Colossians 3:23

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

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Colossians 3:23 in Other Translations

KJV

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

ESV

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

NLT

23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

MSG

23 Work from the heart for your real Master, for God,

CSB

23 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done 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).

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Colossians 3:23 In-Context

21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

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

25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.