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 1:6KJV
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Colossians 1:6 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:6 mean?

Colossians 1:6 says that the message about Jesus—the gospel—has come to the Colossians just as it has spread throughout the whole world, and it is producing results and changing lives everywhere, including among them, ever since they first heard and truly understood God’s grace. The verse highlights that the gospel is active and fruitful wherever it is received and understood.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, reminding them that the good news they received is not limited to them but is spreading and bearing fruit all over the world. He points out that this fruitfulness began from the very first day they heard and truly grasped what God’s grace means, showing that genuine understanding of the gospel leads to real change.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:6

  • κόσμος (kosmos, G2889): This word is translated as "world" and often means the whole inhabited earth. Paul’s use here emphasizes that the gospel is not just for one group but is reaching people everywhere.
  • καρπὸν (karpon, G2592): This word means "fruit" or "bearing fruit." In this context, it refers to visible results or changes in people’s lives, showing that the gospel is effective and productive.
  • ἐπέγνωτε (epegnōte, G1921): This word means "knew" or "recognized fully." Paul uses it to stress that the Colossians didn’t just hear about God’s grace—they truly understood it, which is what led to the gospel’s fruitfulness among them.
  • χάριτος (charitos, G5485): This is the word for "grace." Paul highlights that it is the genuine understanding of God’s grace, not just the message itself, that brings about transformation.

Why Colossians 1:6 matters

  • Colossians 1:6 clears up the idea that the gospel is only for a select group; Paul stresses its worldwide reach and impact.
  • The verse emphasizes that real change comes from truly understanding God’s grace, not just hearing about it.
  • Colossians 1:6 connects the Colossians’ experience to the larger movement of God’s work in the world, encouraging them that they are part of something much bigger.

Where else these words appear

“fruit” 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.

“come” Greek G3918 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
  • Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
  • 2 Corinthians 13:10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

“knew” Greek G1921 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
  • Acts 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

“truth” Greek G225 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Romans 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
  • 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.