Colossians 3:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Every word and every act of an ordinary day can be done in the name of Jesus, with thanks.
The Context of Colossians 3:17
Paul gathers up his teaching on the new life with one sweeping sentence. After lists of specific virtues, he widens the frame to cover everything, the whole of what we say and do, and places it all under the name of Christ.
What Does Colossians 3:17 Mean?
The word whatsoever leaves nothing out. In word or deed, the big moments and the forgotten ones, all of it can be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. To act in His name is to act as His, under His authority and in keeping with who He is, as a messenger carries the name of the one who sent him. This quietly lifts the ordinary. The unseen task, the passing conversation, the small kindness, all of it can belong to Christ and be offered as His.
And the sentence ends in thanksgiving, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. The whole life Paul describes runs on gratitude, and that gratitude reaches the Father by way of the Son. There is no part of a day too plain to be done for Jesus and given back to God with thanks. The most common hours become a way of belonging to Him.
Colossians 3:17 in the Original Language
onoma (ὄνομα), 'name' -- a person's name standing for their authority, character, and presence.
How to Apply Colossians 3:17 Today
Nothing in our day is too ordinary to be done for Jesus. The plain task and the passing word can be offered in His name and given back to God with thanks, until the whole of life becomes a way of belonging to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colossians 3:17
What does Colossians 3:17 mean?
Every word and every act of an ordinary day can be done in the name of Jesus, with thanks.
What is the context of Colossians 3:17?
Paul gathers up his teaching on the new life with one sweeping sentence. After lists of specific virtues, he widens the frame to cover everything, the whole of what we say and do, and places it all under the name of Christ.
How can I apply Colossians 3:17 today?
Nothing in our day is too ordinary to be done for Jesus. The plain task and the passing word can be offered in His name and given back to God with thanks, until the whole of life becomes a way of belonging to Him.