Devine Scripture

Colossians 4:6

What does Colossians 4:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 4:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 4:6 means

Paul urges speech that is always gracious, yet seasoned with salt—winsome, lively, and preserving truth. Grace means kindness and charity, avoiding harshness and needless quarrels. Salt suggests flavor and wisdom, preventing words from being bland or corrupt. The aim is readiness: “that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.” Not every person needs the same approach; wise speech is tailored to the hearer without trimming the truth. Christian conversation should display the beauty of Christ and the soundness of the gospel, opening hearts rather than closing doors. Such speech, shaped by grace and truth, complements wise conduct and advances witness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let your talk be with grace, mixed with salt, so that you may be able to give an answer to everyone.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

your word always in grace--with salt being seasoned--to know how it behoveth you to answer each one.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let your speech be always in grace seasoned with salt: that you may know how you ought to answer every man.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

[Let] your word [be] always with grace, seasoned with salt, [so as] to know how ye ought to answer each one.

Context

Concluding his guidance on outward-facing life, Paul pairs conduct (verse 5) with communication (verse 6). This prepares the way for the personal section that follows, where living examples will illustrate the principles he has taught. The chapter will now highlight coworkers and messengers (verses 7–14) who embody faithful service and edifying words. The transition underscores that the church’s mission advances not only by doctrine but by people whose lives and speech commend Christ.

v.5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

v.6This passage

v.7All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord:

Cross references

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

  • Leviticus 2:13

    And every oblation of thy meal-offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meal-offering: with all thine oblations thou shalt offer salt.

  • 2 Kings 2:20

    And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.

  • Matthew 5:13

    Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

  • Psalms 37:30

    The mouth of the righteous talketh of wisdom, And his tongue speaketh justice.

  • Matthew 12:34

    Ye offspring of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

  • Proverbs 22:17

    Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.

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