King James Version

What Does Colossians 1:3 Mean?

Colossians 1:3 in the King James Version says “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Colossians 1:3 · KJV

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,

5

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

Read Colossians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What percentage of your prayers consists of thanksgiving versus petition, and what does this reveal?
  2. For which believers you've never met (missionaries, persecuted Christians) do you intercede regularly?
  3. How would your prayer life change if you prioritized spiritual growth over temporal circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Εὐχαριστοῦμεν1 of 14

“We give thanks”

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

τῷ2 of 14
G3588

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

θεῷ3 of 14

“to God”

G2316

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

καὶ4 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

πατρὶ5 of 14

“the Father”

G3962

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

τοῦ6 of 14
G3588

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

κυρίου7 of 14

“Lord”

G2962

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

ἡμῶν8 of 14

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ9 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ10 of 14

“Christ”

G5547

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

πάντοτε11 of 14

“always”

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

περὶ12 of 14

“for”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ὑμῶν13 of 14

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

προσευχόμενοι14 of 14

“praying”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

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 1:3 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 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 1:22 Timothy 1:3Colossians 1:9Romans 1:8-91 Corinthians 1:4Philippians 1:3-5

Test Your Knowledge

Colossians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterColossians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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