Colossians 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;
Study Note
Study Note
Paul prays that the Colossians might 'walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God' — a fourfold description of mature Christian existence that integrates conduct, productivity, knowledge, and endurance. The phrase 'walk worthy' (axiōs peripatēsai) is a Pauline key concept found also in Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 1:27, and 1 Thessalonians 2:12, establishing that ethical life is calibrated against the weight and character of one's calling. The dynamic of growing in knowledge through fruitful works, and fruitful works through growing knowledge, forms a reciprocal cycle — orthodoxy and orthopraxy mutually reinforce each other in Pauline thought. The prayer context (1:9-14) reminds readers that this transformation is not self-achieved but the result of Spirit-given wisdom and God's strengthening power.
Other Translations
to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
to your walking worthily of the Lord to all pleasing, in every good work being fruitful, and increasing to the knowledge of God,
Living uprightly in the approval of the Lord, giving fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Cross References
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant …
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us …
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know …
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing …
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his …
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: …
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,