Colossians 1:12
What does Colossians 1:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Colossians 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Colossians 1:12 means
Paul urges “giving thanks unto the Father,” who has “made us meet” (qualified us) to share “the inheritance of the saints in light.” Salvation is not merely escape from judgment; it is entrance into a family with an inheritance. The Father qualifies unworthy sinners by grace, not by their works. “In light” contrasts with darkness, suggesting purity, truth, and God’s presence. Gratitude flows from recognizing that our status is a gift, secured by God’s initiative. Believers do not claw their way into God’s favor; the Father fits them for it. This thanksgiving orients the heart upward and prepares us to hear of the great transfer God has accomplished in His Son.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Giving praise to the Father who has given us a part in the heritage of the saints in light;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Giving thanks to the Father who did make us meet for the participation of the inheritance of the saints in the light,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Giving thanks to God the Father, who hath made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in light:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890giving thanks to the Father, who has made us fit for sharing the portion of the saints in light,
Context
Verse 12 concludes Paul’s prayer with thanksgiving anchored in salvation’s benefits. It transitions directly into verses 13–14, which describe the Father’s rescue from darkness and transfer into the Son’s kingdom, bringing redemption and forgiveness. These saving acts set the stage for the majestic portrait of Christ in verses 15–20. The flow is intentional: gratitude for salvation leads to adoration of the Savior, and then to personal application in reconciliation and perseverance (verses 21–23).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 5:5
Now he that wrought us for this very thing is God, who gave unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
- Psalms 116:7
Return unto thy rest, O my soul; For Jehovah hath dealt bountifully with thee.
- Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
- 1 Peter 5:1
The elders therefore among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
- Romans 15:27
Yea, it hath been their good pleasure; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things.
- Colossians 2:2
that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, even Christ,
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