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Updates to Colossians notes (#2337) 

Co-authored-by: lrsallee <lrsallee@noreply.door43.org>
Reviewed-on: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tn/pulls/2337
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Larry Sallee 2022-03-18 14:17:19 +00:00
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@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ COL 1 15 h945 figs-metaphor πρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως 1 the
COL 1 15 af6b figs-abstractnouns πάσης κτίσεως 1 of all creation If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **creation**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “create.” Alternate translation: “of all that God created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 1 16 kru3 figs-activepassive ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰ πάντα 1 For in him all things were created If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “For in him God created all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 1 16 zed8 figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰ πάντα 1 Paul here seems to speak as if God created everything inside the Son. This is a metaphor that describes the involvement of the Son when God created all things, which you could clarify by making both the Son and the Father the subjects of **created**. If your language can clearly indicate different types of agency, you could identify God the Father as the primary agent and God the Son as the secondary agent. Alternate translation: “God the Father created all things through the work of God the Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 16 ho8g figs-merism ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 Paul refers to two opposite things, the **heavens** and the **earth**, as a way to include not only them but also everything else in what God and his Son created. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in every part of the universe” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism)
COL 1 16 ho8g figs-merism ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 Paul refers to two opposite things, the **heavens** and the **earth**, as a way to include not only them but also everything else in what God and his Son created. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in every part of the universe” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism)
COL 1 16 s8h1 figs-merism τὰ ὁρατὰ καὶ τὰ ἀόρατα 1 Paul refers to two opposite things, the **visible and the invisible**, as another way to refer to everything that God and his Son created. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “whether people can see it or not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
COL 1 16 fkic translate-unknown εἴτε θρόνοι, εἴτε κυριότητες, εἴτε ἀρχαὶ, εἴτε ἐξουσίαι 1 The words **thrones**, **dominions**, **governments**, and **authorities** here refer to different kinds of angels or other spiritual beings that are not specified as being good or evil. They are examples of what is **invisible**. It may be that the false teachers were teaching that these beings should be worshiped. But Paul is emphasizing here that God the Father created all of these spiritual beings through his Son, and so the Son is much greater than these. If these four words would be misunderstood in your language, you could (1) identify that these are spiritual beings and translate as many of these names as you have different words for. Alternate translation: “Including all spiritual beings, which can be called thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities” (2) use names from your culture that identify different classes of angels or spiritual beings. Alternate translation: “Whether angels or archangels or spirit rulers” (3) summarize without using specific names. Alternate translation: “Including all types of powerful spiritual beings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
COL 1 16 zl7j figs-activepassive τὰ πάντα δι’ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν ἔκτισται 1 all things were created through him and for him If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “through him and for him God created all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
@ -91,8 +91,8 @@ COL 1 18 jjgh figs-metaphor γένηται ἐν πᾶσιν αὐτὸς πρω
COL 1 19 npzz grammar-connect-logic-result ὅτι 1 The word translated **for** provides a reason for previous statements. If **for** by itself would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify which statements this verse gives a reason for. These statements could be (1) everything in the previous verse, including the Son’s headship over the church, his founding of the church, his resurrection, and his status as most important. Alternate translation: “He is all these things because” (2) why the Son is first among all things. Alternate translation: “He is first among all things because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
COL 1 19 nyos figs-explicit ἐν αὐτῷ εὐδόκησεν πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα κατοικῆσαι 1 The verb translated **was pleased** implies a personal subject, which must be God the Father. By using the phrase **all the fullness**, Paul is speaking figuratively of everything that God the Father is, either by ellipsis or metonymy. If this way of speaking would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “God the Father was pleased to make all of his fullness dwell in the Son” or “all the fullness of God the Father was pleased to dwell in the Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 1 19 zu89 figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ εὐδόκησεν πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα κατοικῆσαι 1 Here, Paul speaks figuratively of the Son as though he were a house in which God’s **fullness** could **dwell**. This does not mean that God lives inside of the Son or that the Son is part of God. This means that the Son has all the divinity of God. It means that the Son is fully God just as the Father is fully God. If the metaphor might be misunderstood in your language, you could state it more plainly. Alternate translation: “the Son is fully God in every way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 19 wmdw figs-metonymy πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα 1 In the context, **fullness** stands for the **fullness** of divinity, or everything that characterizes God. If **fullness** would be misunderstood in your language, you could make it clear that this word refers to the **fullness** of God. Alternate translation: “full divinity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 1 20 qweh ἀποκαταλλάξαι 1 through the blood of his cross This verse continues the sentence from the previous verse, so **to reconcile** continues the same verb from there, “was pleased,” along with its implied subject, God the Father. If it would be clearer in your language, you can repeat that subject and verb here. Alternate translation: “God the Father was pleased to reconcile”
COL 1 19 wmdw figs-metonymy πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα 1 In the context, **fullness** stands for the **fullness** of divinity, or everything that characterizes God. If your readers would misunderstand **fullness**, you could make it clear that this word refers to the **fullness** of God. Alternate translation: “full divinity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 1 20 qweh ἀποκαταλλάξαι 1 through the blood of his cross This verse continues the sentence from the previous verse, so **to reconcile** continues the same verb from there, “was pleased,” along with its implied subject, God the Father. If your readers would misunderstand this, you can repeat that subject and verb here. Alternate translation: “God the Father was pleased to reconcile”
COL 1 20 cf2d τὰ πάντα 1 through the blood of his cross Here, **all things** includes everything that God created, including people. If **all things** would be misunderstood in your language, you can be more specific. Alternate translation: “all things and all people”
COL 1 20 c3qd figs-abstractnouns εἰρηνοποιήσας 1 through the blood of his cross If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **peace**, you could express this idea in another way. Alternate translation: “having made things right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 1 20 as3p figs-possession τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ 1 through the blood of his cross Paul uses the possessive form to describe **blood** characterized by **his cross**, which is the location where the blood was shed. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could make the relationship between the two words clearer with a short phrase such as “shed on.” Alternate translation: “the blood shed on his cross.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
@ -120,12 +120,12 @@ COL 1 23 kgp1 figs-possession τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ εὐαγγελί
COL 1 23 prwf figs-abstractnouns τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **hope**, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “expecting God to fulfill the gospel” or “waiting for God to complete the good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 1 23 d9kg figs-activepassive τοῦ κηρυχθέντος ἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν 1 which was proclaimed If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form. You could: (1) change **proclaimed** to “heard” and make **every creature** the subject. Alternate translation: “which every creature that is under heaven has heard” (2) specify that “fellow believers” is the subject of **proclaimed**. Alternate translation: “which fellow believers have proclaimed to every creature that is under heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 1 23 q21b figs-hyperbole ἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν 1 to every creature that is under heaven Here, Paul uses an exaggeration that the Colossians would have understood to emphasize how far the good news has spread. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or qualify the claim. Alternate translation: “to people in many different places” or “to people in every place we know about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
COL 1 23 lptz translate-unknown τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν 1 In Paul’s culture, **under heaven** refers to the visible part of creation that humans regularly interact with. It excludes spiritual beings, the stars, and anything else in **heaven**. If **under heaven** does not make this clear in your language, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “that is on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
COL 1 23 lptz translate-unknown τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν 1 In Paul’s culture, **under heaven** refers to the visible part of creation that humans regularly interact with. It excludes spiritual beings, the stars, and anything else in **heaven**. If your readers would misunderstand **under heaven**, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “that is on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
COL 1 23 g8iq figs-personification οὗ ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ Παῦλος διάκονος 1 of which I, Paul, became a servant Here, Paul speaks as if the good news was a person he could become **a servant** of. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could explain that Paul is **a servant** of God, but his task from God is to proclaim the good news. Alternate translation: “which I, Paul, proclaim as God has commanded me, his servant, to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
COL 1 24 z01x grammar-connect-words-phrases νῦν 1 The word **now** indicates that Paul wishes to tell the Colossians how he is currently serving the Gospel. It does not indicate a change of topic, as it sometimes does in English. If **Now** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a longer phrase to express this idea. Alternate translation: “While I write this letter,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
COL 1 24 gq1n ἐν τοῖς παθήμασιν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν 1 Alternate translation: “while I suffer for your sake”
COL 1 24 fm9y figs-metaphor ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου 1 I fill up in my flesh Paul speaks of his **flesh** as if it were a container that could **fill** up with **afflictions**. By this, he means that his bodily sufferings function to satisfy a specific purpose, which here is to finish what **Christ** started with his **afflictions**. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “with my bodily suffering, I finish what the Messiah started when he suffered. I do this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 24 nb2g figs-explicit τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here, Paul is not saying that there is a **lack** in Christ’s **afflictions** because those **afflictions** did not succeed in doing what they were supposed to do. Instead, the **lack** refers to what Christ wished for his disciples to do as his servants. The **lack**, then, is something that Christ intentionally did not accomplish because he wanted Paul to do it. If speaking of a **lack** would be misunderstood in your language, you could rephrase this so that it is clearer that Christ intentionally left something for Paul to do. Alternate translation: “the afflictions that Christ has called me to suffer to complete his work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 1 24 nb2g figs-explicit τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here, Paul is not saying that there is a **lack** in Christ’s **afflictions** because those **afflictions** did not succeed in doing what they were supposed to do. Instead, the **lack** refers to what Christ wished for his disciples to do as his servants. The **lack**, then, is something that Christ intentionally did not accomplish because he wanted Paul to do it. If your readers would misunderstand a **lack**, you could rephrase this so that it is clearer that Christ intentionally left something for Paul to do. Alternate translation: “the afflictions that Christ has called me to suffer to complete his work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 1 24 k5yd figs-possession τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Paul uses two possessive forms to speak about the **lack** that characterizes the **afflictions** that **Christ** suffered. If your language would not use possessive forms to express that idea, you could express the idea with a relative clause or two clauses. Alternate translation: “what Christ, when he suffered, left for me to suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
COL 1 24 mge9 figs-metaphor τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἡ ἐκκλησία 1 for the sake of his body, which is the church Here, Paul speaks of the **church**, as if it were Christ’s **body**, and he provides the explanation of what **body** means himself. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to the **church** first and then identify it as a **body**. Alternate translation: “the church, which is his body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 25 gc4m figs-explicit ἧς ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ διάκονος 1 If your language would specify who called Paul to be a servant of the church, you could rephrase this clause so that God is the subject and Paul is the object. Alternate translation: “God appointed me to be a servant of the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ COL 2 2 qgi2 figs-abstractnouns εἰς πᾶν πλοῦτος τῆς πληρ
COL 2 2 ahpn figs-doublet τῆς συνέσεως; εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν 1 of the mystery of God Here, the words **understanding** and **knowledge** mean basically the same thing. Paul uses both words to emphasize the breadth of spiritual knowledge he speaks about. If your language does not use repetition in this way or has only one word for this concept, you can use just one word or translate **understanding** with an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “of wise knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
COL 2 2 v13e figs-possession ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ μυστηρίου 1 Christ Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak of **knowledge** about the **mystery**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate **knowledge** with a verb such as “knowing” or use different prepositions, such as “about.” Alternate translation: “knowing about the mystery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
COL 2 2 v9az figs-possession τοῦ μυστηρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul here uses the possessive form to speak about a **mystery** that comes from **God**. Only **God** can reveal the content of this **mystery**. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could express the idea by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “the mystery that God reveals” or “the mystery known by God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
COL 2 3 o2ob figs-explicit ἐν ᾧ 1 If what **whom** refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could state it more clearly. The word **whom** could refer to: (1) the mystery. Alternate translation: “in this mystery” (2) Christ. Alternate translation: “in the Messiah.” Since [2:2](../02/02.md) identifies the mystery with Christ, both options express what Paul is saying, so pick the option that most clearly communicates the idea in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 2 3 o2ob figs-explicit ἐν ᾧ 1 If your readers would misunderstand who **whom** refers to, you could state it more clearly. The word **whom** could refer to: (1) the mystery. Alternate translation: “in this mystery” (2) Christ. Alternate translation: “in the Messiah.” Since [2:2](../02/02.md) identifies the mystery with Christ, both options express what Paul is saying, so pick the option that most clearly communicates the idea in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 2 3 w74d figs-activepassive εἰσιν πάντες οἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως ἀπόκρυφοι 1 in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 2 3 vhsr figs-metaphor ἐν ᾧ εἰσιν πάντες οἱ θησαυροὶ…ἀπόκρυφοι 1 Paul here speaks of the Messiah as if he were a container that could “hide” **treasures**. He speaks this way to emphasize the value of what Christians receive from God when they are united to the Messiah. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “from whom all the blessings … can be received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 3 w4mr figs-possession οἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως 1 the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Paul here uses the possessive form to explain what the **treasures** are: **wisdom** and **knowledge**. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could clarify that **wisdom** and **knowledge** are the **treasures**. Alternate translation: “the treasures, which are wisdom and knowledge,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
@ -197,11 +197,11 @@ COL 2 6 a6cr grammar-connect-words-phrases οὖν 1 The word translated **ther
COL 2 6 wqwi figs-infostructure ὡς…παρελάβετε τὸν Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν τὸν Κύριον, ἐν αὐτῷ περιπατεῖτε, 1 Paul here draws a comparison between the way in which the Colossians received the Messiah and the way in which he wishes them to behave now. If your language would put the comparison second, you could reverse the two clauses. Alternate translation: “walk in Christ Jesus the Lord just as you received him” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure)
COL 2 6 s99k figs-metaphor παρελάβετε τὸν Χριστὸν 1 Paul says that the Colossians **received Christ** as if they had welcomed him into their homes or received him as a gift. What this means is that they believed in Jesus and the teachings about him. If **received Christ** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase that refers to coming to believe in Jesus or you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you first believed in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 6 m3f1 figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ περιπατεῖτε 1 walk in him This command does not require the Colossians to walk around inside Jesus. Rather, in Paul’s culture, to **walk** is a common metaphor for how people live their lives, and the words **in him** refer to being united to Christ. If **walk in him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a verb that refers to behavior in life and connect it with how you have translated “in Christ” elsewhere. Alternate translation: “act as those who are united to the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 7 e2x6 figs-explicit ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐποικοδομούμενοι…βεβαιούμενοι…περισσεύοντες 1 being rooted … built up in him … confirmed in the faith … abounding in thanksgiving Paul uses these four verbs to give examples of how the Colossians should “walk in” the Messiah ([2:6](../02/06.md)). If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could add a phrase that makes this relationship clear. Alternate translation: “Walking in him entails being rooted … built up … confirmed … abounding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 2 7 e2x6 figs-explicit ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐποικοδομούμενοι…βεβαιούμενοι…περισσεύοντες 1 being rooted … built up in him … confirmed in the faith … abounding in thanksgiving Paul uses these four verbs to give examples of how the Colossians should “walk in” the Messiah ([2:6](../02/06.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could add a phrase that makes this relationship clear. Alternate translation: “Walking in him entails being rooted … built up … confirmed … abounding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 2 7 en3l figs-activepassive ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐποικοδομούμενοι…βεβαιούμενοι 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could translate all three of these words in their active forms with the Colossians as the subject. Alternate translation: “rooting yourselves … building yourselves up … having confidence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 2 7 fw47 figs-metaphor ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐν αὐτῷ 1 being rooted Paul wants the Colossians to be united so closely to Christ that he speaks of this union as if the Colossians were a plant with roots growing into Christ. If this image would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “being closely connected with … in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 7 tb5m figs-metaphor καὶ ἐποικοδομούμενοι ἐν αὐτῷ 1 built up in him Paul wants the Colossians to base everything they think and do on Christ as if they were a house built on Christ, who is the foundation. If this image would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in him and basing everything you think and do on him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 7 yh83 translate-unknown βεβαιούμενοι τῇ πίστει 1 confirmed in the faith The word translated **confirmed** refers to something being sure or valid. If it is not clear that this is the meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “sure about the faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
COL 2 7 yh83 translate-unknown βεβαιούμενοι τῇ πίστει 1 confirmed in the faith The word translated **confirmed** refers to something being sure or valid. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable expression or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “sure about the faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
COL 2 7 umcl figs-abstractnouns τῇ πίστει 1 confirmed in the faith If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **faith**, you could express the idea in a different way, such as with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “in what you believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 2 7 l1is figs-activepassive ἐδιδάχθητε 1 just as you were taught If your language does not use this passive form, you could translate this verb (1) in its active form with Epaphras as the subject (we know he was their teacher from [1:7](../01/07.md)) (2) with a verb such as “learned.” Alternate translation: “you learned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 2 7 j47d figs-abstractnouns περισσεύοντες ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ 1 abounding in thanksgiving If your language does not use an abstract for the idea behind **thanksgiving**, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being very thankful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ COL 2 15 cg37 figs-metonymy αὐτῷ 1 in the cross Here, Paul uses **the cros
COL 2 16 bvs7 grammar-connect-words-phrases οὖν 1 The word translated **therefore** draws an inference or conclusion from what Paul has already said, which can be found in [2:9–15](../02/09.md): in the work of Christ, the Colossians have received new life and the powers that rule this world have been defeated. Because of these things that have happened, the Colossians should not allow others to judge them in how they behave. Paul is continuing the warning against false teachers that he started in [2:8](../02/08.md). If these connections would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to these ideas more explicitly or use a comparable transition word or phrase. Alternate translation: “In light of all these things” or “Given the Messiah’s sufficient work on your behalf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
COL 2 16 e1rp figs-imperative μὴ…τις ὑμᾶς κρινέτω 1 This phrase translates a third-person imperative. If your language has third-person imperatives, you can use one here. If your language does not have third-person imperatives, you could use a comparable phrase or express the idea with a second-person imperative. Alternate translation: “you should not let anyone judge you” or “do not permit anyone to judge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
COL 2 16 cii9 figs-explicit ἐν βρώσει, καὶ ἐν πόσει, ἢ ἐν μέρει ἑορτῆς, ἢ νουμηνίας, ἢ Σαββάτων 1 in food or in drink This list of areas in which someone might judge the Colossians refers to parts of the law of Moses. Some of these areas were also important for other religions in Paul’s culture. If Paul’s list of things that someone could **judge** the Colossians in would be misunderstood in your translation, you could clarify that these areas are covered by the law of Moses and sometimes by the traditions of other religions as well. Alternate translation: “for you how behave in relationship to the law of Moses and other religious traditions, including in the areas of food and drink, and festivals, new moons, or Sabbaths.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 2 16 b4kd figs-metonymy νουμηνίας 1 in regard to a festival, or a new moon, or Sabbaths The word translated **new moon** refers to a festival or celebration that would take place when it was the time of the new moon. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a comparable expression or translate the idea with a longer phrase. Alternate translation: “a new moon celebration” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 2 16 b4kd figs-metonymy νουμηνίας 1 in regard to a festival, or a new moon, or Sabbaths The word translated **new moon** refers to a festival or celebration that would take place when it was the time of the new moon. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable expression or translate the idea with a longer phrase. Alternate translation: “a new moon celebration” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 2 17 ip3a figs-metaphor ἅ ἐστιν σκιὰ τῶν μελλόντων, τὸ δὲ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 which are a shadow of the things coming, but the body is of Christ A **shadow** shows the shape and outline of a **body**, but it is not the **body** itself. In a similar way, the things listed in the previous verse show the shape and outline of the **things coming**, but the **body** that casts this **shadow** is **Christ**. He is the substance of the **things coming**. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “which are a foretaste of the things coming, but the full experience is of Christ” or “which hint at the things that were to come, but Christ is the one who came” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 17 sev8 figs-possession σκιὰ τῶν μελλόντων 1 Paul here uses the possession form to show that the **shadow** is cast by the **things coming**. If your language would not use the possessive form to express this idea, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a shadow cast by the things coming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
COL 2 17 liqe translate-unknown τῶν μελλόντων 1 The **things coming** primarily refers to things that will happen or be experienced in the future. They can be connected with both the first and the second coming of Christ, which is why the **body** is of Christ in this verse. If that meaning of **coming** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that **coming** refers to what Christ has blessed believers with at his first coming and what he will bless them with at his second coming. Alternate translation: “blessings that Christ brings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
@ -289,7 +289,7 @@ COL 2 21 v9e7 0 Connecting Statement: This verse gives three commands that are
COL 2 21 pzj1 figs-yousingular ἅψῃ…γεύσῃ…θίγῃς 1 Connecting Statement: These commands are addressed to **You** in the singular. Most likely, Paul refers to specific commands given to one person in a specific situation. However, he does intend these to be taken as examples of commands that might be given to any person among the Colossians. If your language can use a command in the singular as a generic example, you can do so here. If this does not make sense in your language, you could use plural commands here. Alternate translation: “You all may … handle … taste … touch” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
COL 2 21 b392 figs-explicit μὴ ἅψῃ! μηδὲ γεύσῃ! μηδὲ θίγῃς! 1 You may not handle, nor taste, nor touch! Paul does not express what these commands say not to **handle**, **taste**, or **touch**, but it is clear that only certain things would be included, not all things. If your language would make this information explicit, you could add a generic phrase such as “certain things” or use words that match each command. Alternate translation: “You may not handle certain objects, nor taste certain foods and drinks, nor touch certain people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 2 22 a25u writing-pronouns ἅ 1 This pronoun refers to the commands in the previous verse, especially focusing on the implied objects of the rules. If **which** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a noun or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “The things that these commands regulate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
COL 2 22 ogj7 figs-idiom ἐστιν πάντα εἰς φθορὰν τῇ ἀποχρήσει 1 This phrase means that all the objects that the commands in the previous verse are about end up being destroyed when they are used. In other words, food and drink are destroyed when they are eaten, and tools eventually break when they are used. By describing the objects in this way, Paul shows that the rules about these objects are not very important. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea more clearly, such as with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “all end up in destruction because of their use” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 2 22 ogj7 figs-idiom ἐστιν πάντα εἰς φθορὰν τῇ ἀποχρήσει 1 This phrase means that all the objects that the commands in the previous verse are about end up being destroyed when they are used. In other words, food and drink are destroyed when they are eaten, and tools eventually break when they are used. By describing the objects in this way, Paul shows that the rules about these objects are not very important. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express the idea more clearly, such as with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “all end up in destruction because of their use” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 2 22 cmnf figs-abstractnouns εἰς φθορὰν τῇ ἀποχρήσει 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind **destruction** and **use**, you could express the idea by using verbs. Alternate translation: “destroyed when they are used” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 2 22 klsg figs-possession τὰ ἐντάλματα καὶ διδασκαλίας τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 Paul here uses the possessive form to describe **commands and teachings** that come from **men**. If your language does not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could clarify that these teachings “come from” **men**. Alternate translation: “the commands and teachings that come from men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
COL 2 22 d4lu figs-abstractnouns τὰ ἐντάλματα καὶ διδασκαλίας τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind **commands** and **teachings**, you could express the idea by using verbs. Alternate translation: “what men command and teach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
@ -372,7 +372,7 @@ COL 3 10 v7xq grammar-connect-logic-goal κατ’ εἰκόνα τοῦ κτί
COL 3 10 d15v translate-unknown εἰκόνα 1 the image The word translated **image** could refer to (1) the way humans show or reflect God’s glory, just like he created them to do. Alternate translation: “the reflection of the glory” (2) Christ, who is the image of God, the way humans can see the invisible God. Alternate translation: “Christ, the image” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
COL 3 10 rqsf figs-abstractnouns κατ’ εἰκόνα τοῦ 1 the image If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **image**, you could express the idea in a different way, such as with a relative clause. Make sure your translation fits with what **image** refers to, as discussed in the previous note. Alternate translation: “according to how you reflect the one” or “according to Christ, who reflects the one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 3 10 jep5 writing-pronouns τοῦ κτίσαντος 1 The **one who created it** refers to God. If what **the one who created it** would be misunderstood, you could clarify that God is **the one**. Alternate translation: “of God, who created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
COL 3 10 xnc0 writing-pronouns αὐτόν 1 The pronoun translated **it** refers to “the new man.” If what **it** refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate **it** with a phrase that more clearly refers back to “the new man.” Alternate translation: “this new man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
COL 3 10 xnc0 writing-pronouns αὐτόν 1 The pronoun translated **it** refers to “the new man.” If your readers would misunderstand this what **it** refers to, you could translate **it** with a phrase that more clearly refers back to “the new man.” Alternate translation: “this new man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
COL 3 11 wnmm figs-metaphor ὅπου 1 Here, Paul refers to the “new man” from the previous verse as if it were a place one could be in. This means that the word translated **where** refers to the new situation of those who have put on this “new man.” If **where** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea by identifying those who have put on the “new man” as the ones addressed by this verse. Alternate translation: (start a new sentence) “For those who have put on the new man,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 11 mrpc figs-hyperbole οὐκ ἔνι 1 Here, Paul speaks as if none of the kinds of people he mentions exist in this new situation. The Colossians would have understood this as a way to emphasize how little the differences between all these kinds of people matter once they have died and risen with Christ. They all fit into the category of the “new man” now. If **there is no** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea without the hyperbole by emphasizing the new unity of people from all these categories. Alternate translation: “all people are the same,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
COL 3 11 t2w2 figs-genericnoun οὐκ ἔνι Ἕλλην καὶ Ἰουδαῖος, περιτομὴ καὶ ἀκροβυστία, βάρβαρος, Σκύθης, δοῦλος, ἐλεύθερος 1 there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman All these terms are nouns that refer to groups of people that are characterized by the trait that the noun names. These words do not refer to just one person. If your language has a way to categorize people by characteristics, you could use that form here. Alternate translation: “there are no Greek and Jewish people, circumcised and uncircumcised people, barbaric people, Scythian people, enslaved people, free people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
@ -491,12 +491,12 @@ COL 4 3 w4fl figs-metonymy τοῦ λόγου 1 God may open a door Here, **word
COL 4 3 tl71 grammar-connect-logic-goal λαλῆσαι 1 may open a door to us for the word The word translated **to speak** indicates the purpose for which the “door” is opened. If **to speak** would not indicate purpose in your language, you could use a word or phrase that does indicate purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that we might speak” or “so that we can speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
COL 4 3 ce37 translate-unknown τὸ μυστήριον 1 the mystery of Christ Paul speaks of his message as **the mystery** of Christ. This does not mean that the message is hard to understand but rather that it had not previously been revealed. Now, however, Paul does “make it clear” (as [4:4](../04/04.md) says). If a **mystery** that is revealed or spoken would be misunderstood in your language, you could replace **mystery** with a short descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “the concealed message” or “the previously hidden message” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown)
COL 4 3 fkva figs-possession τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the mystery of Christ Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak of a **mystery** whose content is a message about **Christ**. If your language does not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could express the idea with a preposition such as “about” or a relative clause such as “that concerns.” Alternate translation: “the mystery that concerns Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
COL 4 3 gs8f writing-pronouns δι’ ὃ 1 the mystery of Christ The word translated **which** refers back to the “mystery of Christ.” If what **which** refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could state this more clearly by adding a word such as “mystery.” Alternate translation: “on account of which mystery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
COL 4 3 gs8f writing-pronouns δι’ ὃ 1 the mystery of Christ The word translated **which** refers back to the “mystery of Christ.” If your readers would misunderstand what **which** refers to, you could state this more clearly by adding a word such as “mystery.” Alternate translation: “on account of which mystery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
COL 4 3 q4jx figs-metonymy δέδεμαι 1 on account of which also I have been bound Here, Paul uses the word translated **I have been bound** to refer to how he is in prison. If **I have been bound** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable word or phrase that stands for being in prison or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I am imprisoned” or “I am incarcerated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 4 3 lsdv figs-activepassive δέδεμαι 1 on account of which also I have been bound If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “they have bound me” or “the authorities have bound me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 4 4 x8bf grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 in order that I may make it clear The word translated **in order that** could introduce: (1) another thing for which the Colossians should pray (in addition to what is said in [4:3](../04/03.md)). Alternate translation: “and that” or “and asking that” (2) another purpose for which the Colossians should pray for Paul (in addition to what is said in [4:3](../04/03.md)). Alternate translation: “and so that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
COL 4 4 hm5w φανερώσω αὐτὸ 1 in order that I may make it clear Alternate translation: “I may reveal it” or “I may express it clearly”
COL 4 4 rkal grammar-connect-logic-result ὡς 1 in order that I may make it clear Here, the word translated **as** functions to introduce a reason why Paul must preach his message clearly. If **as** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for an action. Alternate translation: “because this is how” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
COL 4 4 rkal grammar-connect-logic-result ὡς 1 in order that I may make it clear Here, the word translated **as** functions to introduce a reason why Paul must preach his message clearly. If your readers would misunderstand the meaning of **as**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for an action. Alternate translation: “because this is how” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
COL 4 4 ofin figs-explicit δεῖ με λαλῆσαι 1 in order that I may make it clear If your language would state who requires Paul to speak in these ways, you could include “God” as the one that role. Alternate translation: “God has commanded me to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 4 5 z3ax figs-metaphor περιπατεῖτε πρὸς 1 Walk in wisdom toward those outside Here, Paul uses the word **walk** to refer to consistent, habitual behavior (like putting one foot in front of the other). In this image, walking **toward** someone refers to consistent behavior in relationship with that person. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Act … with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 4 5 u3j7 figs-abstractnouns ἐν σοφίᾳ 1 Walk in wisdom toward those outside If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **wisdom**, you could express the idea with an adverb such as “wisely” or an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “in wise ways” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
@ -510,7 +510,7 @@ COL 4 6 fuv5 figs-metaphor ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος 1 your words always w
COL 4 6 c1w4 grammar-connect-logic-result εἰδέναι 1 to know how it is necessary for you to answer Here, Paul uses the word translated **to know** to introduce the result of speaking words **with grace** and **seasoned with salt**. If **to know** does not introduce a result in your language, you could use a word or phrase that more clearly expresses that Paul is speaking about a result. Alternate translation: “with the result that you will know” or “so that you might know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
COL 4 6 jdtx πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς…ἀποκρίνεσθαι 1 to know how it is necessary for you to answer Alternate translation: “how to best answer” or “the right answer to give to”
COL 4 6 djl0 writing-pronouns ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ 1 to know how it is necessary for you to answer The words translated **each one** refer to individuals who would be considered part of “those outside” ([4:5](../04/05.md)). If what **each one** refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could explicitly refer back to how you translated “those outside.” Alternate translation: “each outsider” or “each one who does not believe in the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
COL 4 7 ut91 figs-infostructure τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ πάντα γνωρίσει ὑμῖν Τυχικὸς, ὁ ἀγαπητὸς ἀδελφὸς, καὶ πιστὸς διάκονος, καὶ σύνδουλος ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 Connecting Statement: If the order of this sentence would be misunderstood or confusing in your language, you could rearrange this verse so that (1) what **Tychicus will make known** to them comes after **to you**, and (2) the words that describe **Tychicus** come after his name. You could make one or both of these changes if it would make the verse clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow slave in the Lord, will make known to you all the things concerning me” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure)
COL 4 7 ut91 figs-infostructure τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ πάντα γνωρίσει ὑμῖν Τυχικὸς, ὁ ἀγαπητὸς ἀδελφὸς, καὶ πιστὸς διάκονος, καὶ σύνδουλος ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 Connecting Statement: If your readers would misunderstand this sentence because of the order, you could rearrange this verse so that (1) what **Tychicus will make known** to them comes after **to you**, and (2) the words that describe **Tychicus** come after his name. You may need to make one or both of these changes to make the verse clear in your language. Alternate translation: “Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow slave in the Lord, will make known to you all the things concerning me” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure)
COL 4 7 xzz4 figs-idiom τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ πάντα 1 the things concerning me When Paul speaks of **All the things concerning me**, he refers to details about his life such as where he is living, his health, how his work is progressing, and other similar details. If your language has a customary way to refer to this kind of information, you could use it here, or you could express the idea with a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “All the news about me” or “All the details about how I am doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 4 7 cbzm translate-names Τυχικὸς 1 the things concerning me This is the name of a man. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)
COL 4 7 m52y figs-explicit πιστὸς διάκονος 1 the things concerning me If your language would state whom Tychicus serves, you could make this explicit. He could be a **servant** to: (1) Paul. Alternate translation: “my faithful servant” (2) the Lord, and thus the Lord’s church as well. Alternate translation: “faithful servant of the Lord and his church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
@ -579,7 +579,7 @@ COL 4 17 dau6 figs-extrainfo τὴν διακονίαν…παρέλαβες 1 s
COL 4 17 uble figs-metaphor ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 say to Archippus, “Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.” Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in the Lord** to describe the union of Archippus with Christ. In this case, being **in the Lord**, or united to the Lord, identifies the situation in which he **received** his **ministry**. He received this **ministry** when he was united to **the Lord**. Alternate translation: “in union with the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 4 17 ufdy grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 say to Archippus, “Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.” The word translated **so that** introduces a goal or purpose. Here, it is the purpose for which Archippus should **look to** or stay focused on his ministry. Use a word or phrase that introduces the goal or purpose of a previous statement. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
COL 4 18 t5js ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ 1 Remember my chains Paul concludes his letter by writing a final greeting to the Colossians. Your language may have a particular way of sharing greetings in a letter. If so, you can use that form here. Alternate translation: “I ask to be remembered by my own hand” or “I say hello by my own hand”
COL 4 18 fqek figs-explicit τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ 1 Remember my chains In this culture, it was normal for a scribe to write down what the author of the letter was saying. Paul here indicates that he himself is writing these last words. The phrase **by my own hand** means that it was his own hand that took up the pen and wrote. If **by my own hand** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a comparable expression or include any extra information needed to make it clear. Alternate translation: “is in my handwriting” or “I write myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 4 18 fqek figs-explicit τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ 1 Remember my chains In this culture, it was normal for a scribe to write down what the author of the letter was saying. Paul here indicates that he himself is writing these last words. The phrase **by my own hand** means that it was his own hand that took up the pen and wrote. If your readers would misunderstand **by my own hand**, you could express the idea by using a comparable expression or include any extra information needed to make it clear. Alternate translation: “is in my handwriting” or “I write myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 4 18 sz0k figs-123person Παύλου 1 Remember my chains Here, Paul speaks of himself in the third person. He does this to sign his name to the letter, which shows that the letter is from Paul himself and carries his authority. If your language has a specific form for signing letters or documents, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “I am Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
COL 4 18 h3kx figs-metonymy μου τῶν δεσμῶν 1 Remember my chains Paul speaks of his **chains**, by which he means his imprisonment. If **chains** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “that I am in jail” or “remember my imprisonment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 4 18 w2vm translate-blessing ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν 1 Grace be with you As was customary in his culture, Paul closes his letter with a blessing for the Colossians. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May you experience kindness within you” or “I pray that you will have grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])

1 Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote
74 COL 1 15 af6b figs-abstractnouns πάσης κτίσεως 1 of all creation If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **creation**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “create.” Alternate translation: “of all that God created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
75 COL 1 16 kru3 figs-activepassive ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰ πάντα 1 For in him all things were created If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “For in him God created all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
76 COL 1 16 zed8 figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰ πάντα 1 Paul here seems to speak as if God created everything inside the Son. This is a metaphor that describes the involvement of the Son when God created all things, which you could clarify by making both the Son and the Father the subjects of **created**. If your language can clearly indicate different types of agency, you could identify God the Father as the primary agent and God the Son as the secondary agent. Alternate translation: “God the Father created all things through the work of God the Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
77 COL 1 16 ho8g figs-merism ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 Paul refers to two opposite things, the **heavens** and the **earth**, as a way to include not only them but also everything else in what God and his Son created. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in every part of the universe” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism) Paul refers to two opposite things, the **heavens** and the **earth**, as a way to include not only them but also everything else in what God and his Son created. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in every part of the universe” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism)
78 COL 1 16 s8h1 figs-merism τὰ ὁρατὰ καὶ τὰ ἀόρατα 1 Paul refers to two opposite things, the **visible and the invisible**, as another way to refer to everything that God and his Son created. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “whether people can see it or not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
79 COL 1 16 fkic translate-unknown εἴτε θρόνοι, εἴτε κυριότητες, εἴτε ἀρχαὶ, εἴτε ἐξουσίαι 1 The words **thrones**, **dominions**, **governments**, and **authorities** here refer to different kinds of angels or other spiritual beings that are not specified as being good or evil. They are examples of what is **invisible**. It may be that the false teachers were teaching that these beings should be worshiped. But Paul is emphasizing here that God the Father created all of these spiritual beings through his Son, and so the Son is much greater than these. If these four words would be misunderstood in your language, you could (1) identify that these are spiritual beings and translate as many of these names as you have different words for. Alternate translation: “Including all spiritual beings, which can be called thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities” (2) use names from your culture that identify different classes of angels or spiritual beings. Alternate translation: “Whether angels or archangels or spirit rulers” (3) summarize without using specific names. Alternate translation: “Including all types of powerful spiritual beings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
80 COL 1 16 zl7j figs-activepassive τὰ πάντα δι’ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν ἔκτισται 1 all things were created through him and for him If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “through him and for him God created all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
91 COL 1 19 npzz grammar-connect-logic-result ὅτι 1 The word translated **for** provides a reason for previous statements. If **for** by itself would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify which statements this verse gives a reason for. These statements could be (1) everything in the previous verse, including the Son’s headship over the church, his founding of the church, his resurrection, and his status as most important. Alternate translation: “He is all these things because” (2) why the Son is first among all things. Alternate translation: “He is first among all things because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
92 COL 1 19 nyos figs-explicit ἐν αὐτῷ εὐδόκησεν πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα κατοικῆσαι 1 The verb translated **was pleased** implies a personal subject, which must be God the Father. By using the phrase **all the fullness**, Paul is speaking figuratively of everything that God the Father is, either by ellipsis or metonymy. If this way of speaking would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “God the Father was pleased to make all of his fullness dwell in the Son” or “all the fullness of God the Father was pleased to dwell in the Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
93 COL 1 19 zu89 figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ εὐδόκησεν πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα κατοικῆσαι 1 Here, Paul speaks figuratively of the Son as though he were a house in which God’s **fullness** could **dwell**. This does not mean that God lives inside of the Son or that the Son is part of God. This means that the Son has all the divinity of God. It means that the Son is fully God just as the Father is fully God. If the metaphor might be misunderstood in your language, you could state it more plainly. Alternate translation: “the Son is fully God in every way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
94 COL 1 19 wmdw figs-metonymy πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα 1 In the context, **fullness** stands for the **fullness** of divinity, or everything that characterizes God. If **fullness** would be misunderstood in your language, you could make it clear that this word refers to the **fullness** of God. Alternate translation: “full divinity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) In the context, **fullness** stands for the **fullness** of divinity, or everything that characterizes God. If your readers would misunderstand **fullness**, you could make it clear that this word refers to the **fullness** of God. Alternate translation: “full divinity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
95 COL 1 20 qweh ἀποκαταλλάξαι 1 through the blood of his cross This verse continues the sentence from the previous verse, so **to reconcile** continues the same verb from there, “was pleased,” along with its implied subject, God the Father. If it would be clearer in your language, you can repeat that subject and verb here. Alternate translation: “God the Father was pleased to reconcile” This verse continues the sentence from the previous verse, so **to reconcile** continues the same verb from there, “was pleased,” along with its implied subject, God the Father. If your readers would misunderstand this, you can repeat that subject and verb here. Alternate translation: “God the Father was pleased to reconcile”
96 COL 1 20 cf2d τὰ πάντα 1 through the blood of his cross Here, **all things** includes everything that God created, including people. If **all things** would be misunderstood in your language, you can be more specific. Alternate translation: “all things and all people”
97 COL 1 20 c3qd figs-abstractnouns εἰρηνοποιήσας 1 through the blood of his cross If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **peace**, you could express this idea in another way. Alternate translation: “having made things right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
98 COL 1 20 as3p figs-possession τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ 1 through the blood of his cross Paul uses the possessive form to describe **blood** characterized by **his cross**, which is the location where the blood was shed. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could make the relationship between the two words clearer with a short phrase such as “shed on.” Alternate translation: “the blood shed on his cross.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
120 COL 1 23 prwf figs-abstractnouns τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **hope**, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “expecting God to fulfill the gospel” or “waiting for God to complete the good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
121 COL 1 23 d9kg figs-activepassive τοῦ κηρυχθέντος ἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν 1 which was proclaimed If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form. You could: (1) change **proclaimed** to “heard” and make **every creature** the subject. Alternate translation: “which every creature that is under heaven has heard” (2) specify that “fellow believers” is the subject of **proclaimed**. Alternate translation: “which fellow believers have proclaimed to every creature that is under heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
122 COL 1 23 q21b figs-hyperbole ἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν 1 to every creature that is under heaven Here, Paul uses an exaggeration that the Colossians would have understood to emphasize how far the good news has spread. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or qualify the claim. Alternate translation: “to people in many different places” or “to people in every place we know about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
123 COL 1 23 lptz translate-unknown τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν 1 In Paul’s culture, **under heaven** refers to the visible part of creation that humans regularly interact with. It excludes spiritual beings, the stars, and anything else in **heaven**. If **under heaven** does not make this clear in your language, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “that is on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) In Paul’s culture, **under heaven** refers to the visible part of creation that humans regularly interact with. It excludes spiritual beings, the stars, and anything else in **heaven**. If your readers would misunderstand **under heaven**, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “that is on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
124 COL 1 23 g8iq figs-personification οὗ ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ Παῦλος διάκονος 1 of which I, Paul, became a servant Here, Paul speaks as if the good news was a person he could become **a servant** of. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could explain that Paul is **a servant** of God, but his task from God is to proclaim the good news. Alternate translation: “which I, Paul, proclaim as God has commanded me, his servant, to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
125 COL 1 24 z01x grammar-connect-words-phrases νῦν 1 The word **now** indicates that Paul wishes to tell the Colossians how he is currently serving the Gospel. It does not indicate a change of topic, as it sometimes does in English. If **Now** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a longer phrase to express this idea. Alternate translation: “While I write this letter,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
126 COL 1 24 gq1n ἐν τοῖς παθήμασιν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν 1 Alternate translation: “while I suffer for your sake”
127 COL 1 24 fm9y figs-metaphor ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου 1 I fill up in my flesh Paul speaks of his **flesh** as if it were a container that could **fill** up with **afflictions**. By this, he means that his bodily sufferings function to satisfy a specific purpose, which here is to finish what **Christ** started with his **afflictions**. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “with my bodily suffering, I finish what the Messiah started when he suffered. I do this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
128 COL 1 24 nb2g figs-explicit τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here, Paul is not saying that there is a **lack** in Christ’s **afflictions** because those **afflictions** did not succeed in doing what they were supposed to do. Instead, the **lack** refers to what Christ wished for his disciples to do as his servants. The **lack**, then, is something that Christ intentionally did not accomplish because he wanted Paul to do it. If speaking of a **lack** would be misunderstood in your language, you could rephrase this so that it is clearer that Christ intentionally left something for Paul to do. Alternate translation: “the afflictions that Christ has called me to suffer to complete his work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) Here, Paul is not saying that there is a **lack** in Christ’s **afflictions** because those **afflictions** did not succeed in doing what they were supposed to do. Instead, the **lack** refers to what Christ wished for his disciples to do as his servants. The **lack**, then, is something that Christ intentionally did not accomplish because he wanted Paul to do it. If your readers would misunderstand a **lack**, you could rephrase this so that it is clearer that Christ intentionally left something for Paul to do. Alternate translation: “the afflictions that Christ has called me to suffer to complete his work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
129 COL 1 24 k5yd figs-possession τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Paul uses two possessive forms to speak about the **lack** that characterizes the **afflictions** that **Christ** suffered. If your language would not use possessive forms to express that idea, you could express the idea with a relative clause or two clauses. Alternate translation: “what Christ, when he suffered, left for me to suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
130 COL 1 24 mge9 figs-metaphor τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἡ ἐκκλησία 1 for the sake of his body, which is the church Here, Paul speaks of the **church**, as if it were Christ’s **body**, and he provides the explanation of what **body** means himself. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to the **church** first and then identify it as a **body**. Alternate translation: “the church, which is his body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
131 COL 1 25 gc4m figs-explicit ἧς ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ διάκονος 1 If your language would specify who called Paul to be a servant of the church, you could rephrase this clause so that God is the subject and Paul is the object. Alternate translation: “God appointed me to be a servant of the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
173 COL 2 2 ahpn figs-doublet τῆς συνέσεως; εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν 1 of the mystery of God Here, the words **understanding** and **knowledge** mean basically the same thing. Paul uses both words to emphasize the breadth of spiritual knowledge he speaks about. If your language does not use repetition in this way or has only one word for this concept, you can use just one word or translate **understanding** with an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “of wise knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
174 COL 2 2 v13e figs-possession ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ μυστηρίου 1 Christ Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak of **knowledge** about the **mystery**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate **knowledge** with a verb such as “knowing” or use different prepositions, such as “about.” Alternate translation: “knowing about the mystery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
175 COL 2 2 v9az figs-possession τοῦ μυστηρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul here uses the possessive form to speak about a **mystery** that comes from **God**. Only **God** can reveal the content of this **mystery**. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could express the idea by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “the mystery that God reveals” or “the mystery known by God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
176 COL 2 3 o2ob figs-explicit ἐν ᾧ 1 If what **whom** refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could state it more clearly. The word **whom** could refer to: (1) the mystery. Alternate translation: “in this mystery” (2) Christ. Alternate translation: “in the Messiah.” Since [2:2](../02/02.md) identifies the mystery with Christ, both options express what Paul is saying, so pick the option that most clearly communicates the idea in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) If your readers would misunderstand who **whom** refers to, you could state it more clearly. The word **whom** could refer to: (1) the mystery. Alternate translation: “in this mystery” (2) Christ. Alternate translation: “in the Messiah.” Since [2:2](../02/02.md) identifies the mystery with Christ, both options express what Paul is saying, so pick the option that most clearly communicates the idea in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
177 COL 2 3 w74d figs-activepassive εἰσιν πάντες οἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως ἀπόκρυφοι 1 in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
178 COL 2 3 vhsr figs-metaphor ἐν ᾧ εἰσιν πάντες οἱ θησαυροὶ…ἀπόκρυφοι 1 Paul here speaks of the Messiah as if he were a container that could “hide” **treasures**. He speaks this way to emphasize the value of what Christians receive from God when they are united to the Messiah. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “from whom all the blessings … can be received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
179 COL 2 3 w4mr figs-possession οἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως 1 the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Paul here uses the possessive form to explain what the **treasures** are: **wisdom** and **knowledge**. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could clarify that **wisdom** and **knowledge** are the **treasures**. Alternate translation: “the treasures, which are wisdom and knowledge,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
197 COL 2 6 wqwi figs-infostructure ὡς…παρελάβετε τὸν Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν τὸν Κύριον, ἐν αὐτῷ περιπατεῖτε, 1 Paul here draws a comparison between the way in which the Colossians received the Messiah and the way in which he wishes them to behave now. If your language would put the comparison second, you could reverse the two clauses. Alternate translation: “walk in Christ Jesus the Lord just as you received him” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure)
198 COL 2 6 s99k figs-metaphor παρελάβετε τὸν Χριστὸν 1 Paul says that the Colossians **received Christ** as if they had welcomed him into their homes or received him as a gift. What this means is that they believed in Jesus and the teachings about him. If **received Christ** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase that refers to coming to believe in Jesus or you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you first believed in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
199 COL 2 6 m3f1 figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ περιπατεῖτε 1 walk in him This command does not require the Colossians to walk around inside Jesus. Rather, in Paul’s culture, to **walk** is a common metaphor for how people live their lives, and the words **in him** refer to being united to Christ. If **walk in him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a verb that refers to behavior in life and connect it with how you have translated “in Christ” elsewhere. Alternate translation: “act as those who are united to the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
200 COL 2 7 e2x6 figs-explicit ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐποικοδομούμενοι…βεβαιούμενοι…περισσεύοντες 1 being rooted … built up in him … confirmed in the faith … abounding in thanksgiving Paul uses these four verbs to give examples of how the Colossians should “walk in” the Messiah ([2:6](../02/06.md)). If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could add a phrase that makes this relationship clear. Alternate translation: “Walking in him entails being rooted … built up … confirmed … abounding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) Paul uses these four verbs to give examples of how the Colossians should “walk in” the Messiah ([2:6](../02/06.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could add a phrase that makes this relationship clear. Alternate translation: “Walking in him entails being rooted … built up … confirmed … abounding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
201 COL 2 7 en3l figs-activepassive ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐποικοδομούμενοι…βεβαιούμενοι 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could translate all three of these words in their active forms with the Colossians as the subject. Alternate translation: “rooting yourselves … building yourselves up … having confidence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
202 COL 2 7 fw47 figs-metaphor ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐν αὐτῷ 1 being rooted Paul wants the Colossians to be united so closely to Christ that he speaks of this union as if the Colossians were a plant with roots growing into Christ. If this image would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “being closely connected with … in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
203 COL 2 7 tb5m figs-metaphor καὶ ἐποικοδομούμενοι ἐν αὐτῷ 1 built up in him Paul wants the Colossians to base everything they think and do on Christ as if they were a house built on Christ, who is the foundation. If this image would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in him and basing everything you think and do on him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
204 COL 2 7 yh83 translate-unknown βεβαιούμενοι τῇ πίστει 1 confirmed in the faith The word translated **confirmed** refers to something being sure or valid. If it is not clear that this is the meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “sure about the faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) The word translated **confirmed** refers to something being sure or valid. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable expression or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “sure about the faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
205 COL 2 7 umcl figs-abstractnouns τῇ πίστει 1 confirmed in the faith If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **faith**, you could express the idea in a different way, such as with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “in what you believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
206 COL 2 7 l1is figs-activepassive ἐδιδάχθητε 1 just as you were taught If your language does not use this passive form, you could translate this verb (1) in its active form with Epaphras as the subject (we know he was their teacher from [1:7](../01/07.md)) (2) with a verb such as “learned.” Alternate translation: “you learned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
207 COL 2 7 j47d figs-abstractnouns περισσεύοντες ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ 1 abounding in thanksgiving If your language does not use an abstract for the idea behind **thanksgiving**, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being very thankful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
253 COL 2 16 bvs7 grammar-connect-words-phrases οὖν 1 The word translated **therefore** draws an inference or conclusion from what Paul has already said, which can be found in [2:9–15](../02/09.md): in the work of Christ, the Colossians have received new life and the powers that rule this world have been defeated. Because of these things that have happened, the Colossians should not allow others to judge them in how they behave. Paul is continuing the warning against false teachers that he started in [2:8](../02/08.md). If these connections would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to these ideas more explicitly or use a comparable transition word or phrase. Alternate translation: “In light of all these things” or “Given the Messiah’s sufficient work on your behalf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
254 COL 2 16 e1rp figs-imperative μὴ…τις ὑμᾶς κρινέτω 1 This phrase translates a third-person imperative. If your language has third-person imperatives, you can use one here. If your language does not have third-person imperatives, you could use a comparable phrase or express the idea with a second-person imperative. Alternate translation: “you should not let anyone judge you” or “do not permit anyone to judge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
255 COL 2 16 cii9 figs-explicit ἐν βρώσει, καὶ ἐν πόσει, ἢ ἐν μέρει ἑορτῆς, ἢ νουμηνίας, ἢ Σαββάτων 1 in food or in drink This list of areas in which someone might judge the Colossians refers to parts of the law of Moses. Some of these areas were also important for other religions in Paul’s culture. If Paul’s list of things that someone could **judge** the Colossians in would be misunderstood in your translation, you could clarify that these areas are covered by the law of Moses and sometimes by the traditions of other religions as well. Alternate translation: “for you how behave in relationship to the law of Moses and other religious traditions, including in the areas of food and drink, and festivals, new moons, or Sabbaths.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
256 COL 2 16 b4kd figs-metonymy νουμηνίας 1 in regard to a festival, or a new moon, or Sabbaths The word translated **new moon** refers to a festival or celebration that would take place when it was the time of the new moon. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a comparable expression or translate the idea with a longer phrase. Alternate translation: “a new moon celebration” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) The word translated **new moon** refers to a festival or celebration that would take place when it was the time of the new moon. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable expression or translate the idea with a longer phrase. Alternate translation: “a new moon celebration” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
257 COL 2 17 ip3a figs-metaphor ἅ ἐστιν σκιὰ τῶν μελλόντων, τὸ δὲ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 which are a shadow of the things coming, but the body is of Christ A **shadow** shows the shape and outline of a **body**, but it is not the **body** itself. In a similar way, the things listed in the previous verse show the shape and outline of the **things coming**, but the **body** that casts this **shadow** is **Christ**. He is the substance of the **things coming**. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “which are a foretaste of the things coming, but the full experience is of Christ” or “which hint at the things that were to come, but Christ is the one who came” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
258 COL 2 17 sev8 figs-possession σκιὰ τῶν μελλόντων 1 Paul here uses the possession form to show that the **shadow** is cast by the **things coming**. If your language would not use the possessive form to express this idea, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a shadow cast by the things coming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
259 COL 2 17 liqe translate-unknown τῶν μελλόντων 1 The **things coming** primarily refers to things that will happen or be experienced in the future. They can be connected with both the first and the second coming of Christ, which is why the **body** is of Christ in this verse. If that meaning of **coming** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that **coming** refers to what Christ has blessed believers with at his first coming and what he will bless them with at his second coming. Alternate translation: “blessings that Christ brings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
289 COL 2 21 pzj1 figs-yousingular ἅψῃ…γεύσῃ…θίγῃς 1 Connecting Statement: These commands are addressed to **You** in the singular. Most likely, Paul refers to specific commands given to one person in a specific situation. However, he does intend these to be taken as examples of commands that might be given to any person among the Colossians. If your language can use a command in the singular as a generic example, you can do so here. If this does not make sense in your language, you could use plural commands here. Alternate translation: “You all may … handle … taste … touch” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
290 COL 2 21 b392 figs-explicit μὴ ἅψῃ! μηδὲ γεύσῃ! μηδὲ θίγῃς! 1 You may not handle, nor taste, nor touch! Paul does not express what these commands say not to **handle**, **taste**, or **touch**, but it is clear that only certain things would be included, not all things. If your language would make this information explicit, you could add a generic phrase such as “certain things” or use words that match each command. Alternate translation: “You may not handle certain objects, nor taste certain foods and drinks, nor touch certain people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
291 COL 2 22 a25u writing-pronouns ἅ 1 This pronoun refers to the commands in the previous verse, especially focusing on the implied objects of the rules. If **which** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a noun or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “The things that these commands regulate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
292 COL 2 22 ogj7 figs-idiom ἐστιν πάντα εἰς φθορὰν τῇ ἀποχρήσει 1 This phrase means that all the objects that the commands in the previous verse are about end up being destroyed when they are used. In other words, food and drink are destroyed when they are eaten, and tools eventually break when they are used. By describing the objects in this way, Paul shows that the rules about these objects are not very important. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea more clearly, such as with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “all end up in destruction because of their use” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) This phrase means that all the objects that the commands in the previous verse are about end up being destroyed when they are used. In other words, food and drink are destroyed when they are eaten, and tools eventually break when they are used. By describing the objects in this way, Paul shows that the rules about these objects are not very important. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express the idea more clearly, such as with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “all end up in destruction because of their use” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
293 COL 2 22 cmnf figs-abstractnouns εἰς φθορὰν τῇ ἀποχρήσει 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind **destruction** and **use**, you could express the idea by using verbs. Alternate translation: “destroyed when they are used” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
294 COL 2 22 klsg figs-possession τὰ ἐντάλματα καὶ διδασκαλίας τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 Paul here uses the possessive form to describe **commands and teachings** that come from **men**. If your language does not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could clarify that these teachings “come from” **men**. Alternate translation: “the commands and teachings that come from men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
295 COL 2 22 d4lu figs-abstractnouns τὰ ἐντάλματα καὶ διδασκαλίας τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind **commands** and **teachings**, you could express the idea by using verbs. Alternate translation: “what men command and teach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
372 COL 3 10 d15v translate-unknown εἰκόνα 1 the image The word translated **image** could refer to (1) the way humans show or reflect God’s glory, just like he created them to do. Alternate translation: “the reflection of the glory” (2) Christ, who is the image of God, the way humans can see the invisible God. Alternate translation: “Christ, the image” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
373 COL 3 10 rqsf figs-abstractnouns κατ’ εἰκόνα τοῦ 1 the image If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **image**, you could express the idea in a different way, such as with a relative clause. Make sure your translation fits with what **image** refers to, as discussed in the previous note. Alternate translation: “according to how you reflect the one” or “according to Christ, who reflects the one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
374 COL 3 10 jep5 writing-pronouns τοῦ κτίσαντος 1 The **one who created it** refers to God. If what **the one who created it** would be misunderstood, you could clarify that God is **the one**. Alternate translation: “of God, who created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
375 COL 3 10 xnc0 writing-pronouns αὐτόν 1 The pronoun translated **it** refers to “the new man.” If what **it** refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate **it** with a phrase that more clearly refers back to “the new man.” Alternate translation: “this new man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) The pronoun translated **it** refers to “the new man.” If your readers would misunderstand this what **it** refers to, you could translate **it** with a phrase that more clearly refers back to “the new man.” Alternate translation: “this new man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
376 COL 3 11 wnmm figs-metaphor ὅπου 1 Here, Paul refers to the “new man” from the previous verse as if it were a place one could be in. This means that the word translated **where** refers to the new situation of those who have put on this “new man.” If **where** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea by identifying those who have put on the “new man” as the ones addressed by this verse. Alternate translation: (start a new sentence) “For those who have put on the new man,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
377 COL 3 11 mrpc figs-hyperbole οὐκ ἔνι 1 Here, Paul speaks as if none of the kinds of people he mentions exist in this new situation. The Colossians would have understood this as a way to emphasize how little the differences between all these kinds of people matter once they have died and risen with Christ. They all fit into the category of the “new man” now. If **there is no** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea without the hyperbole by emphasizing the new unity of people from all these categories. Alternate translation: “all people are the same,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
378 COL 3 11 t2w2 figs-genericnoun οὐκ ἔνι Ἕλλην καὶ Ἰουδαῖος, περιτομὴ καὶ ἀκροβυστία, βάρβαρος, Σκύθης, δοῦλος, ἐλεύθερος 1 there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman All these terms are nouns that refer to groups of people that are characterized by the trait that the noun names. These words do not refer to just one person. If your language has a way to categorize people by characteristics, you could use that form here. Alternate translation: “there are no Greek and Jewish people, circumcised and uncircumcised people, barbaric people, Scythian people, enslaved people, free people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
491 COL 4 3 tl71 grammar-connect-logic-goal λαλῆσαι 1 may open a door to us for the word The word translated **to speak** indicates the purpose for which the “door” is opened. If **to speak** would not indicate purpose in your language, you could use a word or phrase that does indicate purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that we might speak” or “so that we can speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
492 COL 4 3 ce37 translate-unknown τὸ μυστήριον 1 the mystery of Christ Paul speaks of his message as **the mystery** of Christ. This does not mean that the message is hard to understand but rather that it had not previously been revealed. Now, however, Paul does “make it clear” (as [4:4](../04/04.md) says). If a **mystery** that is revealed or spoken would be misunderstood in your language, you could replace **mystery** with a short descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “the concealed message” or “the previously hidden message” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown)
493 COL 4 3 fkva figs-possession τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the mystery of Christ Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak of a **mystery** whose content is a message about **Christ**. If your language does not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could express the idea with a preposition such as “about” or a relative clause such as “that concerns.” Alternate translation: “the mystery that concerns Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
494 COL 4 3 gs8f writing-pronouns δι’ ὃ 1 the mystery of Christ The word translated **which** refers back to the “mystery of Christ.” If what **which** refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could state this more clearly by adding a word such as “mystery.” Alternate translation: “on account of which mystery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) The word translated **which** refers back to the “mystery of Christ.” If your readers would misunderstand what **which** refers to, you could state this more clearly by adding a word such as “mystery.” Alternate translation: “on account of which mystery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
495 COL 4 3 q4jx figs-metonymy δέδεμαι 1 on account of which also I have been bound Here, Paul uses the word translated **I have been bound** to refer to how he is in prison. If **I have been bound** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable word or phrase that stands for being in prison or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I am imprisoned” or “I am incarcerated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
496 COL 4 3 lsdv figs-activepassive δέδεμαι 1 on account of which also I have been bound If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “they have bound me” or “the authorities have bound me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
497 COL 4 4 x8bf grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 in order that I may make it clear The word translated **in order that** could introduce: (1) another thing for which the Colossians should pray (in addition to what is said in [4:3](../04/03.md)). Alternate translation: “and that” or “and asking that” (2) another purpose for which the Colossians should pray for Paul (in addition to what is said in [4:3](../04/03.md)). Alternate translation: “and so that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
498 COL 4 4 hm5w φανερώσω αὐτὸ 1 in order that I may make it clear Alternate translation: “I may reveal it” or “I may express it clearly”
499 COL 4 4 rkal grammar-connect-logic-result ὡς 1 in order that I may make it clear Here, the word translated **as** functions to introduce a reason why Paul must preach his message clearly. If **as** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for an action. Alternate translation: “because this is how” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) Here, the word translated **as** functions to introduce a reason why Paul must preach his message clearly. If your readers would misunderstand the meaning of **as**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for an action. Alternate translation: “because this is how” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
500 COL 4 4 ofin figs-explicit δεῖ με λαλῆσαι 1 in order that I may make it clear If your language would state who requires Paul to speak in these ways, you could include “God” as the one that role. Alternate translation: “God has commanded me to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
501 COL 4 5 z3ax figs-metaphor περιπατεῖτε πρὸς 1 Walk in wisdom toward those outside Here, Paul uses the word **walk** to refer to consistent, habitual behavior (like putting one foot in front of the other). In this image, walking **toward** someone refers to consistent behavior in relationship with that person. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Act … with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
502 COL 4 5 u3j7 figs-abstractnouns ἐν σοφίᾳ 1 Walk in wisdom toward those outside If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **wisdom**, you could express the idea with an adverb such as “wisely” or an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “in wise ways” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
510 COL 4 6 c1w4 grammar-connect-logic-result εἰδέναι 1 to know how it is necessary for you to answer Here, Paul uses the word translated **to know** to introduce the result of speaking words **with grace** and **seasoned with salt**. If **to know** does not introduce a result in your language, you could use a word or phrase that more clearly expresses that Paul is speaking about a result. Alternate translation: “with the result that you will know” or “so that you might know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
511 COL 4 6 jdtx πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς…ἀποκρίνεσθαι 1 to know how it is necessary for you to answer Alternate translation: “how to best answer” or “the right answer to give to”
512 COL 4 6 djl0 writing-pronouns ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ 1 to know how it is necessary for you to answer The words translated **each one** refer to individuals who would be considered part of “those outside” ([4:5](../04/05.md)). If what **each one** refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could explicitly refer back to how you translated “those outside.” Alternate translation: “each outsider” or “each one who does not believe in the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
513 COL 4 7 ut91 figs-infostructure τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ πάντα γνωρίσει ὑμῖν Τυχικὸς, ὁ ἀγαπητὸς ἀδελφὸς, καὶ πιστὸς διάκονος, καὶ σύνδουλος ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 Connecting Statement: If the order of this sentence would be misunderstood or confusing in your language, you could rearrange this verse so that (1) what **Tychicus will make known** to them comes after **to you**, and (2) the words that describe **Tychicus** come after his name. You could make one or both of these changes if it would make the verse clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow slave in the Lord, will make known to you all the things concerning me” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure) If your readers would misunderstand this sentence because of the order, you could rearrange this verse so that (1) what **Tychicus will make known** to them comes after **to you**, and (2) the words that describe **Tychicus** come after his name. You may need to make one or both of these changes to make the verse clear in your language. Alternate translation: “Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow slave in the Lord, will make known to you all the things concerning me” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure)
514 COL 4 7 xzz4 figs-idiom τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ πάντα 1 the things concerning me When Paul speaks of **All the things concerning me**, he refers to details about his life such as where he is living, his health, how his work is progressing, and other similar details. If your language has a customary way to refer to this kind of information, you could use it here, or you could express the idea with a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “All the news about me” or “All the details about how I am doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
515 COL 4 7 cbzm translate-names Τυχικὸς 1 the things concerning me This is the name of a man. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)
516 COL 4 7 m52y figs-explicit πιστὸς διάκονος 1 the things concerning me If your language would state whom Tychicus serves, you could make this explicit. He could be a **servant** to: (1) Paul. Alternate translation: “my faithful servant” (2) the Lord, and thus the Lord’s church as well. Alternate translation: “faithful servant of the Lord and his church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
579 COL 4 17 uble figs-metaphor ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 say to Archippus, “Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.” Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in the Lord** to describe the union of Archippus with Christ. In this case, being **in the Lord**, or united to the Lord, identifies the situation in which he **received** his **ministry**. He received this **ministry** when he was united to **the Lord**. Alternate translation: “in union with the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
580 COL 4 17 ufdy grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 say to Archippus, “Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.” The word translated **so that** introduces a goal or purpose. Here, it is the purpose for which Archippus should **look to** or stay focused on his ministry. Use a word or phrase that introduces the goal or purpose of a previous statement. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
581 COL 4 18 t5js ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ 1 Remember my chains Paul concludes his letter by writing a final greeting to the Colossians. Your language may have a particular way of sharing greetings in a letter. If so, you can use that form here. Alternate translation: “I ask to be remembered by my own hand” or “I say hello by my own hand”
582 COL 4 18 fqek figs-explicit τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ 1 Remember my chains In this culture, it was normal for a scribe to write down what the author of the letter was saying. Paul here indicates that he himself is writing these last words. The phrase **by my own hand** means that it was his own hand that took up the pen and wrote. If **by my own hand** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a comparable expression or include any extra information needed to make it clear. Alternate translation: “is in my handwriting” or “I write myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) In this culture, it was normal for a scribe to write down what the author of the letter was saying. Paul here indicates that he himself is writing these last words. The phrase **by my own hand** means that it was his own hand that took up the pen and wrote. If your readers would misunderstand **by my own hand**, you could express the idea by using a comparable expression or include any extra information needed to make it clear. Alternate translation: “is in my handwriting” or “I write myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
583 COL 4 18 sz0k figs-123person Παύλου 1 Remember my chains Here, Paul speaks of himself in the third person. He does this to sign his name to the letter, which shows that the letter is from Paul himself and carries his authority. If your language has a specific form for signing letters or documents, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “I am Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
584 COL 4 18 h3kx figs-metonymy μου τῶν δεσμῶν 1 Remember my chains Paul speaks of his **chains**, by which he means his imprisonment. If **chains** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “that I am in jail” or “remember my imprisonment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
585 COL 4 18 w2vm translate-blessing ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν 1 Grace be with you As was customary in his culture, Paul closes his letter with a blessing for the Colossians. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May you experience kindness within you” or “I pray that you will have grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])