Devine Scripture

Colossians 1:4

What does Colossians 1:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 1:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 1:4 means

Paul has heard of their “faith in Christ Jesus” and their “love toward all the saints.” Faith looks upward to Christ as Savior and Lord; love looks outward to Christ’s people, without partiality. These two marks authenticate the gospel’s work among them. Their love is not selective but embraces “all the saints,” evidencing a Spirit-born unity that transcends differences. Faith and love belong together: genuine belief in Christ produces practical care for His people. Paul’s commendation affirms that Christian maturity is measured not only by doctrine understood but by love displayed. Their reputation for faith and love reaches Paul through reliable channels, encouraging him to give thanks and to pray for more growth.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have toward all the saints,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have toward all the saints,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

After hearing of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have for all the saints,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love that <FI>is<Fi> to all the saints,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Hearing your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have towards all the saints.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and the love which ye have towards all the saints,

Context

Verse 4 explains the content of Paul’s thanksgiving mentioned in verse 3. It begins the well-known triad of faith, love, and hope, which continues into verse 5. By highlighting these fruits early, Paul reassures the Colossians that the gospel they received is authentic and powerful. This sets the stage for verse 5’s focus on their heavenly hope, the anchor that fuels faith and love. Together, these verses anticipate the coming prayer (verses 9–12) for deeper knowledge and holiness.

v.3We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

v.4This passage

v.5because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 John 4:16

    And we know and have believed the love which God hath in us. God is love; and he that abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth in him.

  • 3 John 1:3

    For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:9

    But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another;

  • Philemon 1:5

    hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3

    We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;

  • Galatians 5:6

    For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.

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