King James Version

What Does Colossians 1:29 Mean?

Colossians 1:29 in the King James Version says “Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily .” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily .”

Colossians 1:29 · KJV

Context

27

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: in: or, among

28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

29

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily .

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Paul describes intense effort using kopiō (κοπιῶ, "labor to exhaustion") and agōnizomenos (ἀγωνιζόμενος, "striving"), from which we get "agonize." The athletic imagery pictures maximum exertion—the effort that leaves competitors gasping. Ministry demands everything Paul possesses: physical stamina, mental acuity, emotional investment, spiritual discipline.

Yet this striving operates "according to his working" (kata tēn energeian autou, κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν αὐτοῦ). Energeian (ἐνέργειαν, "energizing power") provides the root for English "energy." Divine power energizes human effort—not replacing it but empowering it. This paradoxically combines maximum human exertion with total divine enablement. Paul works hard precisely because God works in him.

"Which worketh in me mightily" (tēn energoumenēn en emoi en dynamei, τὴν ἐνεργουμένην ἐν ἐμοὶ ἐν δυνάμει) emphasizes power's source and strength. Dynamei (δυνάμει, "power/might") appears repeatedly in Colossians (1:11), stressing that supernatural results require supernatural power. Paul's ministry achievements—despite opposition, suffering, and limitation—testify to divine empowerment, not human ability.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient labor divided into manual (slaves) and intellectual (free citizens). Paul integrates both: intellectual rigor in teaching doctrine, manual labor in tentmaking (Acts 18:3), emotional labor in pastoral care. His example counters both activism (trusting human effort alone) and quietism (passively waiting for God to act without human cooperation). Effective ministry requires both divine power and human diligence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance working hard in ministry with depending on God's power rather than your own efforts?
  2. What evidence of divine empowerment exists in your service—results disproportionate to natural abilities or resources?
  3. Where might you be relying solely on human effort without seeking or expecting God's energizing power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
εἰς1 of 15

“Whereunto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὃ2 of 15
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ3 of 15

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κοπιῶ4 of 15

“I”

G2872

to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard

ἀγωνιζόμενος5 of 15

“striving”

G75

to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something)

κατὰ6 of 15

“according to”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν7 of 15

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐνέργειαν8 of 15

“working”

G1753

efficiency ("energy")

αὐτοῦ9 of 15

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὴν10 of 15

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐνεργουμένην11 of 15

“worketh”

G1754

to be active, efficient

ἐν12 of 15

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐμοὶ13 of 15

“me”

G1698

to me

ἐν14 of 15

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

δυνάμει15 of 15

“mightily”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 1:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 1:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:10Ephesians 1:191 Corinthians 9:25-27Ephesians 3:7Philippians 2:13Colossians 2:1

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