Colossians 3:23

23 ¹Whatever you do, work heartily, ²as for the Lord and not for men,

Colossians 3:23 Meaning and Commentary

Colossians 3:23

And whatsoever ye do
Some have thought that these words, and the two following verses, regard the Colossians in general, and the performance of any, and all good works by them; but by their connection with the preceding verse, and with the beginning of the next chapter, they appear to concern servants only, and what they do under that character, and under the discharge of their duty:

do it heartily,
not by mere force and necessity, grudgingly, and with murmurings, but from the heart, and with good will, having a true, real, and hearty affection for their masters, having their good and interest at heart, and a delight in their service; like the Hebrew servant, that loved his master, as also his wife and children, and therefore would not depart from him, see ( Exodus 21:5 ) ,

as to the Lord, and not unto men; (See Gill on Ephesians 6:7).

Colossians 3:23 In-Context

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

22 Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Cross References

• 1. ver. 17
• 2. [Philemon 16]