Colossians 1:6
What does Colossians 1:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Colossians 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Colossians 1:6 means
The gospel has come to them and is “in all the world bearing fruit and increasing,” just as among the Colossians from the day they heard and truly knew God’s grace. The gospel is not static information; it is living seed that grows. Its effectiveness does not depend on location or culture, highlighting its divine origin. Their experience matches the global pattern: hearing, understanding grace in truth, and then bearing fruit. Paul emphasizes grace—God’s unearned favor—as the engine of transformation. Knowing grace “in truth” guards against distortions that add human works or speculative ideas. The Colossians’ changed lives confirm the gospel’s authenticity and encourage them to keep trusting the same message.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the world bearing fruit and increasing, as it doth in you also, since the day ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which 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:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the world bearing fruit and increasing, as it doth in you also, since the day ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Which has come to you; and which in all the world is giving fruit and increase, as it has done in you from the day when it came to your ears and you had true knowledge of the grace of God;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862which is present to you, as also in all the world, and is bearing fruit, as also in you, from the day in which ye heard, and knew the grace of God in truth;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which is come unto you, as also it is in the whole world and bringeth forth fruit and groweth, even as it doth in you, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890which are come to you, as [they are] in all the world, [and] are bearing fruit and growing, even as also among you, from the day ye heard [them] and knew indeed the grace ofGod, in truth:
Context
Building on verse 5’s mention of the gospel, verse 6 widens the lens to show its worldwide advance and local impact. This reassures the Colossians amid competing teachings: the message they received is the true, fruitful gospel. Paul will immediately connect their reception of this gospel to a faithful teacher, Epaphras (verses 7–8). This flow validates both the message and the messenger, preparing for Paul’s prayer that their understanding would deepen (verses 9–12).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 15:28
When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by you unto Spain.
- Ephesians 4:21
if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:
- Acts 16:14
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened to give heed unto the things which were spoken by Paul.
- Romans 16:26
but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith:
- Psalms 98:3
He hath remembered his lovingkindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
- Philippians 1:11
being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Colossians 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Colossians 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Atonement
Atonement, a central doctrine of Christianity, describes how humanity is reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About The Church
The church, in its various forms, is a central theme in Scripture, revealing God's plan for humanity's redemption and community
Topic
Bible Verses About Creation
Explore the biblical understanding of creation, God's awesome power, and His eternal purposes revealed in the world around us
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for Your Spouse
Verses to pray over the person you said 'yes' to.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Forgiving Your Spouse
When the hurt is real and forgiveness feels impossible — verses to begin.