Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

COLOSSIANS 1:11KJV
Know the Bible

Colossians 1:11 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:11 mean?

Colossians 1:11 describes Paul’s prayer that believers would be given strength and power from God, so they can endure difficulties and show patience and endurance, all while keeping a joyful attitude. The verse emphasizes that this strength comes not from themselves, but from God’s own glorious power.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, encouraging them as they face challenges. He wants them to know that God’s power is available to help them handle trials, not just by surviving them, but by doing so with patience, endurance, and even joy. This verse is part of a longer prayer where Paul asks God to help the Colossians live lives that honor Him.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:11

  • "Strengthened" (δυναμόω, dynamoō): This word means to be made strong or empowered. Paul is not talking about ordinary human strength, but a kind of strength that comes from God’s action.
  • "Might" (δύναμις, dynamis): This word often refers to power or ability, especially the kind of power that enables someone to do what they could not do on their own. It highlights that the strength Paul prays for is supernatural.
  • "Patience" (ὑπομονή, hypomonē): This word means more than just waiting; it carries the sense of steadfastness—sticking with something through hard times without giving up.
  • "Longsuffering" (μακροθυμία, makrothymia): This word is about enduring difficult people or situations for a long time without losing your temper or giving in to frustration. It’s a patient endurance, especially with others.

Why Colossians 1:11 matters

  • Colossians 1:11 clarifies that the ability to endure hardship and remain joyful is not something believers are expected to muster up on their own; it is a gift that comes from God’s own power.
  • The verse connects patience and endurance with joy, showing that Christian endurance is not meant to be grim or joyless, but can be marked by a deep sense of joy even in hard times.
  • This verse fits into Paul’s larger prayer for the Colossians, emphasizing that spiritual growth and strength are rooted in God’s character and resources, not human effort.

Where else these words appear

“power” Greek G2904 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
  • Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
  • 1 Peter 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

“longsuffering” Greek G3115 · used in 14 verses

  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
  • Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
  • 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

“patience” Greek G5281 · used in 31 verses

  • Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
  • James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

“joyfulness” Greek G5479 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
  • Philippians 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;