Colossians 1:10
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "increasing in the knowledge of God" isn't just about knowing more about God in an academic sense, but about experiencing Him more deeply and truly through actively living out His ways. This verse suggests that practical obedience and bearing fruit in good works are the very means by which our understanding of God grows.
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;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is praying that the Colossians will grow beyond just knowing about God to truly understanding and living out His will. This knowledge should lead them to live lives that reflect Christ, pleasing Him in all things by producing good works and continuously deepening their relationship with God.
What does it truly mean to 'walk worthy of the Lord'? It’s more than just good behavior; it's about aligning our entire lives with who He is.
Paul uses the phrase 'walk worthy of the Lord' to describe a life that is in step with our identity in Christ. It's about living in a way that corresponds to what the Lord is to us and what He has done for us. This isn't about earning His favor, but responding to the incredible grace we've already received. It involves living a life that pleases Him in all things, not seeking the approval of others, but the satisfaction of our Savior. This kind of living naturally flows from knowing Him and His will.
If our faith is real, it should produce something tangible. What does this 'fruit' look like in our daily lives?
The verse highlights 'bearing fruit in every good work' as a key aspect of a worthy walk. This fruit isn't about human achievement or religious duty for its own sake. Instead, it's the natural outflow of a life connected to God. It's about actively engaging in good deeds, demonstrating the love and character of Christ through our actions. This fruitfulness is not limited to one type of good work, but encompasses every area of life where we can bring glory to God.
Knowing God isn't a one-time event; it's a lifelong journey. How does this 'increasing knowledge' shape our walk?
The passage connects outward fruitfulness with an 'increasing in the knowledge of God.' This isn't just about accumulating more facts about God, but about a deeper, more intimate understanding of His character, will, and ways. This growth happens as we live out our faith. When we actively practice what we know of God's will, our understanding expands. It’s a reciprocal relationship: knowing God leads us to live worthy lives, and living worthy lives deepens our knowledge of Him. This ongoing process is essential for spiritual maturity.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
peripatēsai axiōs · Greek Verb phrase
Living in a way that matches one's identity as a child of God, reflecting the character and values of Christ in everyday conduct.
euarestos · Greek Adjective (part of phrase)
To live in such a way that one's actions, character, and priorities bring joy to God and satisfy His righteous standards.
This passage describes the 'fruit of the Spirit,' which aligns with Colossians' emphasis on bearing 'fruit in every good work.' It shows the inner source from which outward good works flow.
John 15:5Jesus' metaphor of the vine and branches directly parallels the idea of bearing fruit. It highlights that true fruitfulness comes from remaining connected to Christ, the source of spiritual life and nourishment.
1 John 2:3-6This passage connects knowing God with obedience and living as Christ lived. It reinforces the idea in Colossians that increasing in the knowledge of God should lead to a life pleasing to Him.
Ephesians 4:1Paul uses the phrase 'walk worthy of the Lord' here as well, directly linking the concept of a life that honors God to the practical outworking of faith, mirroring the encouragement in Colossians.
2 Peter 3:18This verse urges believers to 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,' echoing the Colossians' call to 'increasing in the knowledge of God' as a vital part of spiritual development.
vincentColossians 1:10: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
Walk worthy (περιπατῆσαι ἀξίως)The phrase occurs Ephesians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:12. Rev. gives the correct adverbial rendering worthily.Unto all pleasing (εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρέσκειαν)So as to please God in all ways. Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:1, Ἁρέσκεια pleasing, only here in the New Testament. In classical Greek it has a bad sense, obsequious…
gillColossians 1:10: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord,.... The Vulgate Latin version reads, "of God"; to which the Ethiopic version agrees; but rather the Lord Jesus Christ seems to be designed: and to "walk worthy" of him, is to walk by faith in him; to walk after his Spirit, and according to his word, and in his ordinances; to have the conversation as becomes…
The phrase "increasing in the knowledge of God" isn't just about knowing more about God in an academic sense, but about experiencing Him more deeply and truly through actively living out His ways. This verse suggests that practical obedience and bearing fruit in good works are the very means by which our understanding of God grows.
Paul is praying that the Colossians will grow beyond just knowing about God to truly understanding and living out His will. This knowledge should lead them to live lives that reflect Christ, pleasing Him in all things by producing good works and continuously deepening their relationship with God.
Paul is praying that the Colossians will grow beyond just knowing about God to truly understanding and living out His will. This knowledge should lead them to live lives that reflect Christ, pleasing Him in all things by producing good works and continuously deepening their relationship with God.
"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;" — The phrase "increasing in the knowledge of God" isn't just about knowing more about God in an academic sense, but about experiencing Him more deeply and truly through actively living out His ways…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
