Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

COLOSSIANS 2:7KJV
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Colossians 2:7 (KJV)

What does Colossians 2:7 mean?

Colossians 2:7 describes the Christian life as being firmly grounded and growing in Christ, strengthened in faith as originally taught, and overflowing with gratitude. The verse uses images of roots and building to show stability and growth, and it highlights thankfulness as a key response.

Paul is writing to the believers in Colossae, encouraging them to stay anchored in what they have learned about Jesus. He uses practical, everyday pictures—like being rooted like a plant and built up like a building—to show how their faith should be both stable and growing, always marked by thankfulness.

The Greek behind Colossians 2:7

  • "Rooted" (ἐρριζωμένοι, errizōmenoi): This word paints a picture of a plant with deep, secure roots. Paul often uses it to show that faith in Christ should be firmly established, not easily shaken.
  • "Built up" (ἐποικοδομούμενοι, epoikodomoumenoi): This is a construction term, suggesting ongoing growth and development, like a building being constructed on a solid foundation.
  • "Stablished" (βεβαιούμενοι, bebaioumenoi): This word carries the sense of being made firm or confirmed, especially in the context of faith. It suggests a faith that is not just started, but made strong and reliable.
  • "Abounding" (περισσεύοντες, perisseuontes): This means overflowing or being abundant, here referring to gratitude. Paul emphasizes that thankfulness should not be scarce or occasional, but plentiful in the believer’s life.

Why Colossians 2:7 matters

  • Colossians 2:7 clarifies that Christian growth is not just about starting well but about becoming deeply established and continually growing in Christ.
  • The verse highlights that faith is both something received ("as ye have been taught") and something to be actively strengthened.
  • The emphasis on "abounding...with thanksgiving" shows that gratitude is not an afterthought but a central part of a healthy spiritual life, especially in the context of resisting false teachings addressed earlier in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“Rooted” Greek G4492 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

“up” Greek G2026 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
  • Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

“stablished” Greek G950 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
  • 2 Corinthians 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

“thanksgiving” Greek G2169 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
  • 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;