Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's prayer that believers be 'strengthened with all might according to his glorious power' for 'all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness' grounds Christian endurance in divine strength rather than human willpower — a distinction fundamental to Pauline ethics. The Greek 'hupomone' (patient endurance under external trial) and 'makrothumia' (long-suffering toward difficult persons) are distinguished here, covering both circumstantial hardship and relational difficulty. The modifier 'with joyfulness' prevents the virtue from collapsing into stoic resignation, connecting it to the eschatological joy of verse 12 ('giving thanks to the Father'). The phrase 'glorious power' (kratos tēs doxēs autou) echoes Ephesians 1:19's 'surpassing greatness of his power' and points to resurrection power as the source of sanctification.
Other Translations
strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;
in all might being made mighty according to the power of His glory, to all endurance and long-suffering with joy.
Full of strength in the measure of the great power of his glory, so that you may undergo all troubles with joy;
Cross References
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For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came …
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of …
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured …
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, …
(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of …
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in …
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in …
For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves …