Colossians 1:3
New International Version
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

New Living Translation
We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

English Standard Version
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

Berean Standard Bible
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

Berean Literal Bible
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying continually for you,

King James Bible
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

New King James Version
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

New American Standard Bible
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

NASB 1995
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

NASB 1977
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Legacy Standard Bible
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Amplified Bible
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as we pray always for you,

Christian Standard Bible
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

American Standard Version
We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Contemporary English Version
Each time we pray for you, we thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

English Revised Version
We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in our prayers for you.

Good News Translation
We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.

International Standard Version
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, praying always for you,

Majority Standard Bible
We always thank the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

NET Bible
We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

New Heart English Bible
We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Webster's Bible Translation
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Weymouth New Testament
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, constantly praying for you as we do,

World English Bible
We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying for you,

Berean Literal Bible
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying continually for you,

Young's Literal Translation
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying for you,

Smith's Literal Translation
We return thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Grace and peace to you, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying for you always.

New American Bible
We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

New Revised Standard Version
In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Always we give thanks to God, the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, and always we pray for you,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
We always thank God, The Father of our Lord Yeshua The Messiah, and we pray for you,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Godbey New Testament
We give thanks to God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying for you,

Haweis New Testament
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying for you,

Mace New Testament
In our prayers we continually give thanks to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ upon your account,

Weymouth New Testament
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, constantly praying for you as we do,

Worrell New Testament
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Worsley New Testament
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always in our prayers for you:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Thanksgiving and Prayer
2To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. 3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints—…

Cross References
Philippians 1:3-4
I thank my God every time I remember you. / In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy,

Ephesians 1:15-16
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, / I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

1 Thessalonians 1:2
We always thank God for all of you, remembering you in our prayers

Romans 1:8-9
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world. / God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you

2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.

Philemon 1:4
I always thank my God, remembering you in my prayers,

1 Corinthians 1:4
I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 1:11
as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers.

2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers.

1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Acts 28:15
The brothers there had heard about us and traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God.

Romans 16:4
who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

1 Samuel 12:23
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.

Psalm 105:1
Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations.

Daniel 2:23
To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, because You have given me wisdom and power. And now You have made known to me what we have requested, for You have made known to us the dream of the king.”


Treasury of Scripture

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

give.

Romans 1:8,9
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world…

1 Corinthians 1:4
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 1:15
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

praying.

Colossians 1:9,13
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; …

Ephesians 3:14-19
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, …

Philippians 1:9-11
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; …

Jump to Previous
Always Christ Constantly Continually Jesus Making Praise Prayer Praying Thank Thanks Times
Jump to Next
Always Christ Constantly Continually Jesus Making Praise Prayer Praying Thank Thanks Times
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.














We always thank God
The phrase "We always thank God" sets a tone of continual gratitude and acknowledgment of divine providence. The Greek word for "thank" is "εὐχαριστοῦμεν" (eucharistoumen), which is the root of the word "Eucharist," reflecting a deep sense of gratitude and thanksgiving. This expression of thanks is not sporadic but constant, indicating a lifestyle of gratitude that Paul and his companions maintain. In the historical context, this reflects the early Christian practice of giving thanks in all circumstances, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It underscores the importance of recognizing God's hand in all aspects of life, a principle that remains central to Christian living.

the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
This phrase emphasizes the unique relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son. The Greek word "πατήρ" (pater) signifies not just a biological relationship but a deep, intimate connection. By referring to God as the "Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," Paul affirms the divinity and authority of Jesus, aligning with the doctrine of the Trinity. This acknowledgment of Jesus' divine sonship was crucial in the early church to counter heretical teachings that denied Christ's deity. It also serves as a reminder of the familial relationship believers have with God through Christ, as they are adopted into His family (Romans 8:15).

when we pray for you
The act of praying for others is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, highlighting the importance of intercessory prayer. The Greek word for "pray" is "προσευχόμενοι" (proseuchomenoi), which implies a directed, intentional communication with God. This phrase indicates that Paul's prayers are not self-centered but outward-focused, reflecting a heart of love and concern for the spiritual well-being of the Colossian believers. Historically, this practice of intercession was vital for the early church, fostering unity and support among believers spread across different regions. It serves as an inspirational model for Christians today to uphold one another in prayer, recognizing the power and necessity of seeking God's guidance and blessing for others.

(3-8) In this expression of St. Paul's thanksgiving for them there is as usual a peculiar correspondence to their circumstances. They had been full of faith, love, and hope, the fruit of a true gospel preached by Epaphras; there was fear now lest they should be beguiled from it, although that fear was obviously not yet realised, as had been formerly the case with the Galatians. Hence St. Paul's emphasis on their hearing, knowing, and learning the truth, and on the faithfulness of Epaphras as a minister of Christ.

(3, 4) Comp. Ephesians 1:15-16, where there is an almost exact verbal coincidence. Whatever may be the force there of the words "having heard of your faith," clearly here they harmonise with many indications that the Colossian Church, though well known to St. Paul, was not known by personal knowledge.

Verses 3-8. - The opening thanksgiving is full and appropriate. Its content is determined by the state of this Church, and by the apostle's relation to it through Epaphras, and his own present position. Verse 3. - We give thanks to God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We; Timothy and I (comp. 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4, etc.). The Revised Text omits "and" between" God" and "Father," following Lachmann, Westcott and Heft, and Lightfoot (who hesitates), on evidence numerically slight, but sufficient; especially as in every other instance of this combination the conjunction is present. "Father" is also without definite article in the better attested (Revised) reading. The words, "Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," bear, therefore, an explanatory, quasi-predicative force. St. Paul wishes his readers to understand that he gives thanks to God on their account distinctly under this aspect, regarded as "Father of Christ." He has just spoken of "our Father," and now adds, "Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," suggesting that it is in this relation that we know God as "our Father," the Author of grace and peace, the Object of Christian thanksgiving. So the sovereign and exclusive mediation of Christ, the ruling idea of the whole Epistle, is thrown into bold relief at the outset; and, in this light, the unique omissions of vers. 2 and 3 explain and justify each other. This fatherhood embraces the entire Person and offices of the Son as "our Lord Jesus Christ." Praying always for you (ver. 9; Colossians 2:1-3; Philippians 1:4; Romans 1:9). The apostle had known from the first of the existence of this Church; and had already been in communication with it (see Introduction, § 2). He had, therefore, a general prayerful interest in the Colossians (2 Corinthians 11:28), that has been quickened to joyful thanksgiving (Colossians 2:5; comp. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10) by the arrival of Epaphras. "Always" and "for you" - either or both of the phrases - may be joined grammatically to "we give thanks" or to "praying:" the latter connection is preferable (see Alford or Ellicott); similarly in Philemon 1:4; in Ephesians 1:16 the turn of expression is different.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
We always thank
Εὐχαριστοῦμεν (Eucharistoumen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2168: From eucharistos; to be grateful, i.e. to express gratitude; specially, to say grace at a meal.

God,
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

[the] Father
Πατρὶ (Patri)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

of our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

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.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

Christ,
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

when we pray
προσευχόμενοι (proseuchomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4336: To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.

for
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

you,
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


Links
Colossians 1:3 NIV
Colossians 1:3 NLT
Colossians 1:3 ESV
Colossians 1:3 NASB
Colossians 1:3 KJV

Colossians 1:3 BibleApps.com
Colossians 1:3 Biblia Paralela
Colossians 1:3 Chinese Bible
Colossians 1:3 French Bible
Colossians 1:3 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God the Father (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 1:2
Top of Page
Top of Page