Revision #7983
Colossians 3:23
Localized for English-speaking readers
Status: approved
Changes from the previous English revision
= ## Context
- Colossians 3:18–4:1 is a so-called "household code" that addresses in turn the relationships between wives and husbands, children and parents, and servants and masters. Verse 23 falls within the instructions addressed to servants (3:22–25). Paul tells servants to work not with eyeservice but in the fear of the Lord, and says that they will receive from the Lord the reward of the inheritance. Then, in 4:1, he likewise instructs masters, knowing that they also have a Master in heaven, to treat their servants with justice and fairness.
+ Colossians 3:18–4:1 is a so-called "household code" that addresses, in turn, the relationships between wives and husbands, children and parents, and servants and masters. Verse 23 falls within the instructions addressed to servants (3:22–25). Paul tells servants to work not with eyeservice but in the fear of the Lord, and he says that they will receive from the Lord the reward of the inheritance. Then, in 4:1, he instructs masters to treat their servants justly and fairly, knowing that they also have a Master in heaven.
=
= ## Interpretation
- - **As a principle of vocation**: The Reformers, including Martin Luther, taught that not only the work of monks and priests is holy but that the work of farmers and craftsmen is also a vocation in the service of God. This verse is frequently cited in support of this doctrine of vocation.
- - **As a transformation of motive**: This reading focuses on a change in the reason for and attitude toward work rather than in the kind of work performed. Its central point is understood to be working with an eye to the Lord rather than to human approval.
- - **In light of the social structure**: Some interpreters hold that the verse should be read with two facts in view: Paul did not directly call for the abolition of slavery, yet he also placed masters under the same accountability before the Lord.
+ - **As a principle of vocation**: The Reformers, including Martin Luther, taught that holiness is not limited to the work of monks and priests; the work of farmers and craftsmen is also a vocation in the service of God. This verse is frequently cited in support of this doctrine of vocation.
+ - **As a transformation of motive**: This reading emphasizes a change in the reason for and attitude toward work rather than in the kind of work performed. Its central point is understood to be working with an eye to the Lord rather than to human approval.
+ - **In light of the social structure**: Some interpreters hold that the verse should be read with two facts in view: Paul did not directly call for the abolition of slavery, yet he placed masters under the same accountability before the Lord.
=
= ## Questions Concerning Application
- Critics have noted that this verse has been used in churches and workplaces to justify unpaid service, excessive labor, and poor treatment. They argue that when words originally given to the powerless as comfort and as an affirmation of their dignity are turned by the powerful into grounds for making demands, the context is inverted. Accordingly, some maintain that whenever this verse is cited, 4:1, with its words of accountability addressed to masters, should be read alongside it. At the same time, there is broad agreement that applying the verse as a general principle of faithfully carrying out one's assigned work is reasonable.
+ Critics have noted that this verse has been used in churches and workplaces to justify unpaid service, excessive labor, and poor treatment. They argue that when words originally given to the powerless as comfort and as an affirmation of their dignity are turned by the powerful into grounds for making demands, the meaning of the context is inverted. Accordingly, some maintain that whenever this verse is cited, 4:1, with its words of accountability addressed to masters, should be read alongside it. At the same time, there is broad agreement that applying the verse as a general principle of faithfully carrying out one's assigned work is reasonable.
=
- ## In the Korean Church
- The verse is frequently used in workplace Christian fellowships, New Year dedication services for church officers, and training for church volunteers, and it is sometimes displayed as the corporate motto or slogan of Christian-owned businesses.
+ ## In Korean Churches
+ In Korean Protestant churches, the verse is frequently used in workplace Christian fellowships, New Year dedication services for church officers, and training for church volunteers. It is also sometimes displayed as the corporate motto or slogan of Christian-owned businesses.
=
= ## Related Passages
…
An exhortation that reads, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." It is one of the best-known verses connecting one's occupation and everyday work with faith, but because it was originally addressed to servants (slaves), questions have been raised about the scope of its application.
Colossians 3:23 is an exhortation that reads, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." It is one of the best-known verses connecting one's occupation and everyday work with faith. Because it was originally addressed to servants (slaves), however, questions have been raised about the scope of its application.
Full revision
Colossians 3:23 is an exhortation that reads, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." It is one of the best-known verses connecting one's occupation and everyday work with faith. Because it was originally addressed to servants (slaves), however, questions have been raised about the scope of its application.
Context
Colossians 3:18–4:1 is a so-called "household code" that addresses, in turn, the relationships between wives and husbands, children and parents, and servants and masters. Verse 23 falls within the instructions addressed to servants (3:22–25). Paul tells servants to work not with eyeservice but in the fear of the Lord, and he says that they will receive from the Lord the reward of the inheritance. Then, in 4:1, he instructs masters to treat their servants justly and fairly, knowing that they also have a Master in heaven.
Interpretation
- As a principle of vocation: The Reformers, including Martin Luther, taught that holiness is not limited to the work of monks and priests; the work of farmers and craftsmen is also a vocation in the service of God. This verse is frequently cited in support of this doctrine of vocation.
- As a transformation of motive: This reading emphasizes a change in the reason for and attitude toward work rather than in the kind of work performed. Its central point is understood to be working with an eye to the Lord rather than to human approval.
- In light of the social structure: Some interpreters hold that the verse should be read with two facts in view: Paul did not directly call for the abolition of slavery, yet he placed masters under the same accountability before the Lord.
Questions Concerning Application
Critics have noted that this verse has been used in churches and workplaces to justify unpaid service, excessive labor, and poor treatment. They argue that when words originally given to the powerless as comfort and as an affirmation of their dignity are turned by the powerful into grounds for making demands, the meaning of the context is inverted. Accordingly, some maintain that whenever this verse is cited, 4:1, with its words of accountability addressed to masters, should be read alongside it. At the same time, there is broad agreement that applying the verse as a general principle of faithfully carrying out one's assigned work is reasonable.
In Korean Churches
In Korean Protestant churches, the verse is frequently used in workplace Christian fellowships, New Year dedication services for church officers, and training for church volunteers. It is also sometimes displayed as the corporate motto or slogan of Christian-owned businesses.
Related Passages
- Ephesians 6:5–9
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
- Colossians 3:17
- Colossians 4:1