Devine Scripture

Colossians 1:29

What does Colossians 1:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 1:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 1:29 means

Paul concludes by describing his tireless effort: “whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” Ministry is hard work—laboring and striving like an athlete—but its energy supply is divine. Paul depends on Christ’s power at work within him, the same power that indwells all believers. This balance guards against burnout on one side and passivity on the other. He exerts himself fully because God is powerfully active in him. The result is resilient, fruitful ministry that aims to present people mature in Christ. Paul’s example invites confidence: the God who calls also energizes His servants to fulfill their calling.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And for this purpose I am working, using all my strength by the help of his power which is working in me strongly.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for which also I labour, striving according to his working that is working in me in power.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Wherein also I labour, striving according to his working which he worketh in me in power.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Whereunto also I toil, combating according to his working, which works in me in power.

Context

Verse 29 closes the chapter’s section on Paul’s ministry (verses 24–29). After stating his aim to present everyone mature in Christ (verse 28), he reveals the source of his perseverance: God’s mighty working within him. This ending ties back to the chapter’s major themes—Christ’s indwelling, supremacy, and power—and sets the stage for chapter 2, where Paul will confront teachings that threaten to distract from the sufficiency of Christ.

v.28whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;

v.29This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 15:20

    yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man’s foundation;

  • Hebrews 13:21

    make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Hebrews 12:4

    Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin:

  • 1 Corinthians 9:25

    And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

  • Philippians 2:13

    for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

  • Philippians 2:16

    holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.

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