diff --git a/en_tn_52-COL.tsv b/en_tn_52-COL.tsv index 0393075533..2f88a6a682 100644 --- a/en_tn_52-COL.tsv +++ b/en_tn_52-COL.tsv @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote COL front intro d9hy 0 # Introduction to Colossians
## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the Book of Colossians

1. Greeting, thanksgiving, and prayer (1:1-12)
1. The person and work of Christ
- Deliverance and redemption (1:13-14)
- Christ: the Image of the invisible God, and the One who is over all creation (1:15-17)
- Christ is the Head of the Church, and the Church trusts in him (1:18-2:7)
1. Tests of faithfulness
- Warnings against false teachers (2:8-19)
- True godliness is not rigid rules and unbending traditions (2:20-23)
1. Teaching and living
- Life in Christ (3:1-4)
- Old and new life (3:5-17)
- Christian family (3:18-4:1)
1. Christian behavior (4:2-6)
1. Closing and greetings
- Paul thanks Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7-9)
- Paul sends greetings from his associates (4:10-14)
- Paul gives directions to Archippus and the Christians in Laodicea (4:15-17)
- Paul's personal greeting (4:18)

### Who wrote the Book of Colossians?

Paul wrote the Book of Colossians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome.

### What is the Book of Colossians about?

Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the Asia Minor city of Colossae. The main purpose of this letter was to defend the gospel against false teachers. He did this by praising Jesus as the image of God, sustainer of all things, and head of the church. Paul wanted them to understand that only Christ is needed for God to accept them.

### How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "Colossians." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's Letter to the Church in Colossae," or "A Letter to the Christians in Colossae." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### What were the religious issues that the church in Colossae struggled with?

In the church in Colossae, there were false teachers. Their exact teaching is unknown. But they probably taught their followers to worship angels and to obey strict rules about religious ceremonies. They probably also taught that a person must be circumcised and can only eat certain types of food. Paul said these false teachings came from the minds of men and not from God.

### How did Paul use the imagery of heaven and earth?

In this letter, Paul frequently spoke of heaven as "above." He distinguished it from the earth, which Scripture speaks of as being "below." The purpose of this imagery was to teach Christians to live in a way that honors God who lives in heaven above. Paul is not teaching that the earth or the physical world is evil. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### How are the ideas of "holy" and "sanctify" represented in Colossians in the ULT?

The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In Colossians, these words usually indicate a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. So Colossians in the ULT uses "believers" or "those who believe in him." (See: 1:2, 12, 26)

### Was Jesus created or is he eternal?

Jesus was not a created being but has always existed as God. Jesus also became a human being. There is potential for confusion in Colossians 1:15 where it says Jesus "is the firstborn of all creation." This statement means that Jesus is dominant over all of creation. It does not mean that he was the first thing God created. Translators should be careful not to imply that Jesus is a created being.

### What does Paul mean by the expression "in Christ," "in the Lord," etc.?

Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. See the introduction to the book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.

### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Colossians?

For the following verses, some modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.

* "May grace be to you, and peace from God our Father" (1:2). Some older versions have a longer reading: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
* "Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf" (1:7). Some older versions read "for you": "Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, a faithful servant of Christ for you."
* "the Father, who has made you able to have a share in the inheritance of the believers in light" (1:12). Some older versions read, "the Father, who has qualified us for a share in the inheritance in light."
* "In his Son we have redemption" (1:14). Some older versions read, "In his Son we have redemption through his blood."
* "and forgave us all of our trespasses" (2:13). Some older versions read: "and forgave you all of your trespasses."
* "When Christ appears, who is your life" (3:4). Some older versions read, "When Christ appears, who is our life."
* "It is for these things that the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience" (3:6). The ULT, UST, and many other modern versions read this way. However, some modern and older versions read, "It is for these things that the wrath of God is coming."
* "I sent him to you for this, that you might know the matters about us" (4:8). Some older versions read, "I sent him to you for this, that he might know the matters about you."

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
-COL 1 intro gtm3 0 # Colossians 01 General Notes
#### Structure and formatting

As in a typical letter, Paul begins his letter in verses 1-2 by introducing Timothy and himself to the Christians in Colossae.

Paul writes much of this chapter around two subjects: who Christ is, and what Christ has done for the Christian.

#### Special concepts in this chapter

##### Secret truth

Paul refers to a "secret truth" in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])

#### Important figures of speech in this chapter

##### Images for Christian living
Paul uses many different images to describe Christian living. In this chapter, he uses the images of "walking" and "bearing fruit." (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]])

#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

##### Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Verse 24 is a paradox: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you." People do not usually rejoice when they suffer. But in verses 25-29 Paul explains why his suffering is good. ([Colossians 1:24](../../col/01/24.md))
+COL 1 intro gtm3 0 # Colossians 01 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

As in a typical letter, Paul begins his letter in verses 1-2 by introducing Timothy and himself to the Christians in Colossae.

Paul writes much of this chapter around two subjects: who Christ is, and what Christ has done for the Christian.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Secret truth

Paul refers to a "secret truth" in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Images for Christian living
Paul uses many different images to describe Christian living. In this chapter, he uses the images of "walking" and "bearing fruit." (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Verse 24 is a paradox: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you." People do not usually rejoice when they suffer. But in verses 25-29 Paul explains why his suffering is good. ([Colossians 1:24](../../col/01/24.md))
COL 1 1 h5gl figs-inclusive 0 General Information: Though this letter is from Paul and Timothy to the Colossian believers, later in the letter Paul makes it clear that he is the writer. Most likely Timothy was with him and wrote the words down as Paul spoke. Throughout this letter the words "we," "our," and "ours" include the Colossians unless noted otherwise. The words "you," "your," and "yours" refer to the Colossian believers and so are plural unless noted otherwise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) COL 1 1 fny3 ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ διὰ θελήματος Θεοῦ 1 an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God "whom God chose to be an apostle of Christ Jesus" COL 1 3 q1su figs-exclusive εὐχαριστοῦμεν ... τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν ... πάντοτε 1 We give ... our Lord ... we always These words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) @@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ COL 1 28 va1x figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς καταγγέλλομεν, νουθε COL 1 28 na8w νουθετοῦντες πάντα ἄνθρωπον 1 We admonish every person "We warn everyone" COL 1 28 lyz1 figs-explicit ἵνα παραστήσωμεν πάντα ἄνθρωπον 1 so that we may present every person You may need to make explicit to whom they will present every person. Alternate translation: "so that we may present to God every person" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) COL 1 28 uk2i figs-metaphor τέλειον 1 complete Being complete is a metaphor for being spiritually mature. Alternate translation: "spiritually mature" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -COL 2 intro p3uc 0 # Colossians 02 General Notes
#### Special concepts in this chapter

##### Circumcision and baptism
In verses 11-12, Paul uses both the old covenant sign of circumcision and the new covenant sign of baptism to show how Christians are united with Christ and freed from sin.

#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

##### Flesh

This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that the physical part of man is sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that, while Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. Paul also uses "flesh" in this chapter to refer to the physical body.

##### Implicit information
Paul mentions several issues in this chapter that imply information about the context of the church in Colossae. It is best to allow the text to remain uncertain over the actual details. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
+COL 2 intro p3uc 0 # Colossians 02 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Circumcision and baptism
In verses 11-12, Paul uses both the old covenant sign of circumcision and the new covenant sign of baptism to show how Christians are united with Christ and freed from sin.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Flesh

This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that the physical part of man is sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that, while Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. Paul also uses "flesh" in this chapter to refer to the physical body.

### Implicit information
Paul mentions several issues in this chapter that imply information about the context of the church in Colossae. It is best to allow the text to remain uncertain over the actual details. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 2 1 tt6v 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues to encourage the believers in Colossae and Laodicea to understand that Christ is God and that he lives in believers, so they should live in the same way they received him. COL 2 1 dqg5 ἡλίκον ἀγῶνα ἔχω ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν 1 how great a struggle I have had for you Paul has exerted much effort in developing their purity and understanding of the gospel. COL 2 1 fn4z τῶν ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ 1 those at Laodicea This was a city very close to Colossae where there was also a church for which Paul was praying. @@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ COL 2 21 v9e7 0 Connecting Statement: The rhetorical question that begins with COL 2 21 b392 μὴ ἅψῃ μηδὲ γεύσῃ μηδὲ θίγῃς 1 "Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch"? Paul is quoting what other people have been telling the Colossians. "why do you believe them when they say, 'Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch'?" or "you should not obey them when they say, 'Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch'" COL 2 23 y2dc ἅτινά ἐστιν λόγον μὲν ἔχοντα σοφίας ἐν ἐθελοθρησκείᾳ καὶ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ, ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος 1 These rules have the wisdom of self-made religion and humility and severity of the body "These rules seem wise to unbelieving people because they allow those who follow them to appear humble because they hurt their own bodies" COL 2 23 e7p5 οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι πρὸς πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός 1 have no value against the indulgence of the flesh "do not help you stop following your human desires" -COL 3 intro qtl2 0 # Colossians 03 General Notes
#### Structure and formatting

The second part of this chapter parallels Ephesians 5 and 6.

#### Special concepts in this chapter

##### Old and new self
The old and new self mean the same as the old and new man. The term "old man" probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The "new man" is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

##### Character
Many of the things Paul encourages his readers to pursue or avoid are not actions but character qualities. Because of this, they may be difficult to translate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

##### "The things above"

Where God dwells is often pictured as being located "above." Paul says to "seek the things above" and to "think about the things above." He is implying Christians should seek and think about heavenly and godly things.
+COL 3 intro qtl2 0 # Colossians 03 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

The second part of this chapter parallels Ephesians 5 and 6.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Old and new self
The old and new self mean the same as the old and new man. The term "old man" probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The "new man" is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Character
Many of the things Paul encourages his readers to pursue or avoid are not actions but character qualities. Because of this, they may be difficult to translate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

### "The things above"

Where God dwells is often pictured as being located "above." Paul says to "seek the things above" and to "think about the things above." He is implying Christians should seek and think about heavenly and godly things.
COL 3 1 ya97 0 Connecting Statement: Paul warns the believers that because they are one with Christ, they ought not do certain things. COL 3 1 r5yh figs-idiom εἰ οὖν 1 If then This is an idiom that means "because." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) COL 3 1 t1jv figs-pastforfuture συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ 1 God has raised you with Christ Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Possible meanings are 1) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, God has already given the believers in Colossae new spiritual life. Alternate translation: "God has given you new life because you belong to Christ" or 2) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, the believers in Colossae can know that after they die they will live with Christ, and Paul can speak of the believers living again as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: "you can be sure that God will give you life as he has caused Christ to come alive again" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) @@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ COL 3 24 p3pw figs-metaphor κληρονομίας 1 inheritance Receiving what COL 3 25 u5lx ὁ ... ἀδικῶν, κομιεῖται ὃ ἠδίκησεν 1 anyone who does unrighteousness will receive the penalty The phrase "receive the penalty" means to be punished. Alternate translation: "anyone who does unrighteousness will be punished" or "God will punish anyone who does what is unrighteous" COL 3 25 ak8j ἀδικῶν 1 who does unrighteousness who actively does wrong of any kind COL 3 25 c9fx figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολημψία 1 there is no favoritism The abstract noun "favoritism" can be expressed with the verb "favor." To favor some people is to judge them by different standards so the result is better for them than for others who do the same actions. Alternate translation: "God does not favor anyone" or "God judges everyone by the same standard" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -COL 4 intro nm3y 0 # Colossians 04 General Notes
#### Structure and formatting

[Colossians 4:1](../../col/04/01.md) appears to belong with the topics of Chapter 3 instead of Chapter 4.

#### Special concepts in this chapter

##### "In my own hand"
It was common in the ancient Near East for the author to speak and someone else to write down the words. Many of the New Testament letters were written this way. Paul wrote the final greeting himself.

#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

##### Secret truth

Paul refers to a "secret truth" in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])
+COL 4 intro nm3y 0 # Colossians 04 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

[Colossians 4:1](../../col/04/01.md) appears to belong with the topics of Chapter 3 instead of Chapter 4.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### "In my own hand"
It was common in the ancient Near East for the author to speak and someone else to write down the words. Many of the New Testament letters were written this way. Paul wrote the final greeting himself.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Secret truth

Paul refers to a "secret truth" in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])
COL 4 1 qhd2 0 Connecting Statement: After speaking to masters, Paul ends his special instructions to the different kinds of believers in the church at Colossae. COL 4 1 ae3y figs-doublet τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα 1 right and fair These words mean almost the same thing and are used to emphasize the things that are morally correct. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) COL 4 1 t9wy καὶ ὑμεῖς ἔχετε Κύριον ἐν οὐρανῷ 1 you also have a master in heaven God wants the relationship between an earthly master and his slave to be loving the way God, the heavenly master, loves his earthly servants, including the earthly slaves' masters.