Colossians 1:29
New International Version
To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

New Living Translation
That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

English Standard Version
For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Berean Standard Bible
To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.

Berean Literal Bible
Unto this also I toil, striving according to His energy, working in me in power.

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

New King James Version
To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

New American Standard Bible
For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His power which works mightily within me.

NASB 1995
For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

NASB 1977
And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

Legacy Standard Bible
For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His working, which He works in me in power.

Amplified Bible
For this I labor [often to the point of exhaustion], striving with His power and energy, which so greatly works within me.

Christian Standard Bible
I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.

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

Contemporary English Version
This is why I work so hard and use the mighty power he gives me.

English Revised Version
whereunto I labour also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I work hard and struggle to do this while his mighty power works in me.

Good News Translation
To get this done I toil and struggle, using the mighty strength which Christ supplies and which is at work in me.

International Standard Version
I work hard and struggle to do this, using the energy that he powerfully provides in me.

Majority Standard Bible
To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.

NET Bible
Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.

New Heart English Bible
for which I also labor, struggling according to his power, which works in me mightily.

Webster's Bible Translation
For which I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Weymouth New Testament
To this end, like an earnest wrestler, I exert all my strength in reliance upon the power of Him who is mightily at work within me.

World English Bible
for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for which I also labor, striving according to His working that is working in me in power.

Berean Literal Bible
Unto this also I toil, striving according to His energy, working in me in power.

Young's Literal Translation
for which also I labour, striving according to his working that is working in me in power.

Smith's Literal Translation
For which also I am wearied, struggling according to his operation, working in me in power.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Wherein also I labour, striving according to his working which he worketh in me in power.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In him, too, I labor, striving according to his action within me, which he works in virtue.

New American Bible
For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.

New Revised Standard Version
For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And to this end, I labour and strive through the help of the power which is given to me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For in this I also labor and fight with the help of the power that is given to me.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
to which end I also labor, striving according to his energy, which works in me mightily.

Godbey New Testament
unto which I also labor, agonizing according to his energy, working in me with power.

Haweis New Testament
for which also I am labouring, conflicting in the energy of his might, which worketh in me powerfully.

Mace New Testament
this is what I earnestly strive to effect, by virtue of that power, which effectually operates in me.

Weymouth New Testament
To this end, like an earnest wrestler, I exert all my strength in reliance upon the power of Him who is mightily at work within me.

Worrell New Testament
to which end I am toiling also, striving according to His working, which is working in me with power.

Worsley New Testament
in order to which I also labour, striving earnestly according to his energy which operates in me with power.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Suffering for the Church
28We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.

Cross References
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Ephesians 3:7
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power.

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1 Timothy 4:10
To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe.

Galatians 2:8
For the One who was at work in Peter’s apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in my apostleship to the Gentiles.

Romans 15:18-19
I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, / by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:5-6
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. / And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Ephesians 1:19-20
and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, / which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms,

2 Corinthians 4:7
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ...

2 Thessalonians 1:11
To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith,


Treasury of Scripture

Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.

labour.

Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

2 Corinthians 5:9
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

striving.

Colossians 2:1
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

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.

Romans 15:20,30
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: …

his.

1 Corinthians 12:6,11
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all…

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 3:7,20
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power…

mightily.

2 Corinthians 12:9,10
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me…

2 Corinthians 13:3
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

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Combating Earnest End Exert Help Inspires Labor Mightily Power Purpose Reliance Strength Striving Strongly Struggling Toil Using Whereunto Within Work Worketh Working Works Wrestler
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Combating Earnest End Exert Help Inspires Labor Mightily Power Purpose Reliance Strength Striving Strongly Struggling Toil Using Whereunto Within Work Worketh Working Works Wrestler
Colossians 1
1. After salutation Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith;
7. confirms the doctrine of Epaphras;
9. prays further for their increase in grace;
14. describes the supremacy of Christ;
21. encourages them to receive Jesus Christ, and commends his own ministry.














For this purpose
This phrase indicates the reason or goal behind Paul's actions. In the Greek, "εἰς ὃ" (eis ho) suggests a directed purpose or aim. Paul is emphasizing that his efforts are not random but are focused on a specific mission. Historically, this reflects the apostolic mission to spread the Gospel and establish the church, a task that required dedication and clarity of purpose.

I also labor
The Greek word for "labor" here is "κοπιῶ" (kopiō), which conveys the idea of working to the point of exhaustion. Paul is not merely involved in casual or part-time ministry; he is fully invested, pouring his energy into the work of the Gospel. This reflects the historical context of early Christian ministry, which often involved significant personal sacrifice and hardship.

striving
The term "ἀγωνιζόμενος" (agonizomenos) is used, which is where we derive the English word "agonize." It implies a struggle or contest, akin to an athlete competing in the games. This word choice highlights the intensity and dedication required in Paul's ministry. The historical context of the Greco-Roman world, where athletic competitions were common, would resonate with Paul's audience, illustrating the spiritual and physical exertion involved in his mission.

with all His energy
The phrase "κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν αὐτοῦ" (kata tēn energeian autou) points to the divine source of Paul's strength. "Energy" (ἐνέργεια, energeia) in Greek refers to active power or effective working. Paul acknowledges that his ability to labor and strive is not from his own strength but from God's power working through him. This reflects a key theological point in Christianity: believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's work.

which so powerfully works in me
The Greek word "ἐνεργουμένην" (energoumenēn) is a present participle, indicating ongoing action. The power of God is continuously at work in Paul, enabling him to fulfill his ministry. This phrase underscores the dynamic and active presence of God in the life of a believer. Historically, this would encourage the Colossian church, reminding them that they too have access to this divine power in their own lives and ministries.

(29) Whereunto I also labour.--In this verse St. Paul passes from the plural to the singular, evidently in preparation for the strong personal remonstrance of Colossians 2:1-7.

His working . . .--See Ephesians 1:12, and Note there. Perhaps, as in Galatians 2:8 ("He that wrought effectually in Peter to the Apostleship of the Circumcision, the same was mighty in me towards the Gentiles"), there is special allusion to the grace given to him for his Apostleship of the Gentiles.

Verse 29. - To which end also I toil hard, striving according to his working (Colossians 2:1; Colossians 4:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Galatians 4:11; Philippians 2:16; 1 Timothy 4:10; Acts 20:35). Κοπιῶ, to labour to weariness, often used of manual labour, is a favourite word of St. Paul's (1 Corinthians 4:12; 2 Corinthians 11:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:9: comp. Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; John 4:38). The figurative use of "striving" ("agonizing," i.e. "contending in the arena") is only Pauline in the New Testament: comp. Colossians 2:1; Colossians 4:12; Philippians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7; also Luke 22:44; in 1 Timothy 4:10 (R.V.) it is again connected with "toil" (κοπιάω). We need not, with Meyer and Ellicott, distinguish inward from outward striving in this word. The apostle's bodily sufferings (ver. 21) and his mental anxiety (Colossians 2:1) alike enter into the mighty struggle which he is maintaining on the Church's behalf, and which strains every fibre of his nature to the utmost (comp. 2 Corinthians 11:28). "Striving" implies opponents against whom he contends (Ephesians 6:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:2; 2 Corinthians 11:26); "toiling hard," the painful efforts he has to make. In this toll he is divinely sustained, for he "strives according to his [Christ's: comp. Philippians 4:13] working." Ανεργεία ("energy," "operative force," "power in action") - another word of St. Paul's vocabulary (frequent also in Aristotle) - is used by him only of supernatural power, "a working of God," "of Satan" (2 Thessalonians 2:9, 11). Which worketh in me with power (ver. 11; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 2:13; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10). The "energy of Christ" is such that it "effectually works" in the apostle; the same idea is repeated in noun and verb (ver. 11, note). The verb is middle in voice, as this "working" is that in which the Divine "energy of Christ" puts itself forth and shows what it can do (comp. 2 Corinthians 13:3-6); see note on "bearing fruit," ver. 6, and Winer's 'N. T. Grammar,' p. 318 (dynamic middle). So it works unmistakably "in [or, 'with'] power." Never do we find this consciousness of the Divine power dwelling in himself expressed by St. Paul with such joyous confidence as at this period (see Philippians 1:20, 21; Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 3:9, 20; and comp. note on ver. 23 b).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
To
Εἰς (Eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

this end
(ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

I labor,
κοπιῶ (kopiō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2872: From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard.

striving
ἀγωνιζόμενος (agōnizomenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 75: From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case.

with all
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

energy
ἐνέργειαν (energeian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1753: Working, action, productive work, activity; in the NT, confined to superhuman activity. From energes; efficiency.

working
ἐνεργουμένην (energoumenēn)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1754: From energes; to be active, efficient.

powerfully
δυνάμει (dynamei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

within
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

me.
ἐμοὶ (emoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Letters: Colossians 1:29 For which I also labor striving according (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 1:28
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