Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;Colossians 3:23
What does Colossians 3:23 mean?
Paul instructs believers to do their work wholeheartedly, as though working for the Lord rather than merely for people. It reframes ordinary tasks — whatever they are — as an act of service to God, changing the motivation behind the work.
Context
This verse is part of a section in Colossians (3:18-4:1) giving practical instructions for household and work relationships, originally addressed specifically to servants/slaves in that culture (v.22) but expressed in a principle — verse 23 — that Paul extends more broadly to all work. The follow-up in verse 24 grounds the instruction in reward: 'knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance.'
Key themes
Related Bible verses
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Bible study
- How does working 'as to the Lord' change the way you might approach a task you find tedious or unrewarding?
- What is the connection between this verse and the promise of reward in verse 24?
- What task in your life could you reframe today as service to God rather than just to people?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Lord, help me to do my work today — however ordinary — as an offering to You, not just to meet expectations of others. Amen.
Memorize this verse
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
Who was Colossians 3:23 originally addressed to?
The immediate context (v.22) addresses servants/slaves in the household structure of that culture, but Paul's principle in verse 23 is often applied more broadly to all work done for God's glory.
What reward does Paul mention in the next verse?
Colossians 3:24 says that whatever is done heartily for the Lord will be rewarded with 'the inheritance' — grounding the instruction in eternal, not just immediate, significance.