Colossians 3:23

Colossians 3:23, in plain English

Whatever work you do—whether it seems important or menial—do it wholeheartedly, as if you're doing it directly for Jesus. Your effort and attitude matter because they reflect who you're really serving.

Why it's here

Paul is still speaking to slaves and servants, but the principle applies universally. In a culture obsessed with status and reputation, he's saying that humble work done with integrity before God has real dignity. No job is beneath you if you're doing it unto Christ.

Who's speaking

Paul, writing to the church at Colossae

Where it sits in the story

This reflects Jesus himself, who took the role of a servant and washed his disciples' feet. The gospel elevates the ordinary and makes the mundane sacred when it's done with love and faithfulness.

The scholarly reading

Whatever task you undertake—whether visible or mundane—pursue it with complete energy and intention, treating it as an offering to Christ rather than merely to earn human approval.

Language and setting

The Greek term ἐργάζεσθε (you work) encompasses all labor, including the enslaved person's toil mentioned in verse 22. Paul employs the rhetorical technique of elevating the ordinary: work in the marketplace, the household, the workshop becomes liturgical when reoriented toward Christ. The phrase 'with your whole being' translates ἐκ ψυχῆς—literally 'from the soul'—suggesting a unity of intention and effort that mirrors the monastic concept of laborare est orare (to work is to pray), developed centuries later by Augustine and Cassian.

Voice

Paul, universalizing the principle beyond enslaved persons to all believers in all stations

Significance

This passage echoes 1 Corinthians 10:31 ('whether you eat or drink, do it all for the glory of God') and anticipates the Protestant work ethic that the Reformers—particularly Calvin, who valued diligent labor as stewardship—would recover. The elevation of mundane work as sacred service directly counters the pagan dichotomy between noble leisure (σχολή) and servile labor; it Christianizes all honest work.

21Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

23Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,

24because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

25Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Read all of Colossians 3 — You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Strip off the old self like worn-out clothing and put on compassion, kindness, and love.