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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Colossians 3:18–25.
The apostle concludes the chapter with exhortations to relative duties, as before in the epistle to the Ephesians. The epistles which are most taken up in displaying the glory of divine grace, and magnifying the Lord Jesus, are the most particular and distinct in pressing the duties of the several relations. We must never separate the privileges and duties of the gospel religion.
I.He begins with the duties of wives and husbands (Col 3:18):
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Submission is the duty of wives, hupotassesthe. It is the same word which is used to express our duty to magistrates (Rom 13:1, Let every soul be subject to the higher powers), and is expressed by subjection and reverence, Eph 5:24, Eph 5:33. The reason is that Adam was first formed, then Eve: and Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, was in the transgression, Ti1 2:13, Ti1 2:14. He was first in the creation and last in the transgression. The head of the woman is the man; and the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man; neither was the man created for the woman, but the woman for the man, Co1 11:3, Co1 11:8, Co1 11:9. It is agreeable to the order of nature and the reason of things, as well as the appointment and will of God. But then it is submission, not to a rigorous lord or absolute tyrant, who may do his will and is without restraints, but to a husband, and to her own husband, who stands in the nearest relation, and is under strict engagements to proper duty too. And this is fit in the Lord, it is becoming the relation, and what they are bound in duty to do, as an instance of obedience to the authority and law of Christ. On the other hand, husbands must love their wives, and not be bitter against them, Col 3:19. They must love them with tender and faithful affection, as Christ loved the church, and as their own bodies, and even as themselves (Eph 5:25, Eph 5:28, Eph 5:33), with a love peculiar to the nearest relation and the greatest comfort and blessing of life. And they must not be bitter against them, not use them unkindly, with harsh language or severe treatment, but be kind and obliging to them in all things; for the woman was made for the man, neither is the man without the woman, and the man also is by the woman, Co1 11:9, Co1 11:11, Co1 11:12.
II.The duties of children and parents:
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord, Col 3:20. They must be willing to do all their lawful commands, and be at their direction and disposal; as those who have a natural right and are fitter to direct them than themselves. The apostle (Eph 6:2) requires them to honour as well as obey their parents; they must esteem them and think honourably of them, as the obedience of their lives must proceed from the esteem and opinion of their minds. And this is well-pleasing to God, or acceptable to him; for it is the first commandment with promise (Eph 6:2), with an explicit promise annexed to it, namely, That it shall be well with them, and they shall live long on the earth. Dutiful children are the most likely to prosper in the world and enjoy long life. And parents must be tender, as well as children obedient (Col 3:21): "Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Let not your authority over them be exercised with rigour and severity, but with kindness and gentleness, lest you raise their passions and discourage them in their duty, and by holding the reins too tight make them fly out with greater fierceness." The bad temper and example of imprudent parents often prove a great hindrance to their children and a stumbling-block in their way; see Eph 6:4. And it is by the tenderness of parents, and dutifulness of children, that God ordinarily furnishes his church with a seed to serve him, and propagates religion from age to age.
III.Servants and masters:
Servants, obey your masters in all things according to the flesh, Col 3:22. Servants must do the duty of the relation in which they stand, and obey their master's commands in all things which are consistent with their duty to God their heavenly Master. Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers - not only when their master's eye is upon them, but when they are from under their master's eye. They must be both just and diligent. In singleness of heart, fearing God - without selfish designs, or hypocrisy and disguise, as those who fear God and stand in awe of him. Observe, The fear of God ruling in the heart will make people good in every relation. Servants who fear God will be just and faithful when they are from under their master's eye, because they know they are under the eye of God. See Gen 20:11, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place. Neh 5:15, But so did not I, because of the fear of God. "And whatsoever you do, do it heartily (Col 3:23), with diligence, not idly and slothfully:" or, "Do it cheerfully, not discontented at the providence of God which put you in that relation." - As to the Lord, and not as to men. It sanctifies a servant's work when it is done as unto God - with an eye to his glory and in obedience to his command, and not merely as unto men, or with regard to them only. Observe, We are really doing our duty to God when we are faithful in our duty to men. And, for servants' encouragement, let them know that a good and faithful servant is never the further from heaven for his being a servant: "Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ, Col 3:24. Serving your masters according to the command of Christ, you serve Christ, and he will be your paymaster: you will have a glorious reward at last. Though you are now servants, you will receive the inheritance of sons. But, on the other hand, He who does wrong will receive for the wrong which he has done," Col 3:25. There is a righteous God, who, if servants wrong their masters, will reckon with them for it, though they may conceal it from their master's notice. And he will be sure to punish the unjust as well as reward the faithful servant: and so if masters wrong their servants. - And there is no respect of persons with him. The righteous Judge of the earth will be impartial, and carry it with an equal hand towards the master and servant; not swayed by any regard to men's outward circumstances and condition of life. The one and the other will stand upon a level at his tribunal.
It is probable that the apostle has a particular respect, in all these instances of duty, to the case mentioned 1 Cor. 7 of relations of a different religion, as a Christian and heathen, a Jewish convert and an uncircumcised Gentile, where there was room to doubt whether they were bound to fulfil the proper duties of their several relations to such persons. And, if it hold in such cases, it is much stronger upon Christians one towards another, and where both are of the same religion. And how happy would the gospel religion make the world, if it every where prevailed; and how much would it influence every state of things and every relation of life!
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
He desires to have them freed not only from hypocrisy, but also from slothfulness. He hath made them instead of slaves free, when they need not the superintendence of their master for the expression "heartily" means this, "with good will," not with a slavish necessity, but with freedom, and of choice. And what is the reward?
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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). 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) and to "put on the new man" (Colossians 3:10). The chapter then moves into specific household codes, addressing wives and husbands (Colossians 3:18-19), children and parents (Colossians 3:20-21), and finally, servants (or slaves) and masters (Colossians 3:22-25 and Colossians 4:1). 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 and Colossians 3:23 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), 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). 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Does "not unto men" mean we should disregard our human bosses or responsibilities?
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, Ephesians 6:5-8). 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"?
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).
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). 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). 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).