King James Version

What Does Colossians 1:6 Mean?

Colossians 1:6 in the King James Version says “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 h... — study this verse from Colossians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Colossians 1:6 · KJV


Context

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:

7

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

8

Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What fruit evidences the gospel's reality in your life since conversion—not just initial change but ongoing transformation?
  2. How do you distinguish between genuine spiritual growth and mere religious activity or knowledge accumulation?
  3. What role does your life play in the gospel's continued fruitfulness and expansion in your sphere?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
τοῦ1 of 29

Which

G3588

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

παρόντος2 of 29

is come

G3918

to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property

εἰς3 of 29

unto

G1519

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

ὑμᾶς4 of 29

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καθὼς5 of 29

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ6 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἐν7 of 29

in

G1722

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

παντὶ8 of 29

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῦ9 of 29

Which

G3588

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

κόσμῳ10 of 29

the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

καὶ11 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἐστὶν12 of 29

bringeth forth fruit

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καρποφορούμενον13 of 29
G2592

to be fertile (literally or figuratively)

καθὼς14 of 29

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ15 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἐν16 of 29

in

G1722

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

ὑμῖν17 of 29

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀφ'18 of 29

since

G575

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

ἡς19 of 29

the

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἡμέρας20 of 29

day

G2250

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

ἠκούσατε21 of 29

ye heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ22 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἐπέγνωτε23 of 29

knew

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

τοῦ24 of 29

Which

G3588

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

χάριν25 of 29

the grace

G5485

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

τοῦ26 of 29

Which

G3588

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

θεοῦ27 of 29

of God

G2316

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

ἐν28 of 29

in

G1722

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

ἀληθείᾳ·29 of 29

truth

G225

truth


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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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