The phrase "heartily" (from the Greek _ek psychēs_) emphasizes the internal disposition and quality of effort. It calls for sincerity, enthusiasm, diligence, and a genuine investment of one's whole self – mind, will, and emotion – rather than a half-hearted, grudging, or superficial performance.
* **"as to the Lord":** This clause provides the ultimate motivation and audience for all Christian labor. It transforms any task into an act of worship and service directed towards Jesus Christ. Our work is not merely for human employers, clients, or beneficiaries, but is ultimately an offering to the sovereign Lord. This perspective elevates the dignity of labor and provides profound purpose.
* **"and not unto men":** This final phrase serves as a crucial counterpoint and liberation. It does not negate human responsibilities or the need to respect human authorities. Instead, it reorients the primary motivation. It frees believers from being driven solely by the desire for human approval, praise, recognition, or fear of human punishment. Our standard and ultimate judge are divine, not human, fostering integrity and perseverance even when human oversight is absent or appreciation is lacking.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, juxtaposing "as to the Lord" with "and not unto men." This antithesis highlights the radical shift in perspective and motivation that Christianity brings to daily work, moving from a human-centered to a God-centered orientation. **Hyperbole** or **Inclusivity** is evident in the phrase "whatsoever ye do," which uses an expansive term to emphasize the universal applicability of the command to every aspect of life, leaving no room for exceptions. Furthermore, the use of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in "heartily" (literally "from the soul") allows a part (the soul/innermost being) to represent the whole person's sincere, dedicated effort. Finally, the verse functions as a clear example of **Didacticism**, directly instructing and shaping the moral and spiritual conduct of believers in a practical domain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 3:23 profoundly shapes Christian theology of work, elevating all legitimate labor to a sacred calling. It teaches that human activity, whether in the marketplace, home, or church, is not merely a means to an end (e.g., earning a living, gaining status) but an opportunity to participate in God's ongoing creative and redemptive purposes. This perspective sanctifies the mundane, imbuing every task with eternal significance and transforming work from a potential curse into an act of worship. It reminds us that our primary audience is God, fostering integrity, diligence, and excellence even when no human eye is watching, because our ultimate accountability is to Him. This divine orientation liberates us from the anxieties of human approval and the disappointments of unappreciated effort, grounding our motivation in the unwavering love and perfect justice of our heavenly Lord.

* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")
* [Ephesians 6:7](/ephesians/6-7 "Ephesians 6:7 - Serving with Good Will")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 3:23 offers timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of modern life, particularly in our work and responsibilities. In a world often driven by performance reviews, external validation, and the pursuit of human recognition, this verse calls us to a radical reorientation. It challenges us to consider *why* we do what we do and *for whom*. Whether we are students, parents, professionals, volunteers, or retirees, every task becomes an opportunity to express our devotion to Christ. This perspective can combat burnout by infusing mundane tasks with divine purpose, transform drudgery into discipleship, and foster a deep sense of integrity, knowing that our ultimate standard is God's perfect character. It encourages us to give our best, not out of fear or a desire for human praise, but out of a sincere love for the One who gave His all for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life (work, home, relationships, hobbies) do you find it most challenging to "do it heartily"? Why?**
* **How might shifting your primary motivation from "unto men" to "as to the Lord" change your approach to a current task or responsibility?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to infuse more "heart" (sincerity, enthusiasm, diligence) into something you typically do grudgingly?**
* **How does the promise of a divine reward (implied in the next verse, [Colossians 3:24](/colossians/3-24 "Colossians 3:24 - The Reward of Inheritance")) impact your motivation to serve heartily?**

### FAQ

**Does "not unto men" mean we should disregard our human bosses or responsibilities?**

Answer: No, "not unto men" does not mean we should ignore human authority or neglect our responsibilities to employers, clients, or family members. Instead, it reorients our *primary* motivation. Paul frequently emphasizes respect for human authority and diligent work (e.g., [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities"), [Ephesians 6:5-8](/ephesians/6-5-8 "Ephesians 6:5-8 - Slaves and Masters")). The phrase means that our ultimate standard and audience is God, not people. We perform our duties diligently and with integrity *because* we are serving the Lord, and this commitment to God will naturally lead to excellent service to others, even when human oversight is absent or human appreciation is lacking. Our service to men becomes an outflow of our service to God.

**How can I do mundane or unpleasant tasks "heartily"?**

Answer: Doing mundane or unpleasant tasks "heartily" requires a conscious shift in perspective, viewing every task through the lens of divine service. Instead of focusing on the task itself or its immediate human recipient, consider that by performing it diligently and with excellence, you are honoring God. This transforms the ordinary into an act of worship. For example, cleaning, budgeting, or repetitive work can become opportunities to demonstrate faithfulness, discipline, and love for God, who has called you to steward all aspects of your life. Remember that even Christ performed seemingly mundane tasks during His earthly ministry, always with divine purpose ([Luke 2:51](/luke/2-51 "Luke 2:51 - Jesus' Obedience")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 3:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of one who did "whatsoever He did, heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." From His humble birth to His obedient life and sacrificial death, Christ's entire existence was an unwavering act of service to His Father. He declared, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Purpose")). Even in the face of immense suffering and the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, He submitted His will to the Father's, demonstrating a perfect, wholehearted obedience "even unto death" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). As believers, our ability to serve heartily "as to the Lord" flows directly from our union with Christ. His Spirit indwells us, empowering us to live lives of faithful service, mirroring His own perfect devotion. We are not merely imitating a moral example, but are enabled by the One who perfectly embodied this truth, making our work a participation in His ongoing redemptive mission and a foretaste of the eternal reward He has secured for us ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")).

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

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Ephesians 6:6

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

Ephesians 6:7

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

Romans 14:8

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

2 Chronicles 31:21

And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did [it] with all his heart, and prospered.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

1 Peter 2:15

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: