Col 1:29 | RWP | e4.org | Whereunto ( εις ο ). That is "to present every man perfect in Christ." I labour also ( κα κοπιω ). Late verb κοπιαω , from κοπος (toil), to grow weary from toil ( ), to toil on ( ), sometimes for athletic training. In papyri. Striving ( αγωνιζομενος ). Present middle participle of common verb αγωνιζομα (from αγων , contest, as in ), to contend in athletic games, to agonize, a favourite metaphor with Paul who is now a prisoner. Working ( ενεργειαν ). Our word "energy." Late word from ενεργης ( εν, εργον ), efficiency (at work). Play on the word here with the present passive participle of ενεργεω, ενεργουμενην (energy energized) as in . Paul was conscious of God's "energy" at work in him "mightily" ( εν δυναμε ), "in power" like dynamite.

‏ Colossians 1:29

Whereunto ( εις ο ). That is "to present every man perfect in Christ."

I labour also ( κα κοπιω ). Late verb κοπιαω, from κοπος (toil), to grow weary from toil (Mt 11:28), to toil on (Php 2:16), sometimes for athletic training. In papyri.

Striving ( αγωνιζομενος ). Present middle participle of common verb αγωνιζομα (from αγων, contest, as in 2:1), to contend in athletic games, to agonize, a favourite metaphor with Paul who is now a prisoner.

Working ( ενεργειαν ). Our word "energy." Late word from ενεργης ( εν, εργον ), efficiency (at work). Play on the word here with the present passive participle of ενεργεω, ενεργουμενην (energy energized) as in Eph 1:19f. Paul was conscious of God's "energy" at work in him "mightily" ( εν δυναμε ), "in power" like dynamite.