Colossians 4 6

Colossians 4:6 kjv

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

Colossians 4:6 nkjv

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

Colossians 4:6 niv

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:6 esv

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Colossians 4:6 nlt

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Colossians 4 verses

Colossians 4 6 Meaning

This verse instructs believers to ensure their communication is always characterized by grace and wisdom, so they are prepared to respond appropriately and effectively to every individual. It emphasizes that speech should be pleasant, attractive, discerning, and preserved from corruption, enabling effective interaction, particularly with those outside the faith.

Colossians 4 6 Context

Colossians 4:6 appears at the end of Paul's epistle to the Colossians, within the practical exhortations for Christian living. After theological arguments establishing Christ's supremacy and sufficiency against false teachings (chapters 1-2) and ethical guidelines for believers' internal conduct (chapter 3), chapter 4 transitions to external conduct, specifically how believers should interact with "outsiders" (Col 4:5). Verses 2-4 emphasize the importance of persistent, watchful prayer, particularly for open doors for the gospel. Verse 5 urges believers to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time." Verse 6 then specifies how this wisdom manifests in their communication. It provides direct guidance on the nature of their speech, highlighting its evangelistic potential and the necessity of thoughtful, Christ-like responses in every encounter.

Colossians 4 6 Word analysis

• Let your speech (ο λογος υμων, ho logos hymōn): This refers not merely to the specific words spoken but to the entire communication and manner of speaking. Logos here encapsulates the sum total of verbal expression. It implies a conscious and intentional approach to all conversations, whether with fellow believers or those outside the faith. The active responsibility for one's words is placed directly on the individual believer.
• always (παντοτε, pantote): This adverb emphasizes a continuous, consistent characteristic of the believer's speech, not an occasional or situational one. It indicates that the qualities of grace and seasoning should permeate all conversations and interactions. There is no circumstance where speech should be anything but gracious and wise.
• be gracious (εν χαριτι, en chariti): Literally "in grace" or "with grace." The Greek word charis primarily means divine favor, unmerited kindness from God. Applied to human speech, it signifies speech that is pleasant, attractive, benevolent, kind, well-disposed, winsome, and delightful. It suggests speech that brings pleasure and blessing rather than offense or bitterness. It flows from a heart shaped by God's grace and should reflect His character, avoiding harshness, rudeness, or self-serving talk.
• seasoned with salt (ηρτυμενος εν αλι, ērtumenos en hali): This is a rich metaphor. Ērtumenos (from artyō) means to prepare, season, or make palatable. Hali refers to salt.
  • Preservative quality: Like salt prevents decay, speech should prevent corruption, guarding against moral decay and tastelessness. It points to speech that is pure, truthful, and spiritually healthy.
  • Flavor and savor: Just as salt enhances taste and makes food enjoyable, speech seasoned with salt is wise, engaging, and pleasant to listen to, rather than bland, dull, or irritating. It possesses wit, wisdom, and an engaging quality.
  • Purity and distinction: In ancient cultures, salt also symbolized purity and permanence (as in a "covenant of salt"). This implies that believers' speech should be distinct from worldly chatter—pure, true, and set apart, able to discern and speak truth clearly amidst error. It can cut through deception and bring clarity.
  • Discernment/Prudence: It suggests the ability to speak with good judgment and discretion, knowing what to say and when to say it.
• that you may know (ινα ειδητε, hina eidēte): The Greek word eidēte implies a clear and perceptive understanding, not just intellectual knowledge but practical wisdom and discernment. The goal of gracious, salted speech is effective communication, particularly in diverse situations. It signifies the desired outcome—an enlightened mind concerning how to engage.
• how you ought (πως δει υμας, pōs dei hymas): Dei signifies necessity or what is proper and fitting. It conveys the idea of having appropriate, right answers, tailored to the specific context and individual. This suggests a preparedness and thoughtfulness in conversation, especially when challenged about the Christian faith or simply interacting with differing worldviews.
• to answer everyone (εκαστω αποκρινασθαι, hekastō apokrinasthai): This emphasizes the universal scope of the command. Believers are called to engage and provide appropriate responses to all people, regardless of their background, beliefs, or the nature of their questions. It underlines the responsibility of Christian witness and relational evangelism. This "answering" is not limited to formal apologetics but encompasses all daily conversations, providing responses that reflect Christ and His truth.

Colossians 4 6 Bonus section

This verse can be understood as a mandate for relational evangelism, where the lifestyle and character expressed through speech are integral to sharing the gospel. The "salt" metaphor also evokes a subtle polemic against any speech that is tasteless, corrupting, or devoid of spiritual truth, qualities often found in the philosophies that challenged the Colossian church. The instruction to "answer everyone" implies active engagement and preparedness, counteracting any tendency towards isolation or defensiveness. It reflects a core Christian responsibility: to articulate one's faith not just intellectually, but winsomely, embodying the gospel in dialogue. This involves not only what is said but also how it is said, emphasizing manner over mere message, as the manner itself can convey truth and attract curiosity.

Colossians 4 6 Commentary

Colossians 4:6 is a vital instruction for the Christian's communication, especially with the non-believing world. Paul calls for a specific quality of speech: it must consistently exhibit both divine grace (charis) and practical wisdom (like salt). "Gracious" means it should be kind, pleasant, appealing, and rooted in the benevolence of God's unmerited favor. This contrasts sharply with harsh, judgmental, or crude talk. "Seasoned with salt" adds layers of meaning: preserving truth against decay, making conversations palatable and engaging, providing sharp wisdom that discerns and purifies, and possessing a distinctive, compelling flavor. This careful and intentional approach to communication directly prepares believers to "know how to answer everyone," implying a readiness and discernment to engage appropriately, whether it's answering questions about faith, offering encouragement, or simply navigating daily interactions. It empowers the believer to be an effective and winsome witness for Christ, reflecting His wisdom and grace in every word spoken.