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

COLOSSIANS 1:29KJV
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Colossians 1:29 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:29 mean?

Colossians 1:29 describes how Paul works hard and struggles, but he does so with the strength and power that God provides within him. Paul is explaining that his efforts are not just his own, but are energized by God working powerfully through him.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Colossae, explaining his ministry and the source of his strength. He wants them to know that all his labor and striving for their spiritual growth comes from God’s power, not his own abilities. This verse highlights both Paul’s dedication and his dependence on God’s energy for his work.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:29

  • The word "labour" comes from κοπιάω (kopiaō), which means to work to the point of exhaustion. Paul is emphasizing real effort and weariness in his ministry.
  • "Striving" is from ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnizomai), which is often used for athletic contests or struggles. This word paints a picture of intense effort, like an athlete competing.
  • "Working" and "worketh" both use ἐνέργεια (energeia) and ἐνεργέω (energeō), meaning active power or effective working. Paul is saying that it is God’s active power at work in him, not just his own strength.
  • "Mightily" uses δύναμις (dynamis), which means power or strength. Paul is stressing that the power working in him is strong and effective, not weak or limited.

Why Colossians 1:29 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Christian service is only about human effort; Paul insists that real spiritual work depends on God’s power, not just personal determination.
  • Colossians 1:29 connects to the wider passage by showing Paul’s deep commitment to helping others grow in faith, but always with humility about where his strength comes from.
  • The verse helps readers understand that feeling weak or tired in doing good is normal, but God’s power is available to help believers keep going.

Where else these words appear

“striving” Greek G75 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
  • 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

“working” Greek G1753 · used in 8 verses

  • Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
  • Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
  • Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

“worketh” Greek G1754 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

“I” Greek G2872 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
  • Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.