King James Version

What Does Colossians 1:4 Mean?

Colossians 1:4 in the King James Version says “Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Colossians 1:4 · KJV

FaithLove

Context

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;

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:

Read Colossians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints. The phrase tēn pistin en Christō Iēsou (τὴν πίστιν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, "the faith in Christ Jesus") emphasizes both faith's object and sphere. This isn't generic religiosity but specific trust located in Christ's person and finished work. Epaphras likely brought this report (1:7-8), prompting Paul's letter.

"The love which ye have to all the saints" reveals faith's authenticating fruit. The totality marker pantas (πάντας, "all") prevents selective love based on ethnicity, status, or preference. Genuine faith in Christ produces agape for God's people across all human divisions—crucial in Colossae's mixed population where social stratification was rigid.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century society strictly divided Jews from Gentiles, slaves from free, male from female, wealthy from poor. The Christian community's radical unity, transcending these barriers through practical love, testified powerfully to gospel truth. False teaching typically creates spiritual elitism; genuine faith produces humility and unity across boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. Can you articulate clearly what you believe about Christ, and is your faith truly in Him versus your experience?
  2. What evidence of genuine love exists in your life toward all believers, including those culturally different?
  3. How does your church demonstrate that Christian unity transcends worldly divisions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἀκούσαντες1 of 15

“Since we heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τοὺς2 of 15

“which”

G3588

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

πίστιν3 of 15

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ὑμῶν4 of 15

“of your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐν5 of 15

“in”

G1722

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

Χριστῷ6 of 15

“Christ”

G5547

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

Ἰησοῦ7 of 15

“Jesus”

G2424

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

καὶ8 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

τοὺς9 of 15

“which”

G3588

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

ἀγάπην10 of 15

“of the love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

τοὺς11 of 15

“which”

G3588

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

εἰς12 of 15

“ye have to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

πάντας13 of 15

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοὺς14 of 15

“which”

G3588

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

ἁγίους15 of 15

“the saints”

G40

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

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 1:4 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 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 1:152 Thessalonians 1:31 Thessalonians 1:3Hebrews 6:10Philemon 1:51 John 4:16

Test Your Knowledge

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

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