Colossians 1:10

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
περιπατῆσαι
G4043
might walk
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)
#2
ὑμᾶς
G5209
That ye
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#3
ἀξίως
G516
worthy
appropriately
#4
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
κυρίου
G2962
of the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#6
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#7
παντὶ
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#8
ἀρεσκείαν
G699
pleasing
complaisance
#9
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
παντὶ
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#11
ἔργῳ
G2041
work
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#12
ἀγαθῷ
G18
good
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
#13
καρποφοροῦντες
G2592
being fruitful
to be fertile (literally or figuratively)
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
αὐξανόμενοι
G837
increasing
to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
#16
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#17
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ἐπιγνώσιν
G1922
the knowledge
recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement
#19
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection