Colossians 1:3
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Original Language Analysis
Εὐχαριστοῦμεν
We give thanks
G2168
Εὐχαριστοῦμεν
We give thanks
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
1 of 14
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πατρὶ
the Father
G3962
πατρὶ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 14
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 1:2We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;Colossians 1:9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;2 Timothy 1:3I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;1 Corinthians 1:4I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;Colossians 1:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:Ephesians 1:15Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
Historical Context
Paul's thanksgiving while imprisoned demonstrates remarkable perspective—concern for doctrinal purity outweighs personal circumstances. Roman imprisonment meant severe hardship: chains, uncertainty, discomfort. Yet Paul's prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon) express joy and thanksgiving, modeling contentment rooted in Christ's sufficiency rather than circumstantial comfort.
Questions for Reflection
- What percentage of your prayers consists of thanksgiving versus petition, and what does this reveal?
- For which believers you've never met (missionaries, persecuted Christians) do you intercede regularly?
- How would your prayer life change if you prioritized spiritual growth over temporal circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. Paul's thanksgiving uses eucharisteomen (εὐχαριστοῦμεν, "we give thanks"), present tense indicating continuous gratitude, not occasional sentiment. This reflects proper recognition of divine sovereignty—all spiritual blessings originate with God, not human effort or mystical achievement.
"The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" reveals eternal Trinitarian relationship, not merely functional roles. Christ as Kyrios (Κύριος, "Lord") applies the Septuagint's divine name to Jesus, affirming deity. The present participle proseuchomenoi (προσευχόμενοι, "praying") indicates ongoing intercession, showing that pastoral care transcends physical presence through prayer.