Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

That ye {G5209} might walk {G4043} worthy {G516} of the Lord {G2962} unto {G1519} all {G3956} pleasing {G699}, being fruitful {G2592} in {G1722} every {G3956} good {G18} work {G2041}, and {G2532} increasing {G837} in {G1519} the knowledge {G1922} of God {G2316};

so that you may live lives worthy of the Lord and entirely pleasing to him, being fruitful in every good work and multiplying in the full knowledge of God.

so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Context

Colossians 1:10 is part of Paul's profound prayer for the believers in Colossae, which begins in Colossians 1:9. After expressing his thanksgiving for their faith and love, Paul immediately transitions into a fervent prayer for their spiritual growth and discernment. This verse outlines the practical outcomes of being filled with the knowledge of God's will, emphasizing how true understanding leads to right living. It sets the stage for a life that honors the Lord in every aspect, contrasting with the philosophical deceptions that threatened the Colossian church.

Key Themes and Messages

This single verse encapsulates a comprehensive vision for Christian living, highlighting three interconnected facets:
  • Walking Worthy of the Lord: This is the overarching goal—to live a life that is consistent with the high calling of being a follower of Christ. To "walk worthy" means to conduct oneself in a manner that reflects the character of God and the gospel, aiming for "all pleasing" to Him. It's about aligning one's actions, attitudes, and decisions with God's will.
  • Fruitful in Every Good Work: A worthy walk is not passive but active. It produces tangible results in the form of "good works." This fruitfulness is a natural outcome of a life connected to Christ, much like a healthy tree bears fruit. It underscores that faith is demonstrated through active obedience and service, contributing positively to the world and God's kingdom. This concept is echoed in Jesus' teaching on bearing much fruit by abiding in Him.
  • Increasing in the Knowledge of God: Spiritual growth is presented as both a prerequisite for and a consequence of living a worthy and fruitful life. The word "increasing" (auxanomenoi) suggests continuous growth and progress. This isn't just intellectual knowledge, but a deeper, more intimate understanding and experience of God, His character, and His purposes. This continuous pursuit of growing in the knowledge of God empowers believers to discern His will and live accordingly.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "walk worthy" translates the Greek peripateō axios (περιπατέω ἀξίως), which literally means "to walk worthily" or "in a manner worthy of." It signifies a lifestyle that matches the standard or value of something—in this case, the Lord Himself. The term "pleasing" comes from areskeia (ἀρέσκεια), denoting that which is agreeable or acceptable, emphasizing the desire for God's approval. The word for "fruitful" is karpophoreō (καρποφορέω), meaning "to bear fruit" or "to be productive," often used in the New Testament for spiritual fruitfulness. Finally, "knowledge" here is epignōsis (ἐπίγνωσις), which implies a full, precise, or experiential knowledge, distinct from mere intellectual apprehension.

Practical Application

Colossians 1:10 offers a powerful framework for contemporary Christian living. It challenges believers to:
  • Evaluate their conduct: Is my daily life, my decisions, and my character truly honoring to God? Am I living in a way that aligns with my identity in Christ?
  • Seek active service: Am I actively engaging in "good works" that benefit others and bring glory to God? This isn't about earning salvation, but expressing it through love and service.
  • Pursue spiritual growth: Am I intentionally growing in my understanding of God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship? A deeper knowledge of God fuels a more worthy and fruitful walk.
This verse reminds us that true Christian growth is holistic, encompassing intellectual understanding, practical action, and a consistent desire to please our Lord.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 4:1

    ¶ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

  • Hebrews 13:21

    Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 2 Peter 1:2

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

  • 2 Peter 1:3

    According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

  • John 15:16

    Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

  • 1 John 3:22

    And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    ¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.
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