Colossians 1:29

Whereunto. That is, with the object of presenting “every man” (v. 28) perfect in Christ.

Labour. Gr. kopiad, “to work with effort,” “to toil to the point of exhaustion.” Compare the use of the word in 1 Cor. 15:10; Gal. 4:11; Phil. 2:16.

Striving. Gr. agonizo, “to contend earnestly” (see on Luke 13:24). The word suggests the utmost of effort put forth by the contestant in the athletic arena.

Working. Gr. energeia, “operative power,” distinguished from dunamis, which denotes potential power. Our English word “energy” comes from energeia. Compare the use of energeia in Eph. 1:19; 3:7; 4:16; Phil. 3:21; etc.

Worketh. Gr. energed, “to be at work,” “to operate,” “to be effective.” Compare the noun form energeia (see above under “working”). Paul realized that the performance of duty required earnest effort, furthermore that the results would be effective for good only in so far as individual effort was combined with the mighty power of God energizing every faculty of the human agent.

Mightily. Literally, “in power.” Paul could bear testimony to the power of the Saviour because it had worked mightily within his own life.