Colossians 1:1-29

The ancient Greek city "Κολοσσαί" ≈ "Colossae" was in Phrygia in Asia Minor in what is now Turkey. A letter from Paul was written to this city - notable for its angel cult - which Paul mentions.

From Colossae:

Laodicea was about 12 miles.
Ephesus was about 120 miles.

More: Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons

More: Colossians 3:1-25

More: Colossians 4:1-18

More: City: Colossae

2022-09-19: City: Colossae
Colossians 1:1-29 (this page)
Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons
Colossians 3:1-25
Colossians 4:1-18

More: Paul

Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [kjv]

τοις εν κολοσσαις αγιοις και πιστοις αδελφοις εν χριστω χαρις υμιν και ειρηνη απο θεου πατρος ημων [gnt]

Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, [kjv]

παυλος αποστολος χριστου ιησου δια θεληματος θεου και τιμοθεος ο αδελφος [gnt]

More: Tracking down the scent of apostles and messages

Colossians 1:1

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KJV: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

Greek: παυλος αποστολος ιησου χριστου ιησου δια θεληματος θεου και τιμοθεος ο αδελφος

Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [kjv]

τοις εν κολοσσαις αγιοις και πιστοις αδελφοις εν χριστω χαρις υμιν και ειρηνη απο θεου πατρος ημων [gnt]

Colossians 1:2

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KJV: To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Greek: τοις εν κολασσαις κολοσσαις αγιοις και πιστοις αδελφοις εν χριστω χαρις υμιν και ειρηνη απο θεου πατρος ημων και κυριου ιησου χριστου

Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, [kjv]

ευχαριστουμεν τω θεω πατρι του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου παντοτε περι υμων προσευχομενοι [gnt]

Colossians 1:3

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KJV: We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Greek: ευχαριστουμεν τω θεω και πατρι του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου παντοτε περι υμων προσευχομενοι

Colossians 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, [kjv]

ακουσαντες την πιστιν υμων εν χριστω ιησου και την αγαπην ην εχετε εις παντας τους αγιους [gnt]

Colossians 1:4

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KJV: Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

Greek: ακουσαντες την πιστιν υμων εν χριστω ιησου και την αγαπην την ην εχετε εις παντας τους αγιους

Colossians 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; [kjv]

δια την ελπιδα την αποκειμενην υμιν εν τοις ουρανοις ην προηκουσατε εν τω λογω της αληθειας του ευαγγελιου [gnt]

Colossians 1:5

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KJV: For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

Greek: δια την ελπιδα την αποκειμενην υμιν εν τοις ουρανοις ην προηκουσατε εν τω λογω της αληθειας του ευαγγελιου

Colossians 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: [kjv]

του παροντος εις υμας καθως και εν παντι τω κοσμω εστιν καρποφορουμενον και αυξανομενον καθως και εν υμιν αφ ης ημερας ηκουσατε και επεγνωτε την χαριν του θεου εν αληθεια [gnt]

Colossians 1:6

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KJV: Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

Greek: του παροντος εις υμας καθως και εν παντι τω κοσμω και εστιν καρποφορουμενον και αυξανομενον καθως και εν υμιν αφ ης ημερας ηκουσατε και επεγνωτε την χαριν του θεου εν αληθεια

Colossians 1:7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; [kjv]

καθως εμαθετε απο επαφρα του αγαπητου συνδουλου ημων ος εστιν πιστος υπερ ημων διακονος του χριστου [gnt]

Colossians 1:7

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KJV: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

Greek: καθως και εμαθετε απο επαφρα του αγαπητου συνδουλου ημων ος εστιν πιστος υπερ υμων ημων διακονος του χριστου

Colossians 1:8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. [kjv]

ο και δηλωσας ημιν την υμων αγαπην εν πνευματι [gnt]

… manifestavit … dilectionem … Spiritu [v]

The ancient Greek word "δήλωσις" ≈ "explanation, representation" and comes from "δηλόω" ≈ "show, make known, clarify".

Colossians 1:8

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KJV: Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

Greek: ο και δηλωσας ημιν την υμων αγαπην εν πνευματι

Latin: qui etiam manifestavit nobis dilectionem vestram in Spiritu

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; [kjv]

δια τουτο και ημεις αφ ης ημερας ηκουσαμεν ου παυομεθα υπερ υμων προσευχομενοι και αιτουμενοι ινα πληρωθητε την επιγνωσιν του θεληματος αυτου εν παση σοφια και συνεσει πνευματικη [gnt]

Here Paul uses the word for "pause" as "cease" that can be a play on words with the name of Paul.

Colossians 1:9

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KJV: For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Greek: δια τουτο και ημεις αφ ης ημερας ηκουσαμεν ου παυομεθα υπερ υμων προσευχομενοι και αιτουμενοι ινα πληρωθητε την επιγνωσιν του θεληματος αυτου εν παση σοφια και συνεσει πνευματικη

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; [kjv]

περιπατησαι αξιως του κυριου εις πασαν αρεσκειαν εν παντι εργω αγαθω καρποφορουντες και αυξανομενοι τη επιγνωσει του θεου [gnt]

Colossians 1:10

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KJV: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Greek: περιπατησαιυμας αξιως του κυριου εις πασαν αρεσκειαν εν παντι εργω αγαθω καρποφορουντες και αυξανομενοι εις την επιγνωσιντη επιγνωσει του θεου

Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; [kjv]

εν παση δυναμει δυναμουμενοι κατα το κρατος της δοξης αυτου εις πασαν υπομονην και μακροθυμιαν μετα χαρας [gnt]

Colossians 1:11

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KJV: Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Greek: εν παση δυναμει δυναμουμενοι κατα το κρατος της δοξης αυτου εις πασαν υπομονην και μακροθυμιαν μετα χαρας

Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: [kjv]

ευχαριστουντες τω πατρι τω ικανωσαντι υμας εις την μεριδα του κληρου των αγιων εν τω φωτι [gnt]

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Colossians 1:12

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KJV: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Greek: ευχαριστουντες τω πατρι τω ικανωσαντιημας υμας εις την μεριδα του κληρου των αγιων εν τω φωτι

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: [kjv]

ος ερρυσατο ημας εκ της εξουσιας του σκοτους και μετεστησεν εις την βασιλειαν του υιου της αγαπης αυτου [gnt]

Colossians 1:13

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KJV: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Greek: ος ερρυσατο ημας εκ της εξουσιας του σκοτους και μετεστησεν εις την βασιλειαν του υιου της αγαπης αυτου

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: [kjv]

εν ω εχομεν την απολυτρωσιν την αφεσιν των αμαρτιων [gnt]

Colossians 1:14

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KJV: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Greek: εν ω εχομεν την απολυτρωσινδια του αιματος αυτου την αφεσιν των αμαρτιων

Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. [kjv]

απεκδυσαμενος τας αρχας και τας εξουσιας εδειγματισεν εν παρρησια θριαμβευσας αυτους εν αυτω [gnt]

More: Ephesians 6:12 Wrestling with words

Colossians 2:15

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KJV: And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Greek: απεκδυσαμενος τας αρχας και τας εξουσιας εδειγματισεν εν παρρησια θριαμβευσας αυτους εν αυτω

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [kjv]

οτι εν αυτω εκτισθη τα παντα εν τοις ουρανοις και επι της γης τα ορατα και τα αορατα ειτε θρονοι ειτε κυριοτητες ειτε αρχαι ειτε εξουσιαι τα παντα δι αυτου και εις αυτον εκτισται [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ἀρχή" ≈ "beginning, origin, sovereignty, authority" and could be the end of a rope, stick, etc., or the corner of a sheet.

The ancient Greek word "ἐξουσία" ≈ "possibility, opportunity, lack of restraint (lifestyle)". In context, it can mean "power", "means", "authority", etc.

The Greek word translated as "by" is that of "through".
The Greek word translated as "for" is that of "into/against".
The Greek word translated as "all" is that of "all" in context, usually what has just been mentioned around the "all".

More: Ephesians 6:12 Wrestling with words

Colossians 1:16

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KJV: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Greek: οτι εν αυτω εκτισθη τα παντατα εν τοις ουρανοις και τα επι της γης τα ορατα και τα αορατα ειτε θρονοι ειτε κυριοτητες ειτε αρχαι ειτε εξουσιαι τα παντα δι αυτου και εις αυτον εκτισται

Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [kjv]

και αυτος εστιν προ παντων και τα παντα εν αυτω συνεστηκεν [gnt]

The Greek word translated as "all" is that of "all" in context, usually what has just been mentioned around the "all". The "things" is assumed.

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Colossians 1:17

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KJV: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Greek: και αυτος εστιν προ παντων και τα παντα εν αυτω συνεστηκεν

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [kjv]

και αυτος εστιν η κεφαλη του σωματος της εκκλησιας ος εστιν η αρχη πρωτοτοκος εκ των νεκρων ινα γενηται εν πασιν αυτος πρωτευων [gnt]

Colossians 1:18

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KJV: And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Greek: και αυτος εστιν η κεφαλη του σωματος της εκκλησιας ος εστιν η αρχη πρωτοτοκος εκ των νεκρων ινα γενηται εν πασιν αυτος πρωτευων

Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [kjv]

οτι εν αυτω ευδοκησεν παν το πληρωμα κατοικησαι [gnt]

[Luke Christmas story]

Colossians 1:19

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KJV: For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

Greek: οτι εν αυτω ευδοκησεν παν το πληρωμα κατοικησαι

Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [kjv]

και δι αυτου αποκαταλλαξαι τα παντα εις αυτον ειρηνοποιησας δια του αιματος του σταυρου αυτου δι αυτου ειτε τα επι της γης ειτε τα εν τοις ουρανοις [gnt]

Jesus says that one should not "make" "peace".

More: Matthew 5:9 B7 Making and appeasing peaceful peacemakers

Colossians 1:20

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KJV: And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Greek: και δι αυτου αποκαταλλαξαι τα παντα εις αυτον ειρηνοποιησας δια του αιματος του σταυρου αυτου δι αυτου ειτε τα επι της γης ειτε τα εν τοις ουρανοις

Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled [kjv]

και υμας ποτε οντας απηλλοτριωμενους και εχθρους τη διανοια εν τοις εργοις τοις πονηροις νυνι δε αποκατηλλαξεν [gnt]

Colossians 1:21

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KJV: And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Greek: και υμας ποτε οντας απηλλοτριωμενους και εχθρους τη διανοια εν τοις εργοις τοις πονηροις νυνι δε αποκατηλλαξεν

Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: [kjv]

εν τω σωματι της σαρκος αυτου δια του θανατου παραστησαι υμας αγιους και αμωμους και ανεγκλητους κατενωπιον αυτου [gnt]

The Greek for "unblameable" is "without spots" as in "without (expressing) empty opinion". That is, a "jot".

More: Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon

Colossians 1:22

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KJV: In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Greek: εν τω σωματι της σαρκος αυτου δια του θανατου παραστησαι υμας αγιους και αμωμους και ανεγκλητους κατενωπιον αυτου

Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; [kjv]

ει γε επιμενετε τη πιστει τεθεμελιωμενοι και εδραιοι και μη μετακινουμενοι απο της ελπιδος του ευαγγελιου ου ηκουσατε του κηρυχθεντος εν παση κτισει τη υπο τον ουρανον ου εγενομην εγω παυλος διακονος [gnt]

Colossians 1:23

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KJV: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Greek: ειγε ει γε επιμενετε τη πιστει τεθεμελιωμενοι και εδραιοι και μη μετακινουμενοι απο της ελπιδος του ευαγγελιου ου ηκουσατε του κηρυχθεντος εν παση τη κτισει τη υπο τον ουρανον ου εγενομην εγω παυλος διακονος

Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: [kjv]

νυν χαιρω εν τοις παθημασιν υπερ υμων και ανταναπληρω τα υστερηματα των θλιψεων του χριστου εν τη σαρκι μου υπερ του σωματος αυτου ο εστιν η εκκλησια [gnt]

Colossians 1:24

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KJV: Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

Greek: νυν χαιρω εν τοις παθημασινμου υπερ υμων και ανταναπληρω τα υστερηματα των θλιψεων του χριστου εν τη σαρκι μου υπερ του σωματος αυτου ο εστιν η εκκλησια

Colossians 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [kjv]

ης εγενομην εγω διακονος κατα την οικονομιαν του θεου την δοθεισαν μοι εις υμας πληρωσαι τον λογον του θεου [gnt]

Colossians 1:25

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KJV: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

Greek: ης εγενομην εγω διακονος κατα την οικονομιαν του θεου την δοθεισαν μοι εις υμας πληρωσαι τον λογον του θεου

Colossians 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [kjv]

το μυστηριον το αποκεκρυμμενον απο των αιωνων και απο των γενεων νυν δε εφανερωθη τοις αγιοις αυτου [gnt]

More: Initiation into an open and shut mystery

Colossians 1:26

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KJV: Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Greek: το μυστηριον το αποκεκρυμμενον απο των αιωνων και απο των γενεων νυνι νυν δε εφανερωθη τοις αγιοις αυτου

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [kjv]

οις ηθελησεν ο θεος γνωρισαι τι το πλουτος της δοξης του μυστηριου τουτου εν τοις εθνεσιν ο εστιν χριστος εν υμιν η ελπις της δοξης [gnt]

What is the "hope" of "glory"?

More: Initiation into an open and shut mystery

Colossians 1:27

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KJV: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Greek: οις ηθελησεν ο θεος γνωρισαι τις ο τι το πλουτος της δοξης του μυστηριου τουτου εν τοις εθνεσιν ος ο εστιν χριστος εν υμιν η ελπις της δοξης

Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: [kjv]

ον ημεις καταγγελλομεν νουθετουντες παντα ανθρωπον και διδασκοντες παντα ανθρωπον εν παση σοφια ινα παραστησωμεν παντα ανθρωπον τελειον εν χριστω [gnt]

Colossians 1:28

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KJV: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Greek: ον ημεις καταγγελλομεν νουθετουντες παντα ανθρωπον και διδασκοντες παντα ανθρωπον εν παση σοφια ινα παραστησωμεν παντα ανθρωπον τελειον εν χριστω ιησου

Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. [kjv]

εις ο και κοπιω αγωνιζομενος κατα την ενεργειαν αυτου την ενεργουμενην εν εμοι εν δυναμει [gnt]

The words for "working" and "mighty" had an additional special meaning in the philosophy of Aristotle.

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Paul is working as in an active laboring, the base meaning of "agony". This verse is a lead-in to chapter 2 which talks about the dangers of philosophy using additional terms that had meaning in philosophy.

Could Paul have a double meaning in that he is "not an angle" in that he is aware of the dangers of (passive) philosophy thinking?

More: An opposite angle on the agony of punishment

Colossians 1:29

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KJV: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Greek: εις ο και κοπιω αγωνιζομενος κατα την ενεργειαν αυτου την ενεργουμενην εν εμοι εν δυναμει