Colossians 1:12
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Original Language Analysis
εὐχαριστοῦντες
Giving thanks
G2168
εὐχαριστοῦντες
Giving thanks
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
1 of 16
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρὶ
unto the Father
G3962
πατρὶ
unto the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
3 of 16
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μερίδα
be partakers
G3310
μερίδα
be partakers
Strong's:
G3310
Word #:
9 of 16
a portion, i.e., province, share or (abstractly) participation
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κλήρου
of the inheritance
G2819
κλήρου
of the inheritance
Strong's:
G2819
Word #:
11 of 16
a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίων
of the saints
G40
ἁγίων
of the saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
13 of 16
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Cross References
Acts 20:32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.Ephesians 1:18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,Ephesians 3:6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:2 Corinthians 5:5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;Romans 8:17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Revelation 21:23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Historical Context
Jewish inheritance laws protected land within tribes through divine allocation (Numbers 26:52-56). Paul applies this imagery spiritually: believers receive heavenly inheritance "in light," contrasting the kingdom of darkness (v. 13). Gnostics claimed secret knowledge enabled progression from darkness to light through stages of enlightenment. Paul declares believers already transferred into light through Christ, requiring no additional qualification.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God already qualified you for heavenly inheritance affect your pursuit of spiritual growth?
- What role does thanksgiving play in your spiritual life—central practice or occasional addition?
- Do you live with confidence in your secured inheritance, or constantly strive to qualify yourself?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. The final participle eucharistountes (εὐχαριστοῦντες, "giving thanks") climaxes Paul's description of mature Christian living. Gratitude isn't occasional sentiment but continuous practice, recognizing God as source of every blessing. Thanksgiving to "the Father" emphasizes familial relationship—believers address God as children, not slaves or subjects.
"Hath made us meet" translates hikanōsanti (ἱκανώσαντι, "qualified"), aorist tense indicating completed action. God already qualified believers for heavenly inheritance; this isn't future possibility but accomplished fact. No human merit, mystical experience, or ascetic practice can add to God's complete qualification. "Partakers" (merida, μερίδα, "share/portion") indicates guaranteed participation, not mere potential.