COL front intro d9hy 0 # Introduction to Colossians<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of Colossians<br><br>1. Greeting, thanksgiving, and prayer (1:1-12)<br>1. The person and work of Christ<br> - Deliverance and redemption (1:13-14)<br> - Christ: the Image of the invisible God, and the One who is over all creation (1:15-17)<br> - Christ is the Head of the Church, and the Church trusts in him (1:18-2:7)<br>1. Tests of faithfulness<br> - Warnings against false teachers (2:8-19)<br> - True godliness is not rigid rules and unbending traditions (2:20-23)<br>1. Teaching and living<br> - Life in Christ (3:1-4)<br> - Old and new life (3:5-17)<br> - Christian family (3:18-4:1)<br>1. Christian behavior (4:2-6)<br>1. Closing and greetings<br> - Paul thanks Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7-9)<br> - Paul sends greetings from his associates (4:10-14)<br> - Paul gives directions to Archippus and the Christians in Laodicea (4:15-17)<br> - Paul’s personal greeting (4:18)<br><br>### Who wrote the Book of Colossians?<br><br>Paul wrote the Book of Colossians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.<br><br>Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome.<br><br>### What is the Book of Colossians about?<br><br>Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the Asia Minor city of Colossae. The main purpose of this letter was to defend the gospel against false teachers. He did this by praising Jesus as the image of God, sustainer of all things, and head of the church. Paul wanted them to understand that only Christ is needed for God to accept them.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Colossians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Letter to the Church in Colossae,” or “A Letter to the Christians in Colossae.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What were the religious issues that the church in Colossae struggled with?<br><br>In the church in Colossae, there were false teachers. Their exact teaching is unknown. But they probably taught their followers to worship angels and to obey strict rules about religious ceremonies. They probably also taught that a person must be circumcised and can only eat certain types of food. Paul said these false teachings came from the minds of men and not from God.<br><br>### How did Paul use the imagery of heaven and earth?<br><br>In this letter, Paul frequently spoke of heaven as “above.” He distinguished it from the earth, which Scripture speaks of as being “below.” The purpose of this imagery was to teach Christians to live in a way that honors God who lives in heaven above. Paul is not teaching that the earth or the physical world is evil. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in Colossians in the ULT?<br><br>The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In Colossians, these words usually indicate a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. So Colossians in the ULT uses “believers” or “those who believe in him.” (See: 1:2, 12, 26)<br><br>### Was Jesus created or is he eternal?<br><br>Jesus was not a created being but has always existed as God. Jesus also became a human being. There is potential for confusion in Colossians 1:15 where it says Jesus “is the firstborn of all creation.” This statement means that Jesus is dominant over all of creation. It does not mean that he was the first thing God created. Translat
COL 1 intro gtm3 0 # Colossians 1 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>As in a typical letter, Paul begins his letter in verses 1-2 by introducing Timothy and himself to the Christians in Colossae.<br><br>Paul writes much of this chapter around two subjects: who Christ is, and what Christ has done for the Christian.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Secret truth<br><br>Paul refers to a “secret truth” in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Images for Christian living<br><br>Paul uses many different images to describe Christian living. In this chapter, he uses the images of “walking” and “bearing fruit.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Paradox<br><br>A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Verse 24 is a paradox: “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you.” People do not usually rejoice when they suffer. But in verses 25-29 Paul explains why his suffering is good. ([Colossians 1:24](../../col/01/24.md))
COL 1 1 h5gl 0 General Information: Though this letter is from Paul and Timothy to the Colossian believers, later in the letter Paul makes it clear that he is the writer. Most likely Timothy was with him and wrote the words down as Paul spoke.
COL 1 1 nlf1 figs-exclusive 0 General Information: Throughout this letter the words “we,” “our,” and “ours” include the Colossians unless noted otherwise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 1 1 bqvt figs-you 0 General Information: The words “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to the Colossian believers and so are plural unless noted otherwise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
COL 1 1 fny3 ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ διὰ θελήματος Θεοῦ 1 an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God “whom God chose to be an apostle of Christ Jesus”
COL 1 3 q1su figs-exclusive εὐχαριστοῦμεν…τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν 1 We give thanks … of our Lord The words **We** and **our** do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 1 5 n1qz figs-metonymy διὰ τὴν ἐλπίδα τὴν ἀποκειμένην ὑμῖν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς 1 because of the hope that is reserved for you in the heavens Here, **hope** stands for what the believer can confidently expect, that is, the things that God has promised to do for all believers. These things are spoken of as if they were physical objects that God was keeping in the **heavens** for the believers to possess later. Alternate translation: “because you are certain that God, who is in heaven, will do the many good things that he has promised you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 1 5 xn8s τῷ λόγῳ τῆς ἀληθείας, τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 the word of truth, the gospel This could mean: (1) This refers to the message about the truth, the gospel. (2) This refers to the true message, the gospel.
COL 1 6 wk21 figs-metaphor ἐστὶν καρποφορούμενον καὶ αὐξανόμενον 1 is bearing fruit and is growing Here, **fruit** is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “is having good results, more and more” or “this gospel is having increasing results” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 6 z3g5 figs-hyperbole ἐν παντὶ τῷ κόσμῳ 1 in all the world This is a generalization referring to the part of the **world** that they knew about. Alternate translation: “throughout the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
COL 1 7 mjv5 ἐμάθετε ἀπὸ Ἐπαφρᾶ, τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ συνδούλου ἡμῶν, ὅς 1 as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who “you learned from Epaphras, who is our beloved fellow servant and who” or “Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, taught you. He”
COL 1 7 q8gt Ἐπαφρᾶ, τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ συνδούλου ἡμῶν, ὅς ἐστιν πιστὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν διάκονος τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf Here, **on our behalf** means that Epaphras was doing work for Christ that Paul himself would have done if he were not in prison.
COL 1 7 pz3h translate-names Ἐπαφρᾶ 1 Epaphras This is the man who preached the gospel to the people in Colossae. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
COL 1 8 e7ez figs-metaphor τὴν ὑμῶν ἀγάπην ἐν Πνεύματι 1 your love in the Spirit Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were a place in which the believers were located. Alternate translation: “how the Holy Spirit has enabled you to love believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 9 iyq4 0 Connecting Statement: Because the Spirit has enabled them to love others, Paul prays for them and tells them here how he prays for them.
COL 1 9 f2xd figs-exclusive καὶ ἡμεῖς…ἠκούσαμεν, οὐ παυόμεθα 1 we heard this we also have not stopped The word **we** does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 1 9 w2a7 figs-metaphor ἵνα πληρωθῆτε τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ 1 that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will Paul speaks of the Colossian believers as though they were containers. Alternate translation: “that God would fill you with what you need to know so that you can do his will” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 9 mzz8 ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ καὶ συνέσει πνευματικῇ 1 in all wisdom and spiritual understanding “, so that the Holy Spirit will make you wise and able to understand what God wants you to do”
COL 1 10 m4hf figs-metaphor περιπατῆσαι ἀξίως τοῦ Κυρίου 1 to walk worthily of the Lord Here to **walk** signifies behavior in life. Alternate translation: “to live the way God expects you to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 10 vv4g εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν 1 in every pleasing way “in ways that will please the Lord”
COL 1 10 vfp3 figs-metaphor καρποφοροῦντες 1 bearing fruit Paul is speaking of the Colossian believers as if they were trees or plants. As a plant grows and bears **fruit**, so also believers are to keep getting to know God better and doing good deeds. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 11 gxv6 figs-activepassive δυναμούμενοι 1 being strengthened You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God strengthening you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 1 11 mzf2 figs-metaphor εἰς πᾶσαν ὑπομονὴν καὶ μακροθυμίαν 1 to all endurance and patience Paul speaks of the Colossian believers as if God would move them into a location of **endurance** and **patience**. In reality, he is praying that they will never stop trusting in God and that they will be completely patient as they honor him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 12 t5lw ἱκανώσαντι ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν μερίδα 1 who has made you able to share “who has allowed you to share”
COL 1 12 lt2q ἱκανώσαντι ὑμᾶς 1 who has made you able Here Paul is focusing on his readers as receivers of God’s blessings. But he does not mean that he himself has no share in those blessings.
COL 1 12 r2zw figs-metaphor τοῦ κλήρου 1 the inheritance Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 12 hkf5 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ φωτί 1 in the light This idea is opposite to the idea of the dominion of darkness in the next verse. Alternate translation: “in the glory of his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 13 dw5k figs-metaphor τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ σκότους 1 the authority of the darkness Here, **darkness** is a metaphor for evil. Alternate translation: “the evil forces that controlled us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 13 zav6 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ τῆς ἀγάπης αὐτοῦ 1 of his beloved Son “Son” is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
COL 1 14 wh6q figs-metaphor ἐν ᾧ 1 in whom Paul often speaks as if the believers were **in** Jesus Christ or “in” God. You can translate this as the beginning of a new sentence. Alternate translation: “by means of whom” or “by means of his Son” or “because of his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 14 v5d8 figs-abstractnouns ἔχομεν τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, τὴν ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν 1 we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins The nouns **redemption** and **forgiveness** can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “we are redeemed; our sins are forgiven” or “God redeems us; he forgives our sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 1 15 j5u9 figs-metaphor ὅς ἐστιν εἰκὼν τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ἀοράτου 1 He is the image of the invisible God “His Son is the image of the invisible God.” Here, **image** does not mean a representation of something that is visible. Instead, **image** here means that by knowing the Son, we learn what God the Father is like. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 15 h945 figs-metaphor πρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως 1 the firstborn of all creation The word **firstborn** does not refer to when Jesus was born. Instead, it refers to his position as the eternal Son of God the Father. In this sense, **firstborn** is a metaphor meaning “most important.” Jesus is the most important and the unique Son of God. Alternate Translation: “God’s Son, the most important one over all creation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 15 af6b figs-abstractnouns πάσης κτίσεως 1 of all creation The noun **creation** can be translated with a verb. 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 You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “For through him God created all things” or “God caused the Son to create all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 1 16 zl7j figs-activepassive τὰ πάντα δι’ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν ἔκτισται 1 all things were created through him and for him You can state this in active form. God caused the Son to create all things for the Son’s glory. Alternate translation: “for by him and for him God created all things” or “God caused him to create all things for himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 1 17 wk9y αὐτός ἐστιν πρὸ πάντων 1 he is before all things “it is he who existed before all things”
COL 1 17 m4lp figs-metaphor τὰ πάντα ἐν αὐτῷ συνέστηκεν 1 in him all things hold together Paul is speaking here of the Son controlling all things as if he were physically holding them together. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 18 qsf3 αὐτός ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ 1 he is the head “Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the head”
COL 1 18 q8i3 figs-metaphor αὐτός ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ τοῦ σώματος, τῆς ἐκκλησίας 1 he is the head of the body, the church Paul speaks of Jesus’ position over the **church** as if he were the **head** on the human **body**. As the head rules the body, so does Jesus rule the church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 20 x5av figs-metonymy τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ 1 the blood of his cross Here, **blood** stands for the death of Christ on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 1 21 kv5u 0 Connecting Statement: Paul makes it clear that God has now revealed that Christ exchanges the sin of Gentile believers for his holiness.
COL 1 21 wp3t ἀπηλλοτριωμένους 1 alienated “like people whom God did not know”
COL 1 22 ejt4 figs-metaphor παραστῆσαι ὑμᾶς ἁγίους, καὶ ἀμώμους, καὶ ἀνεγκλήτους, κατενώπιον αὐτοῦ 1 to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him Paul is describing the Colossians as though Jesus had physically cleaned them, put them in clean clothes, and brought them to stand before God the Father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 22 u94j figs-parallelism ἀμώμους, καὶ ἀνεγκλήτους 1 blameless and above reproach Paul uses two words that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the idea of perfection. Alternate translation: “perfect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
COL 1 22 lf5a figs-metaphor κατενώπιον αὐτοῦ 1 before him This expression of location stands for “in God’s view” or “in God’s mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 23 d9kg figs-activepassive τοῦ κηρυχθέντος 1 which was proclaimed that believers proclaimed (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 1 23 q21b ἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν 1 to every creature that is under heaven “to every person in the world”
COL 1 23 g8iq figs-metonymy οὗ ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ Παῦλος διάκονος 1 of which I, Paul, became a servant Paul was actually a **servant** of God. Alternate translation: “the gospel that I, Paul, serve God by proclaiming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 1 24 rcw3 ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου 1 I fill up in my flesh the lack of the afflictions of Christ Paul speaks about the suffering that he continues to experience. He may be acknowledging here that there is much suffering that he and all other Christians must endure before Christ comes again, and that Christ in a spiritual sense joins with them in experiencing these hardships. Paul certainly does not mean that Christ’s sufferings alone were not enough to provide salvation for the believers.
COL 1 24 fm9y figs-metaphor ἀνταναπληρῶ…ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου 1 I fill up in my flesh Paul speaks of his body as if it were a container that could hold suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 24 mge9 figs-metaphor ὑπὲρ τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἡ ἐκκλησία 1 for the sake of his body, which is the church Paul often speaks of the **church**, the group of all Christian believers, as if it were Christ’s **body**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 25 t6ud figs-metaphor πληρῶσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 to fulfill the word of God This means to bring about the purpose of God’s gospel message, which is that it be preached and believed. Alternate translation: “to be obedient to what God has instructed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 25 x4dl figs-metonymy πληρῶσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 to fulfill the word of God Here, **word of God** is a metonym for the message from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 1 26 f3mt figs-activepassive τὸ μυστήριον τὸ ἀποκεκρυμμένον 1 the mystery that had been hidden You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the secret truth that God had hidden” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 1 26 z8gv ἀπὸ τῶν αἰώνων καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν γενεῶν 1 from the ages and from the generations The words **ages** and **generations** refer to the time period from the creation of the world until the time when the gospel was preached.
COL 1 26 a9kw figs-activepassive νῦν…ἐφανερώθη 1 now has been revealed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “now God has revealed it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 1 27 c8yb figs-metaphor τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης τοῦ μυστηρίου τούτου 1 the riches of the glory of this mystery Paul speaks of the value of this **mystery** about God as if it were a treasure of material wealth. “riches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 27 c7ln figs-metaphor Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν 1 Christ in you Paul speaks of the believers as if they were actual containers in which **Christ** is present. This is one of his ways of expressing the union of the believers with Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 1 28 va1x figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς καταγγέλλομεν…παραστήσωμεν 1 We proclaim … we may present These words **We** and **we** do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 1 28 na8w νουθετοῦντες πάντα ἄνθρωπον 1 admonishing every man “warning everyone”
COL 1 28 lyz1 figs-explicit ἵνα παραστήσωμεν πάντα ἄνθρωπον 1 so that we may present every man You may need to make explicit to whom they will present every person. Alternate translation: “so that we may present to God every person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 1 28 uk2i figs-metaphor τέλειον 1 complete Being **complete** is a metaphor for being spiritually mature. Alternate translation: “spiritually mature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 intro p3uc 0 # Colossians 2 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Circumcision and baptism<br><br>In verses 11-12, Paul uses both the old covenant sign of circumcision and the new covenant sign of baptism to show how Christians are united with Christ and freed from sin.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Flesh<br><br>This is a complex issue. “Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that the physical part of man is sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that, while Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. Paul also uses “flesh” in this chapter to refer to the physical body.<br><br>### Implicit information<br><br>Paul mentions several issues in this chapter that imply information about the context of the church in Colossae. It is best to allow the text to remain uncertain over the actual details. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 2 1 tt6v 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues to encourage the believers in Colossae and Laodicea to understand that Christ is God and that he lives in believers, so they should live in the same way they received him.
COL 2 1 dqg5 ἡλίκον ἀγῶνα ἔχω ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν 1 how great a struggle I have for you Paul has exerted much effort in developing their purity and understanding of the gospel.
COL 2 1 rj7d figs-synecdoche ὅσοι οὐχ ἑόρακαν τὸ πρόσωπόν μου ἐν σαρκί 1 as many as have not seen my face in the flesh Here, **face in the flesh** represents the person as a whole. Alternate translation: “all those who have never seen me personally” or “all those whom I have never met face to face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
COL 2 2 ge1w figs-pronouns ἵνα…αἱ καρδίαι αὐτῶν 1 so that their hearts Paul includes the Galatians even though he uses a different pronoun. Alternate translation: “so that their hearts and yours” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])
COL 2 2 a4px συμβιβασθέντες 1 having been brought together This means brought together in a close relationship.
COL 2 2 kdg8 figs-metaphor πᾶν πλοῦτος τῆς πληροφορίας τῆς συνέσεως 1 all the riches of the full assurance of understanding Paul speaks of a person who is completely sure that the good news is true as though that person were rich in physical things. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 2 qgi2 τοῦ μυστηρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 of the mystery of God This is knowledge that can be revealed only by God.
COL 2 2 v13e Χριστοῦ 1 Christ Jesus Christ is the mystery revealed by God.
COL 2 3 w74d figs-activepassive ἐν ᾧ εἰσιν πάντες οἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως ἀπόκρυφοι 1 in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden Only Christ can reveal God’s true **wisdom** and **knowledge**. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 2 3 w4mr figs-metaphor οἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως 1 the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Paul speaks of God’s **wisdom** and **knowledge** as if they were material wealth. Alternate translation: “the very precious wisdom and knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 3 vd98 figs-doublet τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως 1 of wisdom and knowledge These words mean basically the same thing here. Paul uses them together to emphasize that all spiritual understanding comes from Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
COL 2 4 j8di παραλογίζηται 1 might deceive This means to cause someone to believe something that is not true, so he acts on that belief, and suffers harm as a result.
COL 2 5 g1rp figs-metonymy τῇ σαρκὶ ἄπειμι 1 I am absent in the flesh The person’s **flesh**, or physical body, is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “not physically present with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 2 5 bz56 figs-idiom τῷ πνεύματι σὺν ὑμῖν εἰμι 1 I am with you in the spirit Being with someone **in the spirit** is a metaphor for thinking continually about that person. Alternate translation: “I continually think about you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 2 6 m3f1 figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ περιπατεῖτε 1 walk in him To **walk** on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. The words **in him** refer to being in close relationship with Christ and so doing what pleases him. Alternate translation: “live your lives the way he wants you to” or “live so that people can see that you belong to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 7 e2x6 figs-idiom ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐποικοδομούμενοι ἐν αὐτῷ…βεβαιούμενοι τῇ πίστει…περισσεύοντες ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ 1 being rooted … built up in him … confirmed in the faith … abounding in thanksgiving These words explain what it means to “walk in him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 2 7 fw47 figs-metaphor ἐρριζωμένοι 1 being rooted Paul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a tree growing in solid ground with deep roots. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 7 tb5m figs-metaphor ἐποικοδομούμενοι ἐν αὐτῷ 1 built up in him Paul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a building that has a strong foundation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 7 l1is καθὼς ἐδιδάχθητε 1 just as you were taught This is best stated without naming or otherwise calling attention to the teacher, who was Epaphras ([Colossians 1:7](../01/07.md)). Alternate translation: “just as you learned” or “just as they taught you” or “just as he taught you”
COL 2 7 j47d figs-metaphor περισσεύοντες ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ 1 abounding in thanksgiving Paul speaks of **thanksgiving** as if it were objects that a person could obtain more of. Alternate translation: “be very thankful to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 8 cbw5 0 Connecting Statement: Paul urges the believers to be careful not to turn to the words and rules of others because nothing can add to the fullness of God that believers have in Christ.
COL 2 8 ga9l figs-metaphor ὑμᾶς ἔσται ὁ συλαγωγῶν 1 will be the one who takes you captive Paul speaks of the way a person can believe false teachings (because they believe false things or love the wrong things) as if someone had physically caught and held that person by force. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 8 p3vx τῆς φιλοσοφίας 1 philosophy religious doctrines and beliefs that are not from God’s word but are based on man’s thoughts about God and life
COL 2 8 t8xx figs-metaphor κενῆς ἀπάτης 1 empty deceit Paul speaks of false ideas that produce nothing and so are without value as though they are containers with nothing in them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 8 l9jt τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν ἀνθρώπων…τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου 1 the tradition of men … the elemental teaching of the world Both Jewish traditions and pagan (Gentile) belief systems are worthless. The **elemental teaching of the world** perhaps refers to evil spirits that claimed to rule the world and that were adored by people. But some interpreters view the **elemental teaching of the world** as people’s basic teachings about the world.
COL 2 9 ahq5 ἐν αὐτῷ κατοικεῖ πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τῆς Θεότητος σωματικῶς 1 in him all the fullness of God dwells in bodily form “God’s total nature lives in physical form in Christ”
COL 2 10 lbk7 figs-metaphor ἐστὲ ἐν αὐτῷ πεπληρωμένοι 1 you are filled in him Paul speaks of people as though they were containers into which God has placed Christ. Alternate translation: “you are made complete in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 10 je36 figs-metaphor ὅς ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ πάσης ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας 1 who is the head of all rule and authority Christ is the ruler over every other ruler (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 11 xeq7 figs-metaphor ἐν ᾧ καὶ περιετμήθητε 1 in whom you were also circumcised Paul is speaking of those who belong to Christ as if they were inside Christ’s body. Alternate translation: “because you are in Christ, you have been circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 11 f6ek figs-activepassive ἐν ᾧ καὶ περιετμήθητε 1 in whom you were also circumcised This can also be made active. Alternate translation: “in Christ, God circumcised you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 2 11 ii43 figs-metaphor περιτομῇ ἀχειροποιήτῳ 1 with a circumcision made without hands With this metaphor, Paul says that God has made Christian believers acceptable to himself in a way that reminded him of **circumcision**, the ceremony through which Hebrew male babies were added to the community of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 12 ln8e figs-metaphor συνταφέντες αὐτῷ ἐν τῷ βαπτισμῷ 1 having been buried with him in baptism Paul speaks of being baptized and joining the assembly of believers as if it were being buried with Christ. Alternate translation: “as if you were buried with Christ when you were baptized” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 12 r8l8 figs-activepassive συνταφέντες αὐτῷ ἐν τῷ βαπτισμῷ 1 having been buried with him in baptism This can be made active. Alternate translation: “when someone baptized you, it was as if God buried you with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 2 12 g1rq figs-metaphor ἐν ᾧ…συνηγέρθητε 1 in whom you were raised up With this metaphor, Paul speaks of the new spiritual life of believers that God made possible by making Christ come alive again. Alternate translation: “in him God caused you to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 12 yp7u figs-activepassive ἐν ᾧ…συνηγέρθητε 1 in whom you were raised up This can be made active. Alternate translation: “because you have joined yourself to Christ, God raised you up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 2 12 rec6 figs-idiom συνηγέρθητε 1 you were raised up Here to be **raised up** is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “God caused you to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 2 12 qcsm figs-activepassive συνηγέρθητε 1 you were raised up You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God raised you up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 2 13 v6vi figs-metaphor ὑμᾶς νεκροὺς ὄντας 1 you, being dead Paul speaks of unresponsiveness to God as if it were death. Alternate translation: “when you Colossian believers were unable to respond to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 13 f9ms figs-metaphor ὑμᾶς νεκροὺς ὄντας…συνεζωοποίησεν ὑμᾶς 1 you, being dead … he made you alive together With this metaphor Paul speaks of coming into new spiritual life as if it were coming back to life physically. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 13 wh4z νεκροὺς…ἐν τοῖς παραπτώμασιν καὶ τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν 1 dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh You were dead on two accounts: (1) You were spiritually dead, living a life of sin against Christ. (2) You were not circumcised according to the law of Moses.
COL 2 13 k2hw χαρισάμενος ἡμῖν πάντα τὰ παραπτώματα 1 having forgiven us all of our trespasses “for he forgave us, both us Jews and you Gentiles, of all our trespasses”
COL 2 14 w22z figs-metaphor ἐξαλείψας τὸ καθ’ ἡμῶν χειρόγραφον τοῖς δόγμασιν, ὃ ἦν ὑπεναντίον ἡμῖν 1 having canceled the written record of the decrees against us, which were opposed to us Paul speaks of the way God forgives our sins as if it were the way a person, to whom many people owe money or goods, destroys the **record** of that debt so they do not have to pay him back. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 15 gh24 figs-metaphor ἐδειγμάτισεν ἐν παρρησίᾳ 1 he made a public spectacle of them In Roman times, it was common practice for the Roman armies to have a victory parade when they returned home, displaying all the prisoners they had captured and goods they had obtained. God was victorious over the evil powers and authorities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 15 cg37 figs-metonymy ἐν αὐτῷ 1 in the cross Here, **the cross** stands for Christ’s death on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 2 16 b4kd ἐν μέρει ἑορτῆς, ἢ νουμηνίας, ἢ Σαββάτων 1 in regard to a festival, or a new moon, or Sabbaths The law of Moses specified the days to celebrate, to worship, and to offer sacrifice. “for the way you celebrate feast days or new moons or the Sabbath”
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 of an object, but it is not the object itself. In a similar way, the festivals, celebrations, and Sabbath show us something about how God would save people, but those things do not save people. The savior is **Christ**. Alternate translation: “which are like a shadow of what would happen, but the reality is Christ” or “which are like a shadow of the savior who would come, but the savior is Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 18 zv2t figs-metaphor μηδεὶς ὑμᾶς καταβραβευέτω 1 Let no one … deprive you of your prize Here Paul refers to false teachers as if they were corrupt judges at an athletic contest who would unjustly disqualify the believers from winning the **prize** they deserve, and he speaks of Christ saving a person as if Christ were giving a prize to the winner of such a contest. Alternate translation: “Let no one … disqualify you from winning a prize” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 18 b5ce figs-metonymy θέλων ἐν ταπεινοφροσύνῃ 1 delighting in false humility The word **humility** is a metonym for actions one does to make others think that one is humble. Alternate translation: “who wants you to do things to show that you are humble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 2 18 kn5d figs-metaphor ἃ ἑόρακεν ἐμβατεύων 1 standing on things he has seen Here Paul speaks about people who claim to have dreams and visions from God and who talk proudly about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 18 p7q4 figs-activepassive εἰκῇ φυσιούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ 1 becoming puffed up without cause by the mind of his flesh Here Paul says that sinful ways of thinking make a person arrogant. Alternate translation: “puffing himself up by means of his fleshly thinking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 2 18 wp42 figs-metaphor φυσιούμενος 1 becoming puffed up Here a person who boasts is spoken of as if he were an object into which someone had blown air to make it larger than it should be. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 18 if94 figs-metaphor τοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ 1 the mind of his flesh Here the idea of **flesh** stands for the sinful human nature. “the sinful thoughts he naturally thinks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 19 m2dz figs-metaphor οὐ κρατῶν τὴν κεφαλήν 1 not holding on to the head A person not trusting in Christ is spoken of has if they do not hold firmly to the **head**. Christ is spoken of as if he were the **head** of a body. Alternate translation: “not firmly grasping Christ, who is like the head of a body” or “not clinging to Christ, who is like the head of a body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 19 r4ca figs-metaphor ἐξ οὗ πᾶν τὸ σῶμα διὰ τῶν ἁφῶν καὶ συνδέσμων ἐπιχορηγούμενον καὶ συμβιβαζόμενον 1 from which the whole body throughout the joints and ligaments is being supplied and held together Paul speaks of the church, which is ruled and empowered by Christ, as if it were a human **body**. Alternate translation: “from which God supplies the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments and holds it together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 20 yg7h figs-metaphor εἰ ἀπεθάνετε σὺν Χριστῷ ἀπὸ τῶν στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου 1 If you died with Christ from the elemental principles of the world With this metaphor, Paul speaks of a believer as a person who is spiritually united with Christ: as **Christ** **died**, so the believer has spiritually died; as Christ has come back to life, so the believer has come back to spiritual life, that is, to responsiveness to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 2 20 uu77 ὡς ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ δογματίζεσθε 1 as living in the world, are you being subjected to its decrees “do you think you must obey the desires of the world”
COL 2 20 fe1k figs-metonymy τοῦ κόσμου 1 of the world the thoughts, desires, and assumptions of the sinful majority of the world’s people (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 2 21 v9e7 0 Connecting Statement: The rhetorical question that begins with the words “why do you live as obligated to the world” in verse 20 ends here.
COL 2 21 b392 μὴ ἅψῃ! μηδὲ γεύσῃ! μηδὲ θίγῃς! 1 You may not handle, nor taste, nor touch! Paul is quoting what other people have been telling the Colossians.
COL 2 23 y2dc ἅτινά…λόγον μὲν ἔχοντα σοφίας ἐν ἐθελοθρησκείᾳ καὶ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ, ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος 1 These, having indeed a word of wisdom in self-made religion and false humility and severity of the body “These rules that seem wise to unbelieving people because they allow those who follow them to appear humble because they hurt their own bodies”
COL 2 23 e7p5 ἐστιν…οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι πρὸς πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός 1 are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh “do not help you stop following your human desires”
COL 3 intro qtl2 0 # Colossians 3 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The second part of this chapter parallels Ephesians 5 and 6.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Old and new self<br><br>The old and new self mean the same as the old and new man. The term “old man” probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The “new man” is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Character<br><br>Many of the things Paul encourages his readers to pursue or avoid are not actions but character qualities. Because of this, they may be difficult to translate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])<br><br>### “The things above”<br><br>Where God dwells is often pictured as being located “above.” Paul says to “seek the things above” and to “think about the things above.” He is implying Christians should seek and think about heavenly and godly things.
COL 3 1 t1jv figs-idiom συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ 1 you were raised with Christ Here to be **raised** is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This could mean: (1) Because God has caused Christ to come alive again, God has already given the believers in Colossae new spiritual life. Alternate translation: “God has given you new life because you belong to Christ” (2) Because God has caused Christ to come alive again, the believers in Colossae can know that after they die they will live with Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 3 1 qmzv figs-pastforfuture συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ 1 you were raised with Christ Because the believers in Colossae can know that after they die they will live with Christ, Paul can speak of the believers living again as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: “you can be sure that God will give you life as he has caused Christ to come alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
COL 3 1 p3fw τὰ ἄνω 1 the things above “the things in heaven”
COL 3 3 l9yk figs-metaphor ἀπεθάνετε γάρ 1 For you died As Christ actually died, so God counts the Colossian believers as having **died** with Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 3 gkz6 figs-metaphor ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν κέκρυπται σὺν τῷ Χριστῷ ἐν τῷ Θεῷ 1 your life has been hidden with Christ in God Paul speaks of people’s lives as if they were objects that can be hidden in containers and speaks of God as if he were a container. Alternate translation: This could mean: (1) “it is as though God has taken your life and concealed it with Christ in God’s presence” (2) “only God knows what your true life really is, and he will reveal it when he reveals Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 3 xetc figs-activepassive ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν κέκρυπται σὺν τῷ Χριστῷ ἐν τῷ Θεῷ 1 your life has been hidden with Christ in God You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has taken your life and concealed it with Christ in God’s presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 3 4 n4nj figs-metonymy ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν 1 your life Christ is the one who gives spiritual **life** to the believer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 3 5 h5v4 τὴν πλεονεξίαν, ἥτις ἐστὶν εἰδωλολατρία 1 envy, which is idolatry “covetousness, which is the same thing as idolatry” or “do not desire what other people have because that is the same as worshiping idols”
COL 3 6 s9lm ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the wrath of God God’s anger against those who do evil as shown by what he does to punish them.
COL 3 7 p4q8 figs-metaphor ἐν οἷς καὶ ὑμεῖς περιεπατήσατέ ποτε 1 in which you also formerly walked Paul speaks of the way a person behaves as if it were a road or path a person walks on. Alternate translation: “the things you used to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 7 s824 figs-metaphor ὅτε ἐζῆτε ἐν τούτοις 1 when you were living in them This could mean: (1) This means they practiced these things. (2) This means they lived among the people who disobey God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 8 n23c figs-metonymy ἐκ τοῦ στόματος ὑμῶν 1 from your mouth Here, **mouth** is a metonym for talk. Alternate translation: “in your talk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 3 9 c6tk 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues to tell the believers how to live and reminds them that Christians should treat everyone according to the same standard.
COL 3 9 vsd8 figs-metaphor ἀπεκδυσάμενοι τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον σὺν ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτοῦ 1 having taken off the old man with its practices Here Paul is speaking of a Christian’s rejecting his old sinful life as if it were an old garment that he takes off in order to put on a new garment. It was very common for Israelites such as Paul to speak of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 10 brx6 figs-metaphor καὶ ἐνδυσάμενοι τὸν νέον 1 and having put on the new man Here Paul is speaking of a Christian’s rejecting his old sinful life as if it were an old garment that he takes off (verse 9) in order to put on a new garment. It was very common for Israelites such as Paul to speak of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 11 t2w2 figs-metonymy 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 These terms are examples of the categories of people that Paul says do not matter for God. God sees every person alike, not by race, religion, nationality, or social status. Alternate translation: “race, religion, culture, and social status do not matter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 3 11 vt4t βάρβαρος 1 barbarian a foreigner who does not know local customs
COL 3 11 n7by Σκύθης 1 Scythian This is someone from the land of Scythia, which was outside the Roman Empire. Greeks and Romans used this word for someone who grew up in a place where everyone did wicked things all the time.
COL 3 11 i964 figs-explicit ἀλλὰ πάντα καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν Χριστός 1 but Christ is all, and in all Nothing is excluded or left out of the rule of Christ. Alternate translation: “but Christ is all important and lives in all his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 3 12 b5ti figs-activepassive ὡς ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἅγιοι καὶ ἠγαπημένοι 1 as chosen ones of God, holy and beloved This can be made active. Alternate translation: “as those whom God has chosen for himself, whom he desires to see live for him alone, and whom he loves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 3 12 d217 figs-metaphor ἐνδύσασθε…σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, χρηστότητα, ταπεινοφροσύνην, πραΰτητα, μακροθυμίαν 1 put on inward parts of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience The ** inward parts** is a metaphor for feelings and attitudes. Here it is spoken of as if it has certain feelings and attitudes, and as if it were clothing to wear. Alternate translation: “have a merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient heart” or “be merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 13 r8iy ἀνεχόμενοι ἀλλήλων 1 bearing with one another “being patient with one another” or “accepting each other even when you disappoint each other”
COL 3 13 rts1 χαριζόμενοι ἑαυτοῖς 1 being gracious to each other “treating each other better than they deserve for you to treat them”
COL 3 13 p474 figs-abstractnouns πρός…ἔχῃ μομφήν 1 may have a complaint against You can state the abstract noun **complaint** as “complain.” Alternate translation: “might have a reason to complain against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 3 14 x5g8 figs-metaphor τὴν ἀγάπην, ὅ ἐστιν σύνδεσμος τῆς τελειότητος 1 love, which is the bond of perfection Here, **the bond of perfection** is a metaphor for something that causes perfect unity among people. Alternate translation: “love one another because it will unite you perfectly together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 15 hdg5 figs-metonymy ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Χριστοῦ βραβευέτω ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν 1 let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts Paul speaks of the **peace** that **Christ** gives as if it were a ruler. This could mean: (1) They should do everything so that they can have peaceful relationships with each other. (2) This means they should allow God to give them peace in their heart. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 3 15 i9hg figs-metonymy ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν 1 in your hearts Here, **hearts** is a metonym for a people’s minds or inner being. Alternate translation: “in your minds” or “inside of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 3 16 w9dv figs-metaphor ὁ λόγος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐνοικείτω ἐν ὑμῖν 1 Let the word of Christ dwell in you Paul speaks of the **word of Christ** as if it were a person capable of living inside other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 16 g0h5 figs-metonymy ὁ λόγος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐνοικείτω ἐν ὑμῖν 1 Let the word of Christ dwell in you Here the **word of Christ** here is a metonym for the teachings of Christ. Alternate translation: “Be obedient to the instructions of Christ” or “Always trust Christ’s promises” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 3 16 h5k9 νουθετοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς 1 admonishing one another “cautioning and encouraging one another”
COL 3 16 ubi5 ψαλμοῖς, ὕμνοις, ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς 1 with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs “with all sorts of songs to praise God”
COL 3 16 cnj1 figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ χάριτι, ᾄδοντες ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν 1 singing with thankfulness in your hearts Here, **hearts** is a metonym for people’s minds or inner being. Alternate translation: “singing with thankfulness in your minds” or “singing and being thankful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 3 17 uix9 figs-metonymy ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ 1 in the name of the Lord Jesus Acting in the **name** of a person here is a metonym for acting to help other people think well of that person. Alternate translation: “to honor the Lord Jesus” or “so that others will know you belong to the Lord Jesus and think well of him” or “as if the Lord Jesus himself were doing it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 3 17 bv84 figs-metaphor δι’ αὐτοῦ 1 through him This could mean: (1) This means Jesus has done great deeds. (2) This means Jesus has made it possible for people to speak to God and so give him thanks. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 22 iy1n πάντα…μὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοδουλεία, ὡς ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι 1 all things, not with eyeservice as people pleasers “all things. Do not obey only when your master is watching, as though you need only to please people”
COL 3 22 r22m figs-metonymy ἐν ἁπλότητι καρδίας 1 with sincerity of heart Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s thoughts or intentions. Alternate translation: “with all honest intentions” or “with sincerity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 3 24 p3pw figs-metaphor τῆς κληρονομίας 1 of the inheritance Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 25 u5lx ὁ…ἀδικῶν, κομιεῖται ὃ ἠδίκησεν 1 the one who does unrighteousness will receive what he did unrighteously The phrase **receive the what he did unrighteously** means to be punished for bad actions. Alternate translation: “anyone who does unrighteousness will be punished for those things” or “God will punish anyone who does what is unrighteous”
COL 3 25 c9fx figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολημψία 1 there is no favoritism The abstract noun **favoritism** can be expressed with the verb “favor.” To favor some people is to judge them by different standards so the result is better for them than for others who do the same actions. Alternate translation: “God does not favor anyone” or “God judges everyone by the same standard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 4 intro nm3y 0 # Colossians 4 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>[Colossians 4:1](../../col/04/01.md) appears to belong with the topics of Chapter 3 instead of Chapter 4.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### “In my own hand”<br><br>It was common in the ancient Near East for the author to speak and someone else to write down the words. Many of the New Testament letters were written this way. Paul wrote the final greeting himself.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Secret truth<br><br>Paul refers to a “secret truth” in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])
COL 4 1 qhd2 0 Connecting Statement: After speaking to masters, Paul ends his special instructions to the different kinds of believers in the church at Colossae.
COL 4 1 ae3y figs-doublet τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα 1 what is right and fair These words mean almost the same thing and are used to emphasize the things that are morally correct. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
COL 4 1 t9wy καὶ ὑμεῖς ἔχετε Κύριον ἐν οὐρανῷ 1 you also have a master in heaven God wants the relationship between an earthly master and his slave to be loving the way God, the heavenly **master**, loves his earthly servants, including the earthly slaves’ masters.
COL 4 2 sct4 figs-exclusive 0 General Information: Here the word **us** refers to Paul and Timothy but not the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 4 3 ub1i figs-metaphor ὁ Θεὸς ἀνοίξῃ…θύραν 1 God may open a door To **open a door** for someone is a metaphor for giving that person the opportunity to do something. Alternate translation: “God would provide opportunities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 4 3 lj4f ἀνοίξῃ ἡμῖν θύραν τοῦ λόγου 1 may open a door to us for the word “may make an opportunity for us tp preach his message”
COL 4 3 ce37 τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the mystery of Christ This refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was not understood before Christ came.
COL 4 3 q4jx figs-metonymy δι’ ὃ καὶ δέδεμαι 1 on account of which also I have been bound Here, **bound** is a metonym for being in prison. Alternate translation: “It is for proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ that I am now in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 4 5 z3ax figs-metaphor ἐν σοφίᾳ περιπατεῖτε πρὸς τοὺς ἔξω 1 Walk in wisdom toward those outside The idea of walking is often used for the idea of conducting one’s life. Alternate translation: “Live in such a way that those who are not believers will see that you are wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 4 5 b525 figs-metaphor τὸν καιρὸν ἐξαγοραζόμενοι 1 redeeming the time To redeem something means to restore it to its rightful owner. Here, **time** is spoken of as something that can be restored and used to serve God. Alternate translation: “doing the best things you can with your time” or “putting the time to its best use” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 4 6 fuv5 figs-metaphor ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν πάντοτε ἐν χάριτι, ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος 1 your words always with grace, seasoned with salt Food with **salt** is a metaphor for words that teach others and that others enjoy hearing. Alternate translation: “your conversation always gracious and attractive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 4 6 c1w4 εἰδέναι πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς…ἀποκρίνεσθαι 1 to know how it is necessary for you to answer “so that you may know how to answer questions from anyone about Jesus Christ” or “so that you may be able to treat every person well”
COL 4 7 vtb1 0 General Information: Onesimus was a slave of Philemon in Colossae. He had stolen money from Philemon and run away to Rome where he became a Christian through the ministry of Paul. Now Tychicus and Onesimus are the ones bringing Paul’s letter to Colossae.
COL 4 7 p7c1 σύνδουλος 1 fellow slave “fellow servant.” Though Paul is a free man, he sees himself as a slave of Christ and sees Tychicus as a fellow slave.
COL 4 8 vyq5 figs-exclusive τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν 1 the things concerning us These words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 4 8 fr1z figs-metaphor παρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν 1 he might encourage your hearts The heart was thought to be the center of many emotions. Alternate translation: “he might encourage you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 4 9 n15d ὑμῖν γνωρίσουσιν 1 they will make known to you “Tychicus and Onesimus will tell you”
COL 4 9 vb7j πάντα…τὰ ὧδε 1 all the things here They will tell the Colossian believers all that is taking place where Paul is currently living. Tradition says Paul was in Rome under house arrest or in prison at this time.
COL 4 11 ci74 figs-metonymy οἱ ὄντες ἐκ περιτομῆς οὗτοι, μόνοι συνεργοὶ εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 These are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God being from the circumcision Paul uses **circumcision** here to refer to Jews because, under the Old Testament law, all male Jews had to be circumcised. Alternate translation: “These three men are the only Jewish believers working with me to proclaim God as king through Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 4 13 k8vv μαρτυρῶ…αὐτῷ, ὅτι ἔχει πολὺν πόνον ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν 1 I testify for him, that he has much hard labor on behalf of you “I have observed and can report that he has worked very hard on your behalf”
COL 4 15 wyk3 Νύμφαν, καὶ τὴν κατ’ οἶκον αὐτῆς ἐκκλησίαν 1 Nympha, and the church that is in her house A woman named **Nympha** hosted a **house** **church**. Alternate translation: “Nympha and the group of believers that meets in her house”
COL 4 17 d39x figs-you εἴπατε Ἀρχίππῳ, βλέπε τὴν διακονίαν ἣν παρέλαβες ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἵνα αὐτὴν πληροῖς. 1 say to Archippus, “Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.” Paul reminds Archippus of the task God had given him and that he, Archippus, was under obligation to the Lord to fulfill it. The words **Look**, **you have received**, and **you may fulfill** all refer to Archippus and should be singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
COL 4 18 h3kx figs-metonymy μνημονεύετέ μου τῶν δεσμῶν 1 Remember my chains Paul speaks of **chains** when he means his imprisonment. Alternate translation: “Remember me and pray for me while I am in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 4 18 w2vm figs-metonymy ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν 1 Grace be with you Here, **Grace** stands for God, who shows grace or acts kindly to believers. Alternate translation: “I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ would continue to act graciously toward you all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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