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Colossians 3:23Household instructions
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
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Interpretation

Colossians 3:23 shows a work that is lived within study and play—see "whatever" and "do". Choose work by steady, quiet faithfulness—anchor courage in promise.

Context

Colossians speaks here as epistle/letter writing, highlighting work. Within ch. 3, a small unit frames the emphasis. Watch the terms “whatever” and “do”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Early attribution points to Paul for Colossians. Modern scholarship on Colossians sees Deutero‑Pauline (disputed by many).. Scholars commonly date Colossians AD 60–80. It sits within the Household instructions (epistle/letter). Here the thread of apostolic community comes into view.

More details
Traditional:Paul
Modern scholarship:Deutero‑Pauline (disputed by many).
Date:AD 60–80
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
Preserved in Papyrus 46 and all major codices without significant variants. The phrase 'work from the soul' (ek psyches) appears consistently. Some manuscripts have slightly different word order in Greek, but this doesn't affect meaning. The contrast 'as to the Lord, not to men' shows no variation. Early church fathers quote this verse extensively, confirming the text from the 2nd century.