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Colossians 2

BSB·23 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I wantΘέλωThelō — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → to knowεἰδέναιeidenai — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → how muchἡλίκονhēlikon — how great; what size or extentG2245 — Full Word Study → I am strugglingἔχωechō — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → forὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → for those atἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → LaodiceaΛαοδικείᾳLaodikeia — Justice of the peopleG2993 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → for all whoὅσοιhosoi — as much as; how much; all that; to the extent thatG3745 — Full Word Study → have not metἑόρακανheorakan — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study → meμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → face to faceπρόσωπόνprosōpon — Face, presence, or outward appearanceG4383 — Full Word Study →, 2thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → they may be encouragedπαρακληθῶσινparaklēthōsin — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → in heartκαρδίαιkardiai — heart; center of emotion, will, and moral characterG2588 — Full Word Study →, knit togetherσυμβιβασθέντεςsymbibasthentes — to join together, unite, or knit togetherG4822 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπῃagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → filled withεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → the full riches of completeπληροφορίαςplērophorias — Full assurance, complete conviction, certaintyG4136 — Full Word Study → understandingσυνέσεωςsyneseōs — understandingG4907 — Full Word Study →, so thatεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → they may knowἐπίγνωσινepignōsin — Deeper knowledge, recognition, or acknowledgmentG1922 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → mysteryμυστηρίουmystēriou — A hidden or revealed secretG3466 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, namely Christ, 3inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → whomhō — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → areεἰσινeisin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → hiddenἀπόκρυφοιapokryphoi — hidden, concealed, kept secretG614 — Full Word Study → allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → treasuresθησαυροὶthēsauroi — treasure, something of great valueG2344 — Full Word Study → of wisdomσοφίαςsophias — Wisdom; divine insight and practical understandingG4678 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → knowledgeγνώσεωςgnōseōs — Knowledge, understanding, recognitionG1108 — Full Word Study →. 4I sayλέγωlegō — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → thisΤοῦτοTouto — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → no oneμηδεὶςmēdeis — no one, nothing, not anyG3367 — Full Word Study → will deceiveπαραλογίζηταιparalogizētai — to deceive by false reasoning; to beguileG3884 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → smooth rhetoricπιθανολογίᾳpithanologia — Persuasive or enticing speechG4086 — Full Word Study →. 5Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → althoughκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → I am absent from youἄπειμιapeimi — to be absent or awayG548 — Full Word Study → inτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bodyσαρκὶsarki — flesh, physical body, human natureG4561 — Full Word Study →, I am presentεἰμιeimi — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → withσὺνsyn — with, together with, alongsideG4862 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → in spiritπνεύματιpneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, and I delight to seeβλέπωνblepōn — to see, look at, perceive, bewareG991 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → orderly conditionτάξινtaxin — Orderly arrangement; proper sequence or rankG5010 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → firmστερέωμαstereōma — Firmness, steadfastness, solid strengthG4733 — Full Word Study → faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → inεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστὸνChriston — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →. 6Thereforeοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study →, just asὩςHōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → you have receivedπαρελάβετεparelabete — to receive, take, or accept something from anotherG3880 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστὸνChriston — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦνIēsoun — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → as LordΚύριονKyrion — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study →, continue to walkπεριπατεῖτεperipateite — to walk, to conduct oneself, to liveG4043 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → Himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, 7rootedἐρριζωμένοιerrizōmenoi — to fix firmly in place; to establish rootsG4492 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → built upἐποικοδομούμενοιepoikodomoumenoi — to build upon; to construct on a foundationG2026 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → Himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, established inβεβαιούμενοιbebaioumenoi — To confirm, establish, or make firmG950 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → faithπίστειpistei — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → asκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → you were taughtἐδιδάχθητεedidachthēte — to teach, instruct, or communicate doctrineG1321 — Full Word Study →, and overflowing withἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → thankfulnessεὐχαριστίᾳeucharistia — Gratitude, thanksgiving, expression of thanksG2169 — Full Word Study →. 8See to itΒλέπετεBlepete — to see, look at, perceive, bewareG991 — Full Word Study → that no oneμήmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → takes you captiveσυλαγωγῶνsylagōgōn — to capture or carry away as spoilG4812 — Full Word Study → throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → philosophyφιλοσοφίαςphilosophias — philosophical system or love of wisdomG5385 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → emptyκενῆςkenēs — empty, void, without content or effectG2756 — Full Word Study → deceptionἀπάτηςapatēs — Deceit, deception, or craftinessG539 — Full Word Study →, which are based onκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → humanἀνθρώπωνanthrōpōn — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → traditionπαράδοσινparadosin — teaching handed down; tradition or ordinanceG3862 — Full Word Study → and theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → spiritual forcesστοιχεῖαstoicheia — foundational principles, elemental rudimentsG4747 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμουkosmou — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study → rather thanοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → onκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστόνChriston — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →. 9Forὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → Christ allπᾶνpan — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → fullnessπλήρωμαplērōma — fullness, completeness, what fills something upG4138 — Full Word Study → of theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → DeityΘεότητοςTheotētos — divine nature, godhead, deityG2320 — Full Word Study → dwellsκατοικεῖkatoikei — to dwell, to inhabit, to settle and resideG2730 — Full Word Study → in bodily formσωματικῶςsōmatikōs — in a bodily manner; physically; corporeallyG4985 — Full Word Study →. 10Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → you have beenἐστὲeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → made completeπεπληρωμένοιpeplērōmenoi — to fill up, complete, or bring to fulfillmentG4137 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → Christ, whoὅςhos — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → headκεφαλὴkephalē — Head; chief; ruler; sourceG2776 — Full Word Study → over everyπάσηςpasēs — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → rulerἀρχῆςarchēs — Beginning, origin, or first principleG746 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → authorityἐξουσίαςexousias — authority, power, or right to actG1849 — Full Word Study →. 11Inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → Himhō — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → you were also circumcisedπεριετμήθητεperietmēthēte — to circumcise; to cut aroundG4059 — Full Word Study →, inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → putting offἀπεκδύσειapekdysei — Stripping off, removal, or putting awayG555 — Full Word Study → of your sinful natureσαρκόςsarkos — flesh, physical body, human natureG4561 — Full Word Study →, withἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → circumcisionπεριτομῇperitomē — Circumcision; the cutting away of the foreskinG4061 — Full Word Study → performed by Christ and not by human handsἀχειροποιήτῳacheiropoiētō — Not made with hands; divinely createdG886 — Full Word Study →. 12Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → having been buried withσυνταφέντεςsyntaphentes — to be buried together withG4916 — Full Word Study → Himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → baptismβαπτισμῷ*baptismō — immersion in water as religious riteG909 — Full Word Study →, you were raised with Him throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → your faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → in theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → powerἐνεργείαςenergeias — Active working, effective power, or operationG1753 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, whoτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → raisedἐγείραντοςegeirantos — To raise up, arise, or awakenG1453 — Full Word Study → Himαὐτὸνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → the deadνεκρῶνnekrōn — dead, lifeless, corpseG3498 — Full Word Study →. 13When youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → wereὄνταςontas — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → deadνεκροὺςnekrous — dead, lifeless, corpseG3498 — Full Word Study → in‹ἐν›en — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → your trespassesπαραπτώμασινparaptōmasin — A deliberate transgression or breach of covenantG3900 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → in theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → uncircumcisionἀκροβυστίᾳakrobystia — Uncircumcision; the state of being uncircumcisedG203 — Full Word Study → of yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → sinful natureσαρκὸςsarkos — flesh, physical body, human natureG4561 — Full Word Study →, God made you aliveσυνεζωοποίησενsynezōopoiēsen — To make alive together with; to give life jointly withG4806 — Full Word Study → withσὺνsyn — with, together with, alongsideG4862 — Full Word Study → Christ. He forgaveχαρισάμενοςcharisamenos — to give graciously; to forgive freelyG5483 — Full Word Study → usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → allπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → our trespassesπαραπτώματαparaptōmata — A deliberate transgression or breach of covenantG3900 — Full Word Study →, 14having canceledἐξαλείψαςexaleipsas — to blot out, erase, or wipe awayG1813 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → debt ascribedχειρόγραφονcheirographon — A written record or handwritten documentG5498 — Full Word Study → toκαθ’kath’ — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → in theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → decreesδόγμασινdogmasin — official decree or ordinanceG1378 — Full Word Study → thatho — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → stoodἦνēn — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → againstὑπεναντίονhypenantion — opposed, set against, adversarialG5227 — Full Word Study → usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. He tookἦρκενērken — to lift up, take away, removeG142 — Full Word Study → itαὐτὸauto — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → awayἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study →, nailingπροσηλώσαςprosēlōsas — to nail or fasten with nailsG4338 — Full Word Study → itαὐτὸauto — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → to theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → crossσταυρῷstaurō — wooden cross; instrument of executionG4716 — Full Word Study →! 15And having disarmed theτὰςtas — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → powersἀρχὰςarchas — Beginning, origin, or first principleG746 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → authoritiesἐξουσίαςexousias — authority, power, or right to actG1849 — Full Word Study →, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphingθριαμβεύσαςthriambeusas — to lead in triumphal procession; to triumph or celebrate victoryG2358 — Full Word Study → over themαὐτοὺςautous — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the cross. 16Thereforeοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → let no oneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → judgeκρινέτωkrinetō — To judge, evaluate, or decideG2919 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → what you eatβρώσειbrōsei — eating; food; nourishmentG1035 — Full Word Study → orκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → drinkπόσειposei — a drink or beverage; the act of drinkingG4213 — Full Word Study →, orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → withἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → regard toμέρειmerei — a part, portion, or share of a wholeG3313 — Full Word Study → a feastἑορτῆςheortēs — Religious festival or celebrationG1859 — Full Word Study →, a New Moonνεομηνίαςneomēnias — New moon; the lunar month or month itselfG3561 — Full Word Study →, orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → a Sabbathσαββάτωνsabbatōn — The seventh day of restG4521 — Full Word Study →. 17Theseha — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → areἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → a shadowσκιὰskia — Shadow; darkness; faint image or copyG4639 — Full Word Study → of the thingsτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → to comeμελλόντωνmellontōn — to be about to, intend, be destinedG3195 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → body that casts it belongs toτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →. 18Do not let anyone who delightsθέλωνthelōn — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → false humility andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → the worship of angelsἀγγέλωνangelōn — Messenger; divine or heavenly envoyG32 — Full Word Study → disqualifyκαταβραβευέτωkatabrabeuetō — to disqualify; to deprive of a prizeG2603 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → with speculation aboutἐμβατεύωνembateuōn — to intrude into; to investigate thoroughlyG1687 — Full Word Study → whatha — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → he has seenἑόρακενheoraken — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study →. Such a person is puffed up without basisεἰκῇeikē — in vain, without effect, purposelesslyG1500 — Full Word Study → byὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → unspiritualσαρκὸςsarkos — flesh, physical body, human natureG4561 — Full Word Study → mindνοὸςnoos — The mind; one's thinking faculty or understandingG3563 — Full Word Study →. 19He has lost connectionκρατῶνkratōn — To grasp, seize, or hold firmlyG2902 — Full Word Study → to theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → headΚεφαλήνKephalēn — Head; chief; ruler; sourceG2776 — Full Word Study →, fromἐξex — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → whomοὗhou — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wholeπᾶνpan — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → bodyσῶμαsōma — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study →, supportedἐπιχορηγούμενονepichorēgoumenon — to supply abundantly; to provide or furnishG2023 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → knit togetherσυμβιβαζόμενονsymbibazomenon — to join together, unite, or knit togetherG4822 — Full Word Study → byδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → its jointsἁφῶνhaphōn — joint; connection pointG860 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → ligamentsσυνδέσμωνsyndesmōn — bond, ligament, uniting forceG4886 — Full Word Study →, growsαὔξειauxei — to grow, increase, or enlargeG837 — Full Word Study → asτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → causes it to growαὔξησινauxēsin — growth, increase, or enlargementG838 — Full Word Study →. 20IfΕἰEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → you have diedἀπεθάνετεapethanete — to die, to perish, to be put to deathG599 — Full Word Study → withσὺνsyn — with, together with, alongsideG4862 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → toἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → spiritual forcesστοιχείωνstoicheiōn — foundational principles, elemental rudimentsG4747 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμουkosmou — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study →, whyτίti — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study →, as thoughὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → you still belongedζῶντεςzōntes — to live, be alive, existG2198 — Full Word Study → toἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the world, do you submit to its regulations: 21“Do not handleἅψῃhapsē — to touch, lay hands on, kindleG680 — Full Word Study →, do not tasteγεύσῃgeusē — to taste; to experienceG1089 — Full Word Study →, do not touchθίγῃςthigēs — to touch, handle, or make contact withG2345 — Full Word Study →!”? 22These willἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → allπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → perishφθορὰνphthoran — Decay, deterioration, or moral/spiritual corruptionG5356 — Full Word Study → withτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → useἀποχρήσειapochrēsei — wearing out; using up; consumptionG671 — Full Word Study →, because they are based onκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → humanἀνθρώπωνanthrōpōn — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → commandsἐντάλματαentalmata — divine commandment or preceptG1778 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → teachingsδιδασκαλίαςdidaskalias — instruction, doctrine, or authoritative teachingG1319 — Full Word Study →. 23Such restrictions indeedμὲνmen — on the one hand; indeed; trulyG3303 — Full Word Study → haveἔχονταechonta — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → an appearanceλόγονlogon — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → of wisdomσοφίαςsophias — Wisdom; divine insight and practical understandingG4678 — Full Word Study →, with their self-prescribed worshipἐθελοθρησκίᾳethelothrēskia — Self-imposed worship; arbitrary religious practiceG1479 — Full Word Study →, their false humility, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → their harsh treatment ofἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the body; but they are of noοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → valueτιμῇtimē — honor, respect, or monetary valueG5092 — Full Word Study → againstπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → the indulgence of theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → fleshσαρκόςsarkos — flesh, physical body, human natureG4561 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Colossians 2
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Colossians 2 is Paul's urgent pastoral letter to a church under spiritual attack. False teachers were enticing believers away from Christ through philosophy, legalism, and mysticism. Paul's remedy is both defensive and positive: he warns the Colossians against deceptive teachings while pointing them to the all-sufficiency of Christ. The central message is that in Jesus, believers have everything they need—complete forgiveness, spiritual fullness, and freedom from both worldly systems and human regulations. This chapter powerfully reasserts Christ's supremacy and the believer's security in Him.

Verses 1-5: Paul's Pastoral Heart and Spiritual Presence

Paul opens by revealing his intense spiritual conflict—his agony of prayer—for the Colossians and believers he has never met in person. His burden is that their hearts would be "comforted" and "knit together in love" (v. 2). This is not sentimental comfort but spiritual strengthening rooted in understanding Christ's mystery. Although Paul is physically absent, he is spiritually present "in the spirit" (v. 5), rejoicing in their orderliness and faith. This teaches us that genuine pastoral care transcends physical proximity; what matters most is intercession and spiritual encouragement. Paul's example reminds us that our prayers for other believers carry real spiritual weight.

Verses 6-8: Walking in Christ and Guarding Against Deception

Having received Christ Jesus as Lord, believers must walk in Him—their lifestyle must match their conversion (v. 6). This means being "rooted and built up in him" (v. 7), language that suggests both stability and growth, with thanksgiving flowing from grateful hearts. Paul then issues a warning (v. 8) against "philosophy and vain deceit," "tradition of men," and "rudiments of the world." This does not condemn all learning, but rather teachings that compete with Christ's centrality. The false teachers in Colossae were likely blending Jewish legalism, pagan mysticism, and philosophical speculation. The antidote is remaining grounded in Christ and sound doctrine. Believers today face similar dangers—cultural philosophies, prosperity teaching, and trendy spirituality can subtly draw us from Christ-centered faith.

Verses 9-15: The Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ

Here Paul stakes his ultimate claim: "In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (v. 9). Christ is not a mediator between God and humanity; He is God incarnate. Therefore, believers are "complete in him" (v. 10)—lacking nothing spiritually. Verses 11-13 use baptismal and burial imagery to describe what Christ accomplished: He performed a "circumcision" of the heart, freeing us from sin's dominion. We were "dead in our sins" (v. 13), but He "quickened" us—made us alive—and "forgave" all our transgressions (v. 13). Verse 14 is electrifying: the "handwriting of ordinances"—the record of our debt to God's law—was "nailing it to his cross." Jesus didn't merely cover our sins; He canceled the debt entirely. This is the gospel's heart: complete redemption through Christ's death and resurrection (v. 15).

Verses 16-23: Freedom from Human Regulations

Because Christ has perfected redemption, no one should judge believers regarding food, drink, festivals, or Sabbaths (v. 16). These were "a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ" (v. 17)—Old Testament regulations were types pointing to Jesus. False teachers were also promoting angel worship and mystical visions (v. 18), which amounts to abandoning "the Head" (v. 19). Verses 20-23 expose the futility of self-imposed ascetic rules—they give an appearance of wisdom but fail to restrain sin. True Christian freedom comes from union with the risen Christ, not from human discipline.

Application for Today

Colossians 2 calls us to vigilance and assurance. Vigilance: guard against philosophies and movements that elevate human wisdom, mysticism, or rules above Christ. Assurance: you are complete in Jesus. You need not add works, experiences, or practices to secure God's favor. Walk daily in the sufficiency of Christ, rooted in sound doctrine, and rejoice in the freedom His death has purchased.

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