Colossians 1:3

Authorized King James Version

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Εὐχαριστοῦμεν
G2168
We give thanks
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
#2
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
θεῷ
G2316
to God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#4
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
πατρὶ
G3962
the Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#6
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
κυρίου
G2962
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#8
ἡμῶν
G2257
of our
of (or from) us
#9
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#10
Χριστοῦ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#11
πάντοτε
G3842
always
every when, i.e., at all times
#12
περὶ
G4012
for
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#13
ὑμῶν
G5216
you
of (from or concerning) you
#14
προσευχόμενοι
G4336
praying
to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection