Colossians 1:10
New International Version
so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

New Living Translation
Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

English Standard Version
so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Berean Standard Bible
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Berean Literal Bible
to walk worthily of the Lord: pleasing in all, bringing forth fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God,

King James Bible
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

New King James Version
that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

New American Standard Bible
so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

NASB 1995
so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

NASB 1977
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Legacy Standard Bible
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and multiplying in the full knowledge of God;

Amplified Bible
so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts];

Christian Standard Bible
so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.

American Standard Version
to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Contemporary English Version
Then you will live a life that honors the Lord, and you will always please him by doing good deeds. You will come to know God even better.

English Revised Version
to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We ask this so that you will live the kind of lives that prove you belong to the Lord. Then you will want to please him in every way as you grow in producing every kind of good work by this knowledge about God.

Good News Translation
Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God.

International Standard Version
so that you might live in a manner worthy of the Lord and be fully pleasing to him as you bear fruit while doing all kinds of good things and growing in the full knowledge of God.

Majority Standard Bible
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

NET Bible
so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects--bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God,

New Heart English Bible
that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Webster's Bible Translation
That ye may walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Weymouth New Testament
so that your lives may be worthy of the Lord and perfectly pleasing to Him, while you exhibit the results of right action of every sort and grow into a fuller knowledge of God.

World English Bible
that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
to walk worthily of the LORD, pleasing in all, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God,

Berean Literal Bible
to walk worthily of the Lord: pleasing in all, bringing forth fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God,

Young's Literal Translation
to your walking worthily of the Lord to all pleasing, in every good work being fruitful, and increasing to the knowledge of God,

Smith's Literal Translation
For you to walk worthy of the Lord in all pleasing behavior, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That you may walk worthy of God, in all things pleasing; being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God:

Catholic Public Domain Version
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of God, being pleasing in all things, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God,

New American Bible
to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God,

New Revised Standard Version
so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
That you might live a righteous life, please God with all good works, and bring forth good fruits, and grow in the knowledge of God;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
That you would walk according to what is right, and that you may please God in all good works and yield fruit, and increase in the knowledge of God,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, in order to please him in all things, by means of every good work bringing forth fruit, and increasing in the knowledge, of God,

Godbey New Testament
that you may walk worthily of the Lord in all loyalty, in every good work bearing fruit, and increasing in the perfect knowledge of God.

Haweis New Testament
that ye may walk worthy of the Lord, well pleasing him in all things, in every good work fruitful, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Mace New Testament
that your conduct may be worthy of the Lord, in every respect agreeable to him, being friutful in every kind of virtue, and increasing in divine knowledge:

Weymouth New Testament
so that your lives may be worthy of the Lord and perfectly pleasing to Him, while you exhibit the results of right action of every sort and grow into a fuller knowledge of God.

Worrell New Testament
to walk worthily of the Lord to all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God;

Worsley New Testament
that ye may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Thanksgiving and Prayer
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully…

Cross References
Ephesians 4:1
As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:

Philippians 1:27
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,

Ephesians 5:8-10
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. / Test and prove what pleases the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 2:12
encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

2 Peter 1:5-8
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; / and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; / and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ...

John 15:8
This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

1 John 2:6
Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

2 Corinthians 5:9
So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Peter 2:12
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

Hebrews 13:21
equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. / It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, / as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. ...


Treasury of Scripture

That you might walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

ye.

Colossians 2:6
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Micah 4:5
For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

all.

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Philippians 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

fruitful.

John 15:8,16
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples…

Galatians 5:22,23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, …

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

increasing.

Colossians 2:19
And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Isaiah 53:11
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Daniel 12:4
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Jump to Previous
Action Approval Bearing Exhibit Fruit Fruitful Fully Good Growing Increasing Lead Order Perfectly Please Pleasing Respects Results Right Sort Uprightly Walk Way Work Worthily Worthy
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Action Approval Bearing Exhibit Fruit Fruitful Fully Good Growing Increasing Lead Order Perfectly Please Pleasing Respects Results Right Sort Uprightly Walk Way Work Worthily Worthy
Colossians 1
1. After salutation Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith;
7. confirms the doctrine of Epaphras;
9. prays further for their increase in grace;
14. describes the supremacy of Christ;
21. encourages them to receive Jesus Christ, and commends his own ministry.














walk in a manner worthy of the Lord
The Greek word for "walk" is "peripateō," which implies a continuous, habitual way of living. In the ancient world, walking was a primary mode of transportation, symbolizing one's journey through life. To "walk in a manner worthy" suggests living a life that reflects the character and teachings of Jesus Christ. The term "worthy" (Greek: "axios") conveys the idea of balance, as if one's life should be in balance with the calling and character of the Lord. This phrase challenges believers to live in a way that honors and glorifies God, aligning their actions with His will and purpose.

and may please Him in every way
The desire to "please" (Greek: "areskō") God is central to Christian living. This term implies an active effort to bring joy and satisfaction to the Lord through one's actions and choices. The phrase "in every way" underscores the comprehensive nature of this pursuit, suggesting that every aspect of a believer's life should be oriented towards pleasing God. Historically, this reflects the holistic approach of early Christians, who sought to integrate their faith into all areas of life, not just religious observance.

bearing fruit in every good work
The metaphor of "bearing fruit" is deeply rooted in biblical imagery, often used to describe the visible outcomes of a life lived in accordance with God's will. In the Greek, "karpophoreō" means to produce or yield fruit, indicating that good works are the natural result of a life connected to Christ. The phrase "every good work" emphasizes the variety and abundance of ways believers can serve and glorify God. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in John 15:5, where He describes Himself as the vine and His followers as branches, highlighting the importance of remaining in Him to bear fruit.

growing in the knowledge of God
The concept of "growing" (Greek: "auxanō") suggests a process of continual development and maturation. This growth is not merely intellectual but involves a deepening relationship with God. The "knowledge" (Greek: "epignōsis") referred to here is a full, experiential understanding of God, going beyond mere facts to encompass a personal and transformative relationship. This aligns with the biblical theme of knowing God intimately, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 9:24, where knowing God is associated with understanding His character and ways. Historically, this reflects the early church's emphasis on discipleship and spiritual formation, encouraging believers to pursue a deeper, more profound connection with their Creator.

(10) Walk worthy (worthily) of the Lord. Here St. Paul begins to dwell on the practical life, much in the same spirit in which, in Ephesians 4:1, he returns from the profound thought of Colossians 2, 3 to the entreaty "to walk worthy of the vocation with which they are called." "The Lord" is here, as usual, the Lord Jesus Christ; to walk worthy of Him is to have His life reproduced in us, to follow His example, to have "the mind of Christ Jesus." The "worthiness" is, of course, relative to our capacity, not absolute.

All pleasing.--The word here used is not found elsewhere in the New Testament, but is employed in classic and Hellenistic Greek to mean "a general disposition to please"--a constant preference of the will of others before our own. It is here used with tacit reference to God, since towards Him alone can it be a safe guide of action. Otherwise it must have the bad sense which in general usage was attached to it. St. Paul emphatically disowns and condemns the temper of "men-pleasing" (see Galatians 1:10; Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22; 1Thessalonians 2:4), as incompatible with being "the servant of Christ." He could, indeed, "be all things to all men" (1Corinthians 9:22); he could bid each man "please his neighbour for his edification" (Romans 15:12). But the only "pleasing" to which the whole life can be conformed is (see 1Thessalonians 4:1) the consideration "how we ought to walk and to please God." Only in subordination to this can we safely act on the desire of "all pleasing" towards men. . . .

Verse 10. - To walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing (Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 11; 1 John 2:6; Revelation 3:4; Hebrews 13:21); so as to please him in every way. "The end of all knowledge, the apostle would say, is conduct" (Lightfoot). Spiritual enlightenment (ver. 9) enables the Christian to walk (a Hebraism adopted also into biblical English) in a way "worthy of the Lord" (Christ, Colossians 2:6; Colossians 3:24; Acts 20:19, etc.), becoming those who have such a Lord and who profess to be his servants. And to be "worthy of Christ" is to "please God" (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:4, 5, 11; 1 Corinthians 1:9). This is the ideal and the aim of the religious life throughout the Bible (comp. 1 Samuel 13:14; Micah 6:6-8; Hebrews 11:5, 6; John 8:29; Romans 8:8). The characteristics of this walk are set forth by three coordinate participial phrases (vers. 10b-12), standing in the half independent nominative case instead of the more regular accusative (as agreeing with the understood object of the infinitive περιπατῆσαι: see Winer's ' N. T. Grammar,' p. 716: compare, for the idiom, Colossians 3:16, also Colossians 2:2). In every good work bearing fruit (Ephesians 4:28; Galatians 6:9, 10; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:17; 1 Timothy 5:10; Titus 3:8; Hebrews 13:16; Acts 9:36). "Good work" is that which is beneficial, practically good (see parallel passages). "In every good work" might grammatically qualify the foregoing" pleasing ' (so R.V. margin and many older interpreters), but appears to be parallel in position and sense with "in all power" (ver. 11). On"bearing fruit" (active in voice where the subject is personal: comp. ἐνεργέω in Colossians 1:29 and in Philippians 2:13), see note to ver. 6. While doing good to his fellow-men, the Christian is growing by (or, in) the knowledge of God (Colossians 2:19; Ephesians 4:13-16; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 3:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 14:20; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Hebrews 5:12-14). His own nature becomes larger, stronger, more complete. Here it is individual (internal) growth, in ver. 6 collective (external) growth (of the gospel, the Church) that is implied; the two are combined in Ephesians 4:13-16. The dative τῇ ἐπιγνώσει (so best copies and Revised Text: the Received, unto the knowledge, is a repetition of ver. 9) is "dative of instrument" (Alford, Lightfoot) rather than "of respect" (in the knowledge; so R.V.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
so that you may walk
περιπατῆσαι (peripatēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4043: From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.

in a manner worthy
ἀξίως (axiōs)
Adverb
Strong's 516: Worthily, in a manner worthy of. Adverb from axios; appropriately.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

[and] may please [Him]
ἀρεσκείαν (areskeian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 699: Pleasing, willing service. From a derivative of aresko; complaisance.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

every way:
πᾶσαν (pasan)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

bearing fruit
καρποφοροῦντες (karpophorountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2592: To bear fruit. From karpophoros; to be fertile.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

every
παντὶ (panti)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

good
ἀγαθῷ (agathō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

work,
ἔργῳ (ergō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

growing
αὐξανόμενοι (auxanomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 837: (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge.

in the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

knowledge
ἐπιγνώσει (epignōsei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1922: From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement.

of God,
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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NT Letters: Colossians 1:10 That you may walk worthily (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 1:9
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