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    Commentary

    Colossians 3:23 Commentary

    In-depth Colossians 3:23 commentary covering historical setting, original Greek/Hebrew, theology, and pastoral application.

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

    — Colossians 3:23 (KJV)

    Exposition

    Paul instructs believers to work wholeheartedly, viewing their labor as service to Christ rather than merely pleasing human employers. This transforms ordinary work into worship.

    Historical Setting

    Paul wrote Colossians around AD 60-62 from Roman imprisonment. Colossae was a small city in the Lycus Valley of Asia Minor. Many early Christians were slaves—Paul's instruction to work 'as to the Lord' elevated slave labor from degradation to divine service, a revolutionary concept in the ancient world where slaves had no status.

    Original Language Notes

    ἐκ ψυχῆς(ek psychēs — Greek)

    'Ek psychēs' means from the soul—wholeheartedly, with every fiber of being. 'Psychē' encompasses the entire inner person—will, emotion, and mind. Paul calls for work that engages the deepest part of who we are, not mere mechanical compliance.

    Pastoral Application

    Every task, no matter how mundane, becomes meaningful when done for the Lord. Your work is an offering to Christ, worthy of your best effort.

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