Colossians 1:6
Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
Which
G3588
τοῦ
Which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρόντος
is come
G3918
παρόντος
is come
Strong's:
G3918
Word #:
2 of 29
to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 29
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
Which
G3588
τοῦ
Which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμῳ
the world
G2889
κόσμῳ
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
10 of 29
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐστὶν
bringeth forth fruit
G2076
ἐστὶν
bringeth forth fruit
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
12 of 29
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
καρποφορούμενον
G2592
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀφ'
since
G575
ἀφ'
since
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
18 of 29
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἡς
the
G3739
ἡς
the
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 29
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡμέρας
day
G2250
ἡμέρας
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
20 of 29
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπέγνωτε
knew
G1921
ἐπέγνωτε
knew
Strong's:
G1921
Word #:
23 of 29
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
τοῦ
Which
G3588
τοῦ
Which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριν
the grace
G5485
χάριν
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
25 of 29
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τοῦ
Which
G3588
τοῦ
Which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 15:16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.Philippians 1:11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;Psalms 98:3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.Mark 16:15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.Mark 4:8And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.Romans 1:13Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.Matthew 24:14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.1 Peter 5:12By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.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.
Historical Context
By AD 60, the gospel had spread throughout the Roman Empire despite persecution, poverty, and opposition—a historical miracle unexplainable by natural means. No advertising budget, political power, or military force drove this expansion, only the Holy Spirit working through faithful witnesses. This explosive growth testified to the gospel's divine origin.
Questions for Reflection
- What fruit evidences the gospel's reality in your life since conversion—not just initial change but ongoing transformation?
- How do you distinguish between genuine spiritual growth and mere religious activity or knowledge accumulation?
- What role does your life play in the gospel's continued fruitfulness and expansion in your sphere?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth. The gospel's universal spread (en panti tō kosmō, ἐν παντὶ τῷ κόσμῳ, "in all the world") demonstrates divine power, not human marketing. This worldwide movement validates the gospel's authenticity against localized heresies claiming special revelation.
The present participles karpophoroumenon kai auxanomenon (καρποφορούμενον καὶ αὐξανόμενον, "bearing fruit and growing") indicate continuous, organic expansion. True gospel always produces visible transformation—both external growth (new converts) and internal fruit (changed lives). The Colossians experienced this "since the day ye heard," showing immediate efficacy versus mystical systems requiring advanced techniques.