Father's Heart Bible™ (FHB)

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly, as for the Lord, not for people,

Colossians 3:23 · Father's Heart Bible™

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What Colossians 3:23 means

Colossians 3:23 says: “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly, as for the Lord, not for people.” It is often quoted about work, and it does reshape all work, but it was first written to people with the least power of all.

The verse before it is addressed to slaves in the households of the church, and Paul tells them their real service is to the Lord. Christ sees the work no one thanks them for. The next verse says they will “receive the inheritance as reward from the Lord”: the inheritance belongs to the children of the house, and these workers are heirs in our Father’s family, whatever their earthly standing.

For anyone today, the verse changes who the audience is. Work is not finally done for a manager, a grade or applause, but for the Lord, wholeheartedly. That frees us from working only while watched, and it gives every task, seen or unseen, dignity.

Written by Spirit Media Publishing · Edited by Kevin White · Published October 21, 2026

Colossians 3:23 in context

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything—not just while watched, to gain favor, but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.

²³ Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly, as for the Lord, not for people,

²⁴ since you know you will receive the inheritance as reward from the Lord; you serve the Lord Christ.

Read all of Colossians 3 →

Questions about Colossians 3:23

What does Colossians 3:23 say?

In the Father's Heart Bible™, Colossians 3:23 reads: “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly, as for the Lord, not for people,”

What does Colossians 3:23 mean?

Colossians 3:23 means to do every kind of work wholeheartedly as service to the Lord, not just to please people. Paul first wrote it to slaves, promising that the Lord sees their work and that they will receive the inheritance as his reward.

What is the context of Colossians 3:23?

It comes in a section on households in Colossians 3, addressed to slaves (verse 22). Verse 24 promises them the inheritance from the Lord, which makes them heirs in our Father’s family whatever their earthly status.