Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

COLOSSIANS 1:12KJV
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Colossians 1:12 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:12 mean?

Colossians 1:12 describes giving thanks to God the Father, who has qualified believers to share in the inheritance that belongs to God’s holy people, described as being “in light.” The verse highlights gratitude for God’s action in making people fit to receive what He has promised to His saints.

The apostle Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, encouraging them to thank God for including them among those who will receive the blessings meant for His people. Paul’s focus is on God’s initiative—God is the one who makes people “meet” (qualified) to take part in this spiritual inheritance, which is closely connected to living in God’s light and holiness.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:12

  • “made…meet” (ἱκανόω, hikanoō): This word means to make someone sufficient, qualified, or fit for something. Paul is emphasizing that it is God who enables or qualifies believers, not their own efforts.
  • “partakers” (μερίς, meris): This word refers to having a share or portion in something. Here, it points to believers being given a real share in the blessings God has for His people.
  • “inheritance” (κληρονομία, klēronomia): This is the idea of something passed down, like a family inheritance. Paul uses it to show that believers receive a lasting, valuable gift from God.
  • “saints in light” (ἅγιος, hagios; φῶς, phōs): “Saints” means those set apart for God, and “in light” often carries the sense of purity, truth, and God’s presence. Together, these words highlight the special status and environment of those who belong to God.

Why Colossians 1:12 matters

  • Colossians 1:12 clarifies that being included among God’s people is not something earned, but something God does for believers—He qualifies them.
  • The verse connects the idea of inheritance with light, showing that what God gives is not just a future reward but is tied to living in His truth and holiness now.
  • This verse sets the tone for the following verses, which go on to describe the rescue and redemption God provides, making clear that gratitude should be directed to God’s initiative and grace.

Where else these words appear

“made” Greek G2427 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

“partakers” Greek G3310 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
  • Acts 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
  • Acts 16:12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

“inheritance” Greek G2819 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
  • John 19:24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.
  • Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

“thanks” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.