King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:17 Mean?

Colossians 3:17 in the King James Version says “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Colossians 3:17 · KJV

Context

15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

18

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

19

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Read Colossians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Paul provides comprehensive life principle. "Whatsoever ye do" (pan ho ti ean poiēte, πᾶν ὃ τι ἐὰν ποιῆτε) encompasses every activity without exception—no sacred/secular division. "In word or deed" (en logō ē en ergō, ἐν λόγῳ ἢ ἐν ἔργῳ) covers speech and action, communication and conduct, covering all human activity.

"Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (panta en onomati Kyriou Iēsou, πάντα ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ) means acting as Christ's representative, for His glory, under His authority. "Name" indicates identity and authority; doing something in someone's name means representing them. "Giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (eucharistountes tō theō patri di' autou, εὐχαριστοῦντες τῷ θεῷ πατρὶ δι' αὐτοῦ) makes thanksgiving constant accompaniment to all activity, recognizing God as source and Christ as mediator.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient world sharply divided sacred (temple, ritual, religious activities) from secular (daily work, family life, recreation). Christianity abolished this division: all life is sacred when lived for Christ's glory. This transformed ordinary occupations into holy callings, giving dignity to mundane work and accountability for all activities. Medieval monasticism partially reverted to sacred/secular division; Reformation reclaimed Paul's vision of comprehensive Christian life.

Reflection Questions

  1. What activities do you consider secular versus sacred, and does this division reflect biblical thinking?
  2. How specifically do you do your work, relationships, and recreation 'in Jesus's name' for His glory?
  3. What would change if you truly viewed all activities—eating, working, relaxing—as opportunities to represent Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

πάντα2 of 23

“do all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅ3 of 23
G3739

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

τι4 of 23
G5100

some or any person or object

ἂν5 of 23

“ye do”

G302

whatsoever

ποιῆτε6 of 23
G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἐν7 of 23

“in”

G1722

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

λόγῳ8 of 23

“word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἢ9 of 23

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἐν10 of 23

“in”

G1722

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

ἔργῳ11 of 23

“deed”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

πάντα12 of 23

“do all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐν13 of 23

“in”

G1722

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

ὀνόματι14 of 23

“the name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

κυρίου15 of 23

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ16 of 23

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εὐχαριστοῦντες17 of 23

“giving thanks”

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

τῷ18 of 23
G3588

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

θεῷ19 of 23

“to God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ20 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

πατρὶ21 of 23

“the Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

δι'22 of 23

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

αὐτοῦ23 of 23

“him”

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

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 3:17 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 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:31Colossians 3:23Proverbs 3:6Ephesians 5:201 Thessalonians 5:181 Peter 4:11

Test Your Knowledge

Colossians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterColossians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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