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;
Original Language Analysis
περιπατῆσαι
might walk
G4043
περιπατῆσαι
might walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
1 of 20
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἔργῳ
work
G2041
ἔργῳ
work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
11 of 20
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
καρποφοροῦντες
being fruitful
G2592
καρποφοροῦντες
being fruitful
Strong's:
G2592
Word #:
13 of 20
to be fertile (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐξανόμενοι
increasing
G837
αὐξανόμενοι
increasing
Strong's:
G837
Word #:
15 of 20
to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιγνώσιν
the knowledge
G1922
ἐπιγνώσιν
the knowledge
Strong's:
G1922
Word #:
18 of 20
recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement
Cross References
Ephesians 4:1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,Hebrews 13:21Make 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.John 15:16Ye 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 3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.John 15:8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.1 Thessalonians 4:1Furthermore 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.Titus 3:14And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.Micah 4:5For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.
Historical Context
Ancient ethical systems (Stoicism, Epicureanism, Platonism) sought virtue through human effort and philosophical training. Paul presents a radically different model: transformation flows from relationship with God, empowered by His Spirit, aiming at His pleasure rather than human achievement or reputation. This redirects motivation from self-improvement to God-glorification.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your daily conduct match your Christian identity, or is there disconnect between profession and practice?
- What 'good works' currently demonstrate the gospel's transforming power in your life?
- How do you pursue God's pleasure versus human approval in your decision-making?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. The purpose clause introduces peripatēsai (περιπατῆσαι, "to walk"), a common biblical metaphor for daily conduct. Walking "worthy" (axiōs, ἀξίως) means conduct matching identity—living consistently with calling as God's chosen people. This isn't earning salvation but expressing it.
"Unto all pleasing" (eis pasan areskei an, εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν) indicates comprehensive obedience, not selective compliance. Four present participles follow, describing continuous action: bearing fruit, increasing in knowledge, being strengthened, giving thanks. These aren't sequential stages but simultaneous aspects of mature Christian life. Fruitfulness in "every good work" shows authentic faith through visible transformation.