That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

COLOSSIANS 1:10KJV
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Colossians 1:10 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:10 mean?

Colossians 1:10 urges believers to live in a way that honors the Lord, aiming to please Him in every way, to be productive in doing good, and to keep growing in their understanding of God. The verse highlights a life that matches what God desires, marked by good actions and increasing spiritual insight.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, encouraging them to let their daily lives reflect their faith. He connects pleasing God with both practical deeds ("every good work") and ongoing growth in knowing God better, showing that both action and understanding are important in following Jesus.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:10

  • "Walk" (περιπατέω, peripateō) is often used in the New Testament to describe one's way of life or conduct, not just physical walking. Here, it means to live day-to-day in a way that fits someone who follows the Lord.
  • "Worthy" (ἀξίως, axiōs) carries the sense of living up to a standard or being fitting. Paul is urging the Colossians to live in a way that matches the character and calling of the Lord.
  • "Pleasing" (ἀρέσκεια, areskeia) means doing what brings delight or satisfaction. The verse emphasizes aiming for a life that is pleasing to God in every aspect, not just in isolated actions.
  • "Increasing" (αὐξάνω, auxanō) is about ongoing growth, not a one-time event. Paul highlights that knowing God is a continual process, not something believers ever fully complete.

Why Colossians 1:10 matters

  • Colossians 1:10 clarifies that pleasing God is not just about belief but also about how one lives and acts, connecting faith with daily choices and actions.
  • The verse shows that spiritual growth is ongoing; knowing God is something believers are always meant to be increasing in, not a goal to be checked off.
  • This verse ties together the ideas of action ("every good work") and understanding ("knowledge of God"), showing that both are essential parts of a healthy Christian life.

Where else these words appear

“worthy” Greek G516 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
  • Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

“fruitful” Greek G2592 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
  • Mark 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
  • Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

“knowledge” Greek G1922 · used in 20 verses

  • Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

“increasing” Greek G837 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)