Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Colossians 4:6

ἐν χάριτι : probably “gracious,” “pleasant” is the meaning; by the sweetness and courtesy of their conversation they are to impress favourably the heathen. Some (most recently Haupt) think Divine grace is meant, but this does not suit ἅλατι so well. ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος. In classical writers “salt” expressed the wit with which conversation was flavoured. Here wisdom is probably meant on account of εἰδέναι. There may be the secondary meaning of wholesome, derived from the function of salt to preserve from corruption. εἰδέναι : “so as to know”. πῶς κ. τ. λ.: they must strive to cultivate the gift of pleasant and wise conversation, so that they may be able to speak appropriately to each individual (with his peculiar needs) with whom they come in contact.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Colossians 4:6

Old Testament

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