What does Colossians 3:23 mean?

Colossians 3:23 (KJV) reads: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." It sits in Colossians chapter 3, a piece of Christ-centred letter against false teaching from the New Testament, and is most often read as a verse about congratulations. The meaning sharpens when you read the verses immediately around it and notice how Colossians as a whole is arguing its case.

What is the context of Colossians 3:23 in Colossians?

Colossians 3:23 belongs to Colossians 3, which fits inside Colossians's wider message as Christ-centred letter against false teaching. Before applying the verse, read at least the paragraph it appears in so you can see who is speaking, who is being addressed, and what situation prompted the words.

Is Colossians 3:23 from the Old or New Testament?

Colossians 3:23 is from the New Testament — specifically the book of Colossians, chapter 3. That matters because New Testament verses are written after the resurrection and speak directly into the life of the church under the new covenant.

What translation of Colossians 3:23 is used here?

Every verse on Bible Sundays is quoted from the King James Version (KJV), the public-domain English translation first published in 1611. We use the KJV consistently so the wording you memorise on one page matches the wording on every other page of the site.

How can I memorise Colossians 3:23?

Read Colossians 3:23 aloud three times, write it out by hand once, then try to recite it from memory. Repeat morning and evening for a week. Pair it with the theme of congratulations so your mind has a natural retrieval cue. Reviewing on day 1, day 3, day 7 and day 30 locks it in for the long term.

How should I apply Colossians 3:23 today?

Identify one specific situation in the next 24 hours — a conversation, a decision, a fear, a temptation around congratulations — where Colossians 3:23 should change your response. Pray the verse back to God for that situation, then act on it. Application is what turns reading into obedience.

Congratulations Card Verse

Colossians 3:23 for Congratulations Cards

A free, printable, share-ready KJV card verse. Pick a theme, download as a high-resolution image, or copy the text for handwritten cards.

For Congratulations

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

Colossians 3:23

King James Versionbiblesundays.com

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Why Colossians 3:23 works for congratulations cards

Acknowledges their wholehearted effort — they did it as unto the Lord.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."

Read Colossians 3 (KJV) →

How to use this congratulations card

Pick a theme above that matches the recipient's taste — botanical for weddings and showers, midnight for solemn occasions, kraft for rustic.
Download the PNG at 1200×1500 — Pinterest-optimized and high enough resolution for printing on standard 5×7 cardstock.
Send digitally via text, email, or social, or print and pair with a handwritten note inside.
Reference the chapter — readers often want to look up the surrounding context. Tap the link above to read Colossians 3 in the KJV.

More Congratulations card verses

Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Psalm 118:23

"This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."

Psalm 37:4

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

Proverbs 16:3

"Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."

3 John 1:2

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."

Psalm 20:4

"Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel."

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

Deuteronomy 28:12

"The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure... to bless all the work of thine hand."

See all 11 congratulations card verses →