King James Version

What Does Colossians 1:2 Mean?

Colossians 1:2 in the King James Version says “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father an...” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Colossians 1:2 · KJV

GracePeace

Context

1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

2

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3

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

4

Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

Read Colossians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The double designation hagiois kai pistois adelphois (ἁγίοις καὶ πιστοῖς ἀδελφοῖς, "holy ones and faithful brothers") emphasizes both positional sanctity and practical faithfulness. "Saints" denotes not earned holiness but God's setting apart of believers through union with Christ—directly countering any teaching of spiritual elitism through secret knowledge.

The phrase en Christō (ἐν Χριστῷ, "in Christ") appears repeatedly in Colossians as Paul's fundamental answer to heresy: all spiritual fullness resides in Christ, requiring no mystical additions. The greeting pairs charis (χάρις, "grace") with eirēnē (εἰρήνη, "peace"), Greek and Hebrew blessings united. Crucially, both emanate equally "from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," placing Christ on identical divine footing with the Father.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Colossian heresy combined Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and proto-Gnostic mysticism, teaching that Christ alone was insufficient for spiritual maturity. This syncretistic mixture required angel worship, visionary experiences, and ascetic practices as supplements to faith. Paul's greeting establishes equality before addressing these false mediators.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your identity as a "saint in Christ" affect daily self-perception and decision-making?
  2. Where do you seek peace beyond Christ—in circumstances, achievements, or experiences?
  3. What does it mean practically that grace and peace flow equally from Father and Son?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
τοῖς1 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν2 of 21

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Κολασσαῖς3 of 21

“Colosse”

G2857

colossae, a place in asia minor

ἁγίοις4 of 21

“To the saints”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ5 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πιστοῖς6 of 21

“faithful”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ἀδελφοῖς7 of 21

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἐν8 of 21

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστοῦ9 of 21

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

χάρις10 of 21

“Grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ὑμῖν11 of 21

“be unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ12 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰρήνη13 of 21

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ἀπὸ14 of 21

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

θεοῦ15 of 21

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πατρὸς16 of 21

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἡμῶν17 of 21

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ18 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Κυρίου19 of 21

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ20 of 21

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ21 of 21

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 1:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 1:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 1:2Ephesians 1:11 Corinthians 1:2Romans 1:7Revelation 1:4Galatians 1:3

Places in This Verse

ColossaeSettlement · Modern: Colossae · 37.79°N, 29.26°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Colossians 1 →

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