Colossians 4:6

Authorized King James Version

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Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Original Language Analysis

ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος speech G3056
λόγος speech
Strong's: G3056
Word #: 2 of 15
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ὑμῶν Let your G5216
ὑμῶν Let your
Strong's: G5216
Word #: 3 of 15
of (from or concerning) you
πάντοτε be alway G3842
πάντοτε be alway
Strong's: G3842
Word #: 4 of 15
every when, i.e., at all times
ἐν with G1722
ἐν with
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 5 of 15
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
χάριτι grace G5485
χάριτι grace
Strong's: G5485
Word #: 6 of 15
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
ἅλατι with salt G217
ἅλατι with salt
Strong's: G217
Word #: 7 of 15
salt; figuratively, prudence
ἠρτυμένος seasoned G741
ἠρτυμένος seasoned
Strong's: G741
Word #: 8 of 15
to prepare, i.e., spice (with stimulating condiments)
εἰδέναι that ye may know G1492
εἰδέναι that ye may know
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 9 of 15
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
πῶς how G4459
πῶς how
Strong's: G4459
Word #: 10 of 15
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
δεῖ ought G1163
δεῖ ought
Strong's: G1163
Word #: 11 of 15
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
ὑμᾶς ye G5209
ὑμᾶς ye
Strong's: G5209
Word #: 12 of 15
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
ἑνὶ man G1520
ἑνὶ man
Strong's: G1520
Word #: 13 of 15
one
ἑκάστῳ every G1538
ἑκάστῳ every
Strong's: G1538
Word #: 14 of 15
each or every
ἀποκρίνεσθαι to answer G611
ἀποκρίνεσθαι to answer
Strong's: G611
Word #: 15 of 15
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

Analysis & Commentary

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Paul focuses on Christian speech in evangelism. "Let your speech be alway with grace" (ho logos hymōn pantote en chariti, ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν πάντοτε ἐν χάριτι) demands gracious communication—kind, winsome, attractive, not harsh or condemning. Grace characterizes content (gospel message) and manner (how it's communicated).

"Seasoned with salt" (halati ērtymenos, ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος) uses culinary metaphor: words should be flavorful, interesting, preserving, purifying like salt. Bland or rotten speech fails to engage; gracious, salty speech attracts attention and communicates effectively. "That ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (eidenai pōs dei hymas heni hekastō apokrinestha, εἰδέναι πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ ἀποκρίνεσθαι) indicates purpose: wise speech enables effective gospel response tailored to each person's unique situation and questions.

Historical Context

Greco-Roman rhetoric valued eloquence and persuasion. Philosophers engaged in public debates; sophists taught rhetorical technique. Christians needed to communicate gospel effectively in this culture without adopting manipulative rhetoric. Gracious, salty speech—winsome but substantive, kind but truthful—distinguished Christian communication. Early apologists like Justin Martyr modeled this balance, engaging culture thoughtfully while maintaining gospel distinctiveness.

Questions for Reflection

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