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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/colossians/4-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/51_Col_04_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Colossians 4:6 - Fellow Workers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/colossians/4.htm">New International Version</a> Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. <a href="/nlt/colossians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. <a href="/esv/colossians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. <a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. <a href="/blb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Let your speech be always in grace, having been seasoned with salt, to know how it behooves you to answer each one. <a href="/kjv/colossians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. <a href="/nkjv/colossians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. <a href="/nasb_/colossians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. <a href="/nasb/colossians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. <a href="/nasb77/colossians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person. <a href="/lsb/colossians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Let your words always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person. <a href="/amp/colossians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you]. <a href="/csb/colossians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. <a href="/hcsb/colossians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. <a href="/asv/colossians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one. <a href="/cev/colossians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions. <a href="/erv/colossians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one. <a href="/gwt/colossians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Everything you say should be kind and well thought out so that you know how to answer everyone. <a href="/gnt/colossians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone. <a href="/isv/colossians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. <a href="/msb/colossians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. <a href="/net/colossians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone. <a href="/nheb/colossians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. <a href="/wbt/colossians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. <a href="/wey/colossians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Let your language be always seasoned with the salt of grace, so that you may know how to give every man a fitting answer. <a href="/web/colossians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/colossians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> your word always being seasoned with salt in grace—to know how it is necessary for you to answer each one. <a href="/blb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Let your speech be always in grace, having been seasoned with salt, to know how it behooves you to answer each one. <a href="/ylt/colossians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> your word always in grace -- with salt being seasoned -- to know how it behoveth you to answer each one. <a href="/slt/colossians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Your word always in grace, Seasoned with salt, to know how it is fitting for you to answer one another.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/colossians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Let your speech be always in grace seasoned with salt: that you may know how you ought to answer every man. <a href="/cpdv/colossians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Let your speech be ever graceful, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to respond to each person. <a href="/nabre/colossians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you should respond to each one. <a href="/nrsvce/colossians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/colossians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Let your conversation be gracious, seasoned with salt, and you should know how to answer every man. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/colossians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And your words should always be with grace, as if seasoned with salt, and be aware how it is appropriate for you to answer each man.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/colossians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every one.<CM> <a href="/godbey/colossians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Let your word be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how it behooves you to answer each one. <a href="/haweis/colossians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Let your discourse be always gracious, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to reply to every man.<CM> <a href="/mace/colossians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> let an air of modesty appear in all your discourse; and let it be seasoned with discretion, in making a proper reply, when you are call'd into question. <a href="/wey/colossians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Let your language be always seasoned with the salt of grace, so that you may know how to give every man a fitting answer. <a href="/worrell/colossians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one. <a href="/worsley/colossians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with discretion to know how ye ought to answer every one. <a href="/parallel/colossians/4-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q-K-qsfihQ?start=755" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm">Fellow Workers</a> …5Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. 6<a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">Let your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logos (N-NMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">speech</a> <a href="/greek/3842.htm" title="3842: pantote (Adv) -- Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times.">always be</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/5485.htm" title="5485: chariti (N-DFS) -- From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.">gracious,</a> <a href="/greek/741.htm" title="741: ērtymenos (V-RPM/P-NMS) -- Prop: I arrange, make ready; I season, flavor. From a presumed derivative of airo; to prepare, i.e. Spice.">seasoned</a> <a href="/greek/217.htm" title="217: halati (N-DNS) -- Salt. From hals; salt; figuratively, prudence.">with salt,</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: eidenai (V-RNA) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">so that you may know</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">how</a> <a href="/greek/1163.htm" title="1163: dei (V-PIA-3S) -- Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/611.htm" title="611: apokrinesthai (V-PNM/P) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">to answer</a> <a href="/greek/1538.htm" title="1538: hekastō (Adj-DMS) -- Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.">everyone.</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heni (Adj-DMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one."></a> 7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a> Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a> A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Matthew 5:13</a> You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. <a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2-10</a> We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ... <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a> A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a> But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, <a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24</a> Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:12</a> The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. <a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Luke 4:22</a> All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked. <a href="/psalms/19-14.htm">Psalm 19:14</a> May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Proverbs 10:32</a> The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse. <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Ephesians 5:4</a> Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. <a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a> Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. <a href="/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8</a> and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us. <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a> Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div> Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.your.<a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a> Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.<a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6,7</a> And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: … <a href="/deuteronomy/11-19.htm">Deuteronomy 11:19</a> And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.seasoned.<a href="/leviticus/2-13.htm">Leviticus 2:13</a> And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.<a href="/2_kings/2-20.htm">2 Kings 2:20-22</a> And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him… <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Matthew 5:13</a> Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.how.<a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4,5</a> Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him… <a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20-40</a> And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor… <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a> But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Able</a> <a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">Alway</a> <a href="/colossians/2-7.htm">Always</a> <a href="/colossians/4-4.htm">Behoveth</a> <a href="/philippians/3-20.htm">Conversation</a> <a href="/colossians/3-18.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/colossians/1-19.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-18.htm">Language</a> <a href="/john/19-39.htm">Mixed</a> <a href="/colossians/4-4.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/romans/11-22.htm">Respond</a> <a href="/luke/14-34.htm">Salt</a> <a href="/luke/14-34.htm">Seasoned</a> <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Talk</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-16.htm">Alway</a> <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Always</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm">Behoveth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">Conversation</a> <a href="/titus/2-1.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/colossians/4-18.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-5.htm">Language</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-2.htm">Mixed</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/revelation/16-7.htm">Respond</a> <a href="/james/3-11.htm">Salt</a> <a href="/exodus/30-35.htm">Seasoned</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-5.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">Talk</a><div class="vheading2">Colossians 4</div>1. <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">He exhorts them to be fervent in prayer;</a> 5. <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">to walk wisely toward those who are not yet come to the true knowledge of Christ.</a> 10. <a href="/colossians/4-10.htm">He salutes them, and wishes them all prosperity.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/colossians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Let your speech always be gracious This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining a kind and courteous manner in communication. In the Greco-Roman world, eloquence and rhetoric were highly valued, and Paul encourages believers to go beyond mere eloquence to embody grace in their speech. This aligns with <a href="/proverbs/15.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a>, which highlights the power of gentle words to defuse anger. The concept of grace in speech reflects the character of Christ, who spoke with authority yet with compassion and understanding (<a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Luke 4:22</a>).seasoned with salt Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world, used for preservation and flavor. Here, it symbolizes speech that is both preserving and enhancing. In biblical times, salt was also associated with wisdom and covenant (<a href="/leviticus/2-13.htm">Leviticus 2:13</a>). Jesus referred to His followers as the "salt of the earth" (<a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Matthew 5:13</a>), indicating their role in preserving godly values in the world. Speech seasoned with salt suggests words that are wise, impactful, and purifying, avoiding corruption and decay.so that you may know how to answer everyone This phrase underscores the need for readiness and discernment in responding to others. It echoes <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a>, which instructs believers to always be prepared to give an answer for their hope. The context of Colossians involves addressing false teachings and cultural pressures, requiring believers to be equipped with knowledge and wisdom. The ability to answer everyone effectively is rooted in understanding Scripture and being led by the Holy Spirit, ensuring that responses are both truthful and loving.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Colossians, writing from prison to encourage and instruct the church in Colossae. 2. <a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a> An ancient city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) where the church addressed in this letter was located. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_colossian_church.htm">The Colossian Church</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, a group of early Christians facing challenges from false teachings and cultural pressures.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/gracious_speech.htm">Gracious Speech</a> Our words should reflect the grace we have received from Christ. This means speaking with kindness, patience, and love, even in challenging situations. <a href="/topical/s/seasoned_with_salt.htm">Seasoned with Salt</a> Just as salt enhances flavor, our speech should enhance and bring out the best in conversations. This involves wisdom, discernment, and a readiness to speak truth in love. <a href="/topical/p/preparedness_in_communication.htm">Preparedness in Communication</a> Being prepared to answer everyone requires a deep understanding of our faith and the ability to communicate it effectively. This involves studying Scripture and being led by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/topical/i/impact_of_words.htm">Impact of Words</a> Recognize the power of words to influence and impact others positively or negatively. As Christians, we are called to use our words to edify and encourage.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_colossians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Colossians 4</a> <a href="/q/how_to_speak_gracefully_and_thoughtfully.htm">How can you speak with grace and thoughtfulness?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_joseph_franklin_rutherford.htm">How can you speak with grace and thoughtfulness?</a> <a href="/q/should_christians_worry_about_manifesting.htm">What does 'seasoned with salt' mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_manage_family_issues.htm">How can I effectively manage family issues?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/colossians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) Seasoned with salt.--It seems impossible not to trace here a reference to our Lord's words in <a href="/mark/9-50.htm" title="Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, with which will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.">Mark 9:50</a>, "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves." There the salt is spoken of as the preservative from corruption, and the warning against "corrupt" words in <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm" title="Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.">Ephesians 4:29</a> has been thought to point in the same direction. But the context appears certainly to suggest that the use of the salt is to teach "how to answer every man," and that this answer (like the "reason," or defence, of <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm" title="But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:">1Peter 3:15</a>) is to be given to "those without." Probably, therefore, the "seasoning with salt" is to provide against insipidity (thus according to some extent with the classic usage of the word). Their speech is to be primarily "with grace," kindled by the true life of Christian grace in it; secondarily, however, it is to have good sense and point, so as to be effective for the inquirer or against the scoffer.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/colossians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 6. - (Let) your speech (literally, word) (be) always with grace, seasoned with salt (<a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29, 31</a>; <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3, 4</a>; <a href="/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8</a>; <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a>; <a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Luke 4:22</a>; <a href="/psalms/45-2.htm">Psalm 45:2</a>). "Word" (λόγος) has its common acceptation, as in <a href="/colossians/3-17.htm">Colossians 3:17</a>; <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Colossians 2:23</a>; <a href="/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/2-17.htm">2 Timothy 2:17</a>; <a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a>. "With grace" (ἐν χάριτι) gives the pervading element of Christian speech; as "in wisdom," of Christian behaviour (ver. 5). "Grace," here without the article, is not, as in <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a>, where the article should probably be read, "the (Divine) grace," but a property of speech itself, "gracefulness" the kindly, winning pleasantness which makes the talk of a good and thoughtful man attractive: comp. <a href="/psalms/45-2.htm">Psalm 45:2</a> (44:3, LXX); <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:12</a> (LXX); Sir. 21:16. "Salt" is the "wholesome point and pertinency" (Ellicott) seasoning conversation, while grace sweetens it. The clause which follows indicates that "salt" denotes here, as commonly in Greek (instance the phrase, "Attic salt"), an intellectual rather than a moral quality of speech. In <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a> the connection is different, and the application more general (comp. <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Matthew 5:13</a>; <a href="/mark/9-49.htm">Mark 9:49, 50</a>). That you may know how you ought to answer each one (ver. 4; <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a>; <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27, 28</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-17.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:17</a>). The Colossians were to pray for the apostle that he might "speak the mystery of Christ... as he ought to speak;" and he bids them seek for themselves the same gift of παρρησία, liberty of speech and readiness to "every good word." For their faith was assailed by persuasive sophistry (<a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Colossians 2:4, 8, 23</a>) and by brew-beating dogmatism (<a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Colossians 2:16, 18, 20, 21</a>). They were, like St. Paul, "set for the defence of the gospel," placed in the van of the conflict against heresy. They needed, therefore, "to have all their wits about them," so as to be able, as occasion required, to make answer to each of their opponents and questioners, that they might "contend" wisely as well as "earnestly for the faith." <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a> is a commentary on this verse: the parallelism is the closer because that Epistle was addressed to Churches in Asia Minor, where the debates out of which Gnosticism arose were beginning to be rife; and because, likewise, "the hope that was in them" was a chief object of the attack made on the Colossian believers (<a href="/colossians/1-5.htm">Colossians 1:5, 23, 27</a>; <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Colossians 2:18</a>; <a href="/colossians/3-15.htm">Colossians 3:15</a>). With this exhortation the Christian teaching of the Epistle is concluded. In its third and practical part (<a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">Colossians 3:1-4:6</a>) the apostle has built up, on the foundation of the doctrine laid down in the first chapter, and in place of the attractive but false and pernicious system denounced in the second, a lofty and complete ideal of the Christian life. He has led us from the contemplation of its "life of life" in the innermost mystery of union with Christ and of its glorious destiny in him (<a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">Colossians 3:1-4</a>), through the soul's interior death-struggle with its old corruptions (vers. 5-11) and its investment with the graces of its new life (vers. 12-15), to the expression and outward acting of that life in the mutual edification of the Church (vers. 16, 17), in the obedience and devotion of the family circle (ver. 18 - <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1</a>), in constant prayerfulness and sympathy with the ministers and suffering witnesses of Christ (vers. 2-4), and, lastly, in such converse with men of the world, and in the midst of the distracting debate by which faith is assailed, as shall fittingly commend the Christian cause. <a href="/commentaries/colossians/4-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[Let] your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. speech λόγος (logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. always [be] πάντοτε (pantote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3842.htm">Strong's 3842: </a> Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times. gracious, χάριτι (chariti) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5485.htm">Strong's 5485: </a> From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act. seasoned ἠρτυμένος (ērtymenos) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_741.htm">Strong's 741: </a> Prop: I arrange, make ready; I season, flavor. From a presumed derivative of airo; to prepare, i.e. Spice. with salt, ἅλατι (halati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_217.htm">Strong's 217: </a> Salt. From hals; salt; figuratively, prudence. so that you may know εἰδέναι (eidenai) Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. how πῶς (pōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much! to answer ἀποκρίνεσθαι (apokrinesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak. everyone. ἑκάστῳ (hekastō) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1538.htm">Strong's 1538: </a> Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">NT Letters: Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace (Coloss. Col Co) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/colossians/4-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Colossians 4:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Colossians 4:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/colossians/4-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Colossians 4:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Colossians 4:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>