Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

COLOSSIANS 1:8KJV
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Colossians 1:8 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:8 mean?

Colossians 1:8 says that someone has told Paul and his companions about the love the Colossian believers have, a love that comes from the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights that the Colossians’ love is not just human affection, but is inspired and empowered by God’s Spirit.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, and he mentions that Epaphras (a fellow believer) has reported to him about their spiritual love. This is part of Paul’s opening thanksgiving, where he encourages the church by affirming the genuine, Spirit-led love that marks their community.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:8

  • ἀγάπη (agapē, G26): This word for "love" refers to a selfless, sacrificial kind of love. In this context, it emphasizes that the Colossians’ love is not just a feeling but an active, caring commitment shaped by God’s Spirit.
  • ἐν πνεύματι (en pneumati, G1722 + G4151): Translated as "in the Spirit," this phrase points to the source of their love. It means their love is rooted in or produced by the Holy Spirit, not just natural kindness.

Why Colossians 1:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian love is not just a natural trait or personality, but something that comes from the Holy Spirit’s work in people’s lives.
  • It shows that Paul values reports of spiritual fruit, like love, as evidence of genuine faith among the Colossians.
  • By mentioning the Spirit, Paul connects the Colossians’ experience to the broader Christian teaching that true love is a sign of God’s presence and activity in a community.

Where else these words appear

“declared” Greek G1213 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
  • Hebrews 9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
  • 1 Peter 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

“love” Greek G26 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.
  • 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.