Colossians 1:12

Authorized King James Version

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εὐχαριστοῦντες
G2168
Giving thanks
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
#2
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πατρὶ
G3962
unto the Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#4
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἱκανώσαντι
G2427
hath made
to enable, i.e., qualify
#6
ἡμᾶς
G2248
us
us
#7
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#8
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
μερίδα
G3310
be partakers
a portion, i.e., province, share or (abstractly) participation
#10
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
κλήρου
G2819
of the inheritance
a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)
#12
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἁγίων
G40
of the saints
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
φωτί·
G5457
light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

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 revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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