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COL front intro d9hy 0 # Introduction to Colossians<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. Translators should be careful not to imply that Jesus is a created being.<br><br>### What does Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?<br><br>Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. See the introduction to the book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.<br><br>### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Colossians?<br><br>For the following verses, some modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.<br><br>* “May grace be to you, and peace from God our Father” (1:2). Some older versions have a longer reading: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”<br>* “Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf” (1:7). Some older versions read “for you”: “Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, a faithful servant of Christ for you.”<br>* “the Father, who has made you able to have a share in the inheritance of the believers in light” (1:12). Some older versions read, “the Father, who has qualified us for a share in the inheritance in light.”<br>* “In his Son we have redemption” (1:14). Some older versions read, “In his Son we have redemption through his blood.”<br>* “and forgave us all of our trespasses” (2:13). Some older versions read: “and forgave you all of your trespasses.”<br>* “When Christ appears, who is your life” (3:4). Some older versions read, “When Christ appears, who is our life.”<br>* “It is for these things that the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience” (3:6). The ULT, UST, and many other modern versions read this way. However, some modern and older versions read, “It is for these things that the wrath of God is coming.”<br>* “I sent him to you for this, that you might know the matters about us” (4:8). Some older versions read, “I sent him to you for this, that he might know the matters about you.”<br><br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
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COL 1 intro gtm3 0 # Colossians 01 General Notes<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>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))
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COL 1 1 h5gl figs-exclusive 0 General Information: Though this letter is from Paul and Timothy to the Colossian believers, later in the letter Paul makes it clear that he is the writer. Most likely Timothy was with him and wrote the words down as Paul spoke. Throughout this letter the words “we,” “our,” and “ours” include the Colossians unless noted otherwise. The words “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to the Colossian believers and so are plural unless noted otherwise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
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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”
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COL 1 3 q1su figs-exclusive εὐχαριστοῦμεν…τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν…πάντοτε 1 We give…our Lord…we always These words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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COL 1 4 km8w figs-exclusive ἀκούσαντες 1 We have heard Paul is excluding his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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COL 1 4 z6eb τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 your faith in Christ Jesus “your belief in Christ Jesus”
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COL 1 5 n1qz figs-metonymy διὰ τὴν ἐλπίδα τὴν ἀποκειμένην ὑμῖν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς 1 because of the certain hope reserved for you in heaven Here **certain 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 heaven 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]])
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COL 1 5 xn8s τῷ λόγῳ τῆς ἀληθείας, τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 the word of truth, the gospel Possible meanings are (1) “the message about the truth, the gospel” or (2) “the true message, the gospel.”
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COL 1 6 wk21 figs-metaphor ἐστὶν καρποφορούμενον καὶ αὐξανόμενον 1 This gospel is bearing fruit and is growing **Fruit** here is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “This gospel is having good results, more and more” or “This gospel is having increasing results” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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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]])
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COL 1 6 ait7 τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ 1 the grace of God in truth “the true grace of God”
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COL 1 7 f8t1 figs-exclusive ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν 1 our beloved…our behalf The word **our** does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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COL 1 7 mjv5 ἐμάθετε ἀπὸ Ἐπαφρᾶ, τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ συνδούλου ἡμῶν, ὅς 1 gospel as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who “gospel. It is exactly what you learned from Epaphras, who is our beloved fellow servant and who” or “gospel. It is exactly what Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, taught you. He”
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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.
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COL 1 7 pz3h translate-names Ἐπαφρᾶ 1 Epaphras the man who preached the gospel to the people in Colossae (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
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COL 1 8 k2k9 figs-exclusive ἡμῖν 1 to us The word **us** does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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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]])
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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.
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COL 1 9 s83e διὰ τοῦτο 1 Because of this love “Because the Holy Spirit has enabled you to love other believers”
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COL 1 9 f2xd figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς…ἠκούσαμεν…καὶ αἰτούμενοι 1 we heard…we have not stopped…We have been asking The word **we** does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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COL 1 9 u7zh ἀφ’ ἧς ἡμέρας ἠκούσαμεν 1 from the day we heard this “from the day Epaphras told us these things”
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COL 1 9 w2a7 figs-metaphor ἵνα πληρωθῆτε τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ 1 that you will be filled with the knowledge of his will Paul speaks of the Colossian believers as though they were containers. Alternate translation: “that God will fill you with what you need to know so that you can do his will” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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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”
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COL 1 10 cz4a figs-exclusive περιπατῆσαι 1 We have been praying The word **we** does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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COL 1 10 m4hf figs-metaphor περιπατῆσαι ἀξίως τοῦ Κυρίου 1 that you will walk worthily of the Lord Walking here signifies behavior in life. Alternate translation: “We have been praying that you will live the way God expects you to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 1 10 vv4g εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν 1 in pleasing ways “in ways that will please the Lord”
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COL 1 10 vfp3 figs-metaphor καρποφοροῦντες 1 will bear 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]])
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COL 1 11 gxv6 figs-exclusive δυναμούμενοι 1 We pray The word **we** refers to Paul and Timothy but not to the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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COL 1 11 mzf2 figs-metaphor εἰς πᾶσαν ὑπομονὴν καὶ μακροθυμίαν 1 into all perseverance and patience Paul speaks of the Colossian believers as if God would move them into a location of perseverance 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]])
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COL 1 12 t5lw ἱκανώσαντι ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν μερίδα 1 has made you able to have a share “has allowed you to share”
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COL 1 12 lt2q ἱκανώσαντι ὑμᾶς 1 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.
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COL 1 12 r2zw figs-metaphor τοῦ κλήρου 1 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]])
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COL 1 12 hkf5 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ φωτί 1 in 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]])
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COL 1 13 g9d3 0 Connecting Statement: Paul talks about the ways in which Christ is excellent.
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COL 1 13 mv87 ὃς ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς 1 He has rescued us “God has rescued us”
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COL 1 13 dw5k figs-metaphor τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ σκότους 1 the dominion of darkness **Darkness** here is a metaphor for evil. Alternate translation: “the evil forces that controlled us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 1 13 zav6 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ τῆς ἀγάπης αὐτοῦ 1 his beloved Son “Son” is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
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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. This can be translated 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]])
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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]])
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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]])
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COL 1 15 h945 figs-metaphor πρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως 1 the firstborn of all creation The expression “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]])
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COL 1 15 af6b figs-abstractnouns πάσης κτίσεως 1 all creation The noun “creation” can be translated with a verb. Alternate Translation: “all that God created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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COL 1 16 kru3 figs-activepassive ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰ πάντα 1 For by him all things were created This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For by him God created all things” or “God caused the Son to create all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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COL 1 16 zl7j figs-activepassive τὰ πάντα δι’ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν ἔκτισται 1 all things were created by him and for him This can be stated 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]])
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COL 1 17 wk9y αὐτός ἐστιν πρὸ πάντων 1 He himself is before all things “It is he who existed before all things”
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COL 1 17 m4lp figs-activepassive 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. “he holds everything together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 1 18 qsf3 αὐτός ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ 1 He is the head “Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the head”
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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]])
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COL 1 18 j6uq ἡ ἀρχή 1 the beginning “the originating authority.” He is the first chief or founder.
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COL 1 18 s12x πρωτότοκος ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν 1 firstborn from among the dead Jesus is the first person to die and come back to life, never to die again.
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COL 1 20 as3p διὰ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ 1 through the blood of his cross “by means of the blood Jesus shed on the cross”
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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]])
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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.
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COL 1 21 imq1 καὶ ὑμᾶς ποτε 1 At one time, you also “There was a time when you Colossian believers also”
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COL 1 21 wp3t ἀπηλλοτριωμένους 1 were strangers to God “were like people whom God did not know” or “had pushed God away”
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COL 1 22 ejt4 figs-metaphor παραστῆσαι ὑμᾶς ἁγίους, καὶ ἀμώμους, καὶ ἀνεγκλήτους, κατενώπιον αὐτοῦ 1 to present you holy, 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]])
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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]])
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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]])
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COL 1 23 d9kg figs-activepassive τοῦ κηρυχθέντος 1 that was proclaimed that believers proclaimed (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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COL 1 23 q21b ἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν 1 to every person created under heaven “to every person in the world”
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COL 1 23 g8iq figs-metonymy οὗ ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ Παῦλος διάκονος 1 the gospel 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]])
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COL 1 24 rcw3 ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου 1 I fill up in my flesh what is lacking 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.
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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]])
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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]])
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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. **Word of God** here is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “to be obedient to what God has instructed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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COL 1 26 f3mt figs-activepassive τὸ μυστήριον τὸ ἀποκεκρυμμένον 1 This is the secret truth that was hidden This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This is the secret truth that God had hidden” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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COL 1 26 z8gv ἀπὸ τῶν αἰώνων καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν γενεῶν 1 for ages and for 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.
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COL 1 26 a9kw figs-activepassive νῦν…ἐφανερώθη 1 now it has been revealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “now God has revealed it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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COL 1 27 c8yb figs-metaphor τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης τοῦ μυστηρίου τούτου 1 the riches of the glory of this secret truth Paul speaks of the value of this secret truth about God as if it were a treasure of material wealth. “riches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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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]])
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COL 1 27 mr83 ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς δόξης 1 the hope of glory “so you can confidently expect to share in God’s glory”
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COL 1 28 va1x figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς καταγγέλλομεν, νουθετοῦντες…διδάσκοντες…παραστήσωμεν 1 we proclaim…We admonish…we teach…we may present These words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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COL 1 28 na8w νουθετοῦντες πάντα ἄνθρωπον 1 We admonish every person “We warn everyone”
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COL 1 28 lyz1 figs-explicit ἵνα παραστήσωμεν πάντα ἄνθρωπον 1 so that we may present every person You may need to make explicit to whom they will present every person. Alternate translation: “so that we may present to God every person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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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]])
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COL 2 intro p3uc 0 # Colossians 02 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Circumcision and baptism<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>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]])
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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.
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COL 2 1 dqg5 ἡλίκον ἀγῶνα ἔχω ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν 1 how great a struggle I have had for you Paul has exerted much effort in developing their purity and understanding of the gospel.
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COL 2 1 fn4z τῶν ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ 1 those at Laodicea This was a city very close to Colossae where there was also a church for which Paul was praying.
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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]])
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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]])
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COL 2 2 a4px συμβιβασθέντες 1 brought together This means brought together in a close relationship.
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COL 2 2 kdg8 figs-metaphor πᾶν πλοῦτος τῆς πληροφορίας τῆς συνέσεως 1 all the riches of 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]])
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COL 2 2 qgi2 τοῦ μυστηρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the secret truth of God This is knowledge that can be revealed only by God.
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COL 2 2 v13e Χριστοῦ 1 that is, Christ Jesus Christ is the secret truth revealed by God.
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COL 2 3 w74d figs-activepassive ἐν ᾧ εἰσιν πάντες οἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως ἀπόκρυφοι 1 In him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden Only Christ can reveal God’s true wisdom and knowledge. This can be stated 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]])
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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]])
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COL 2 3 vd98 figs-doublet τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως 1 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]])
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COL 2 4 j8di παραλογίζηται 1 trick This means to cause someone to believe something that is not true, so he acts on that belief, and suffers harm as a result.
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COL 2 4 y4r3 πιθανολογίᾳ 1 persuasive speech speech that will make a person think differently
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COL 2 5 g1rp figs-metonymy τῇ σαρκὶ ἄπειμι 1 not with you 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]])
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COL 2 5 bz56 figs-idiom τῷ πνεύματι σὺν ὑμῖν εἰμι 1 I am with you in spirit Being with someone in 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]])
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COL 2 5 ev9p τὴν τάξιν 1 good order doing things properly
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COL 2 5 hth1 τὸ στερέωμα…πίστεως ὑμῶν 1 the strength of your faith “how nothing and no one can cause you to stop believing”
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COL 2 6 m3f1 figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ περιπατεῖτε 1 walk in him Walking 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]])
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COL 2 7 e2x6 figs-idiom ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐποικοδομούμενοι…βεβαιούμενοι…περισσεύοντες 1 Be rooted…be built…be established…abound These words explain what it means to “walk in him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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COL 2 7 fw47 figs-metaphor ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐν αὐτῷ 1 Be rooted in him 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]])
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COL 2 7 tb5m figs-metaphor ἐποικοδομούμενοι ἐν αὐτῷ 1 be built on 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]])
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COL 2 7 yh83 βεβαιούμενοι τῇ πίστει 1 be established in faith “trust in Jesus for everything”
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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”
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COL 2 7 j47d figs-metaphor περισσεύοντες ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ 1 abound 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]])
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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.
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COL 2 8 lm1v βλέπετε 1 See that “Make sure that”
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COL 2 8 ga9l figs-metaphor ὑμᾶς ἔσται ὁ συλαγωγῶν 1 captures you 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]])
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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
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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]])
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COL 2 8 l9jt τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν ἀνθρώπων…τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου 1 the tradition of men…the elements of the world Both Jewish traditions and pagan (Gentile) belief systems are worthless. “The elements 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 elements of the world” as people’s basic teachings about the world.
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COL 2 9 ahq5 ἐν αὐτῷ κατοικεῖ πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τῆς Θεότητος σωματικῶς 1 in him all the fullness of God lives in bodily form “God’s total nature lives in physical form in Christ”
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COL 2 10 lbk7 figs-metaphor ἐστὲ ἐν αὐτῷ πεπληρωμένοι 1 You have been 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]])
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COL 2 10 je36 figs-metaphor ὅς ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ πάσης ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας 1 who is the head over every power and authority Christ is the ruler over every other ruler (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 2 11 xeq7 figs-metaphor ἐν ᾧ καὶ περιετμήθητε 1 In him you were also circumcised Paul is speaking of those who belong to Christ as if they were inside Christ’s body. This can also be made active. Alternate translation: “When you joined the church in baptism, God circumcised you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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COL 2 11 ii43 figs-metaphor περιτομῇ ἀχειροποιήτῳ 1 a circumcision not done by humans 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]])
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COL 2 12 ln8e figs-metaphor συνταφέντες αὐτῷ ἐν τῷ βαπτισμῷ 1 You were buried with him in baptism Paul speaks of being baptized and joining the assembly of believers as if it were being buried with Christ. This can be made active. Alternate translation: “God buried you with Christ when you joined the church in baptism” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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COL 2 12 g1rq figs-metaphor ἐν ᾧ…συνηγέρθητε 1 in him 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. This can be made active. Alternate translation: “because you have joined yourself to Christ, God raised you up” or “in him God caused you to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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COL 2 12 rec6 figs-activepassive συνηγέρθητε 1 you were raised up Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God raised you up” or “God caused you to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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COL 2 13 v6vi figs-metaphor ὑμᾶς νεκροὺς ὄντας 1 When you were 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]])
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COL 2 13 f9ms figs-metaphor ὑμᾶς νεκροὺς ὄντας…συνεζωοποίησεν ὑμᾶς 1 you were dead…he made you alive 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]])
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COL 2 13 wh4z νεκροὺς…ἐν τοῖς παραπτώμασιν καὶ τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν 1 dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh You were dead on two accounts: (1) you were spiritually dead, living a life of sin against Christ and (2) you were not circumcised according to the law of Moses.
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COL 2 13 k2hw χαρισάμενος ἡμῖν πάντα τὰ παραπτώματα 1 forgave us all of our trespasses “he forgave us, both us Jews and you Gentiles, of all our trespasses”
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COL 2 14 w22z figs-metaphor ἐξαλείψας τὸ καθ’ ἡμῶν χειρόγραφον τοῖς δόγμασιν, ὃ ἦν ὑπεναντίον ἡμῖν 1 He canceled the written record of debts that stood against 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]])
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COL 2 15 gh24 figs-metaphor ἐδειγμάτισεν ἐν παρρησίᾳ 1 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]])
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COL 2 15 cg37 figs-metonymy ἐν αὐτῷ 1 by the cross Here **the cross** stands for Christ’s death on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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COL 2 16 cii9 ἐν βρώσει, καὶ ἐν πόσει 1 in eating or in drinking The law of Moses included what one can eat and drink. “for what you eat or what you drink”
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COL 2 16 b4kd ἐν μέρει ἑορτῆς, ἢ νουμηνίας, ἢ Σαββάτων 1 about a feast day or a new moon, or about Sabbath days 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”
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COL 2 17 ip3a figs-metaphor ἅ ἐστιν σκιὰ τῶν μελλόντων, τὸ δὲ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance is 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: “These are like a shadow of what would happen, but the reality is Christ” or “These are like a shadow of the savior who would come, but the savior is Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 2 18 zv2t figs-metaphor μηδεὶς ὑμᾶς καταβραβευέτω 1 Let no one…judge you out 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 prizes 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]])
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COL 2 18 b5ce figs-metonymy θέλων…ταπεινοφροσύνῃ 1 who wants 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]])
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COL 2 18 kn5d figs-metaphor ἃ ἑόρακεν ἐμβατεύων 1 enters into the 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]])
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COL 2 18 p7q4 figs-activepassive φυσιούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ 1 becomes puffed up by his fleshly thinking Here Paul says that sinful ways of thinking make a person arrogant. Alternate translation: “puffs himself up by means of his fleshly thinking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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COL 2 18 wp42 figs-metaphor φυσιούμενος 1 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]])
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COL 2 18 if94 figs-metaphor τοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ 1 his fleshly thinking 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]])
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COL 2 19 m2dz figs-metaphor οὐ κρατῶν τὴν κεφαλήν 1 He does not hold 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: “He does not firmly grasp Christ, who is like the head of a body” or “He does not cling to Christ, who is like the head of a body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 2 19 r4ca figs-metaphor ἐξ οὗ πᾶν τὸ σῶμα διὰ τῶν ἁφῶν καὶ συνδέσμων ἐπιχορηγούμενον καὶ συμβιβαζόμενον 1 It is from the head that the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments is 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: “It is from the head that God supplies the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments and holds it together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 2 20 yg7h figs-metaphor εἰ ἀπεθάνετε σὺν Χριστῷ ἀπὸ τῶν στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου 1 If you died together with Christ to the elements 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]])
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COL 2 20 uu77 ὡς ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ δογματίζεσθε 1 live as obligated to the world “think you must obey the desires of the world”
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COL 2 20 fe1k figs-metonymy τοῦ κόσμου 1 the world the thoughts, desires, and assumptions of the sinful majority of the world’s people (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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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.
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COL 2 21 b392 μὴ ἅψῃ! μηδὲ γεύσῃ! μηδὲ θίγῃς! 1 “Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch”? Paul is quoting what other people have been telling the Colossians. “why do you believe them when they say, ‘Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch’?” or “you should not obey them when they say, ‘Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch’”
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COL 2 23 y2dc ἅτινά ἐστιν λόγον μὲν ἔχοντα σοφίας ἐν ἐθελοθρησκείᾳ καὶ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ, ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος 1 These rules have the wisdom of self-made religion and humility and severity of the body “These rules seem wise to unbelieving people because they allow those who follow them to appear humble because they hurt their own bodies”
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COL 2 23 e7p5 οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι πρὸς πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός 1 have no value against the indulgence of the flesh “do not help you stop following your human desires”
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COL 3 intro qtl2 0 # Colossians 03 General Notes<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>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>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.
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COL 3 1 ya97 0 Connecting Statement: Paul warns the believers that because they are one with Christ, they ought not do certain things.
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COL 3 1 r5yh figs-idiom εἰ οὖν 1 If then This is an idiom that means “because.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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COL 3 1 t1jv figs-pastforfuture συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ 1 God has raised you with Christ Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Possible meanings are (1) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, God has already given the believers in Colossae new spiritual life. Alternate translation: “God has given you new life because you belong to Christ” or (2) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, the believers in Colossae can know that after they die they will live with Christ, and Paul can speak of the believers living again as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: “you can be sure that God will give you life as he has caused Christ to come alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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COL 3 1 p3fw τὰ ἄνω 1 things above “things in heaven”
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COL 3 3 l9yk figs-metaphor ἀπεθάνετε γάρ 1 For you have died As Christ actually died, so God counts the Colossian believers as having died with Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 3 3 gkz6 figs-activepassive ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν κέκρυπται σὺν τῷ Χριστῷ ἐν τῷ Θεῷ 1 your life is 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: Possible meanings are (1) “it is as though God has taken your life and concealed it with Christ in God’s presence” or (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-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 3 4 n4nj figs-metonymy ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν 1 who is your life Christ is the one who gives spiritual life to the believer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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COL 3 5 p9w9 ἀκαθαρσίαν 1 uncleanness impure behavior
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COL 3 5 e65k πάθος 1 passion strong, lustful desire
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COL 3 5 h5v4 τὴν πλεονεξίαν, ἥτις ἐστὶν εἰδωλολατρία 1 greed, which is idolatry “greed, which is the same thing as idolatry” or “do not be greedy because that is the same as worshiping idols”
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COL 3 6 s9lm ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 wrath of God God’s anger against those who do evil as shown by what he does to punish them.
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COL 3 7 p4q8 figs-metaphor ἐν οἷς καὶ ὑμεῖς περιεπατήσατέ 1 It is in these things that you also once walked Paul speaks of the way a person behaves as if it were a road or path a person walks on. Alternate translation: “These are the things you used to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 3 7 s824 figs-metaphor ὅτε ἐζῆτε ἐν τούτοις 1 when you lived in them Possible meanings are (1) “when you practiced these things” or (2) “when you lived among the people who disobey God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 3 8 d3wr κακίαν 1 evil intentions “desire to do wicked deeds”
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COL 3 8 lgz1 βλασφημίαν 1 insults speech used to hurt others
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COL 3 8 f59z αἰσχρολογίαν 1 obscene speech words that do not belong in polite conversation
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COL 3 8 n23c figs-metonymy ἐκ τοῦ στόματος ὑμῶν 1 from your mouth Here **mouth** is a metonym for talk. “in your talk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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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.
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COL 3 9 vsd8 figs-metaphor ἀπεκδυσάμενοι τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον σὺν ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτοῦ 1 you have 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]])
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COL 3 10 brx6 figs-metaphor καὶ ἐνδυσάμενοι τὸν νέον 1 and you have 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]])
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COL 3 10 d15v figs-metonymy εἰκόνα 1 the image This refers to Jesus Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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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]])
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COL 3 11 vt4t βάρβαρος 1 barbarian a foreigner who does not know local customs
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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.
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COL 3 11 i964 figs-explicit ἀλλὰ πάντα καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν Χριστός 1 Christ is all, and is in all Nothing is excluded or left out of the rule of Christ. Alternate translation: “Christ is all important and lives in all his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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COL 3 12 b5ti figs-activepassive ὡς ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἅγιοι καὶ ἠγαπημένοι 1 as God’s chosen ones, 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]])
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COL 3 12 d217 figs-metaphor ἐνδύσασθε…σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, χρηστότητα, ταπεινοφροσύνην, πραΰτητα, μακροθυμίαν 1 put on a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience The **heart** 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]])
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COL 3 13 r8iy ἀνεχόμενοι ἀλλήλων 1 Bear with one another “Be patient with one another” or “Accept each other even when you disappoint each other”
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COL 3 13 rts1 χαριζόμενοι ἑαυτοῖς 1 Be gracious to each other “Treat each other better than they deserve for you to treat them”
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COL 3 13 p474 figs-abstractnouns πρός…ἔχῃ μομφήν 1 has a complaint against The abstract noun “complaint” can be stated as “complain.” Alternate translation: “has a reason to complain against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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COL 3 14 x5g8 figs-metaphor τὴν ἀγάπην, ὅ ἐστιν σύνδεσμος τῆς τελειότητος 1 have love, which is the bond of perfection Here **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]])
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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. Possible meanings are (1) “Do everything so that you can have peaceful relationships with each other” or (2) “Allow God to give you peace in your heart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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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]])
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COL 3 16 w9dv figs-metaphor ὁ λόγος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐνοικείτω ἐν ὑμῖν 1 Let the word of Christ live in you Paul speaks of Christ’s word as if it were a person capable of living inside other people. **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-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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COL 3 16 h5k9 νουθετοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς 1 admonish one another “caution and encourage one another”
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COL 3 16 ubi5 ψαλμοῖς, ὕμνοις, ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς 1 with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs “with all sorts of songs to praise God”
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COL 3 16 cnj1 figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ χάριτι, ᾄδοντες ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν 1 Sing with thankfulness in your hearts Here **hearts** is a metonym for people’s minds or inner being. Alternate translation: “Sing with thankfulness in your minds” or “Sing and be thankful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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COL 3 17 g8p8 ἐν λόγῳ ἢ ἐν ἔργῳ 1 in word or in deed “in speaking or in acting”
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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]])
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COL 3 17 bv84 figs-metaphor δι’ αὐτοῦ 1 through him Possible meanings are (1) because he has done great deeds or (2) because he has made it possible for people to speak to God and so give him thanks. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 3 18 flu9 0 Connecting Statement: Paul then gives some special instructions to wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters.
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COL 3 18 tt9u αἱ γυναῖκες, ὑποτάσσεσθε τοῖς 1 Wives, submit to “Wives, obey”
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COL 3 18 b2y3 ἀνῆκεν 1 it is appropriate “it is proper” or “it is right”
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COL 3 19 lc4a μὴ πικραίνεσθε πρὸς 1 do not be bitter against “do not be harsh with” or “do not be angry toward”
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COL 3 21 bvi3 μὴ ἐρεθίζετε τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν 1 do not provoke your children “do not needlessly make your children angry”
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COL 3 22 cx6a ὑπακούετε…τοῖς κατὰ σάρκα κυρίοις 1 obey your masters according to the flesh “obey your human masters”
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COL 3 22 iy1n πάντα…μὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοδουλεία, ὡς ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι 1 things, not with eyeservice as people pleasers “things. Do not obey only when your master is watching, as though you need only to please people”
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COL 3 22 r22m figs-metonymy ἐν ἁπλότητι καρδίας 1 with a sincere heart **Heart** here 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]])
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COL 3 23 arw4 ὡς τῷ Κυρίῳ 1 as to the Lord “as you would work for the Lord”
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COL 3 24 f3ed τὴν ἀνταπόδοσιν τῆς κληρονομίας 1 the reward of the inheritance “the inheritance as your reward”
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COL 3 24 p3pw figs-metaphor κληρονομίας 1 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]])
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COL 3 25 u5lx ὁ…ἀδικῶν, κομιεῖται ὃ ἠδίκησεν 1 anyone who does unrighteousness will receive the penalty The phrase **receive the penalty** means to be punished. Alternate translation: “anyone who does unrighteousness will be punished” or “God will punish anyone who does what is unrighteous”
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COL 3 25 ak8j ἀδικῶν 1 who does unrighteousness who actively does wrong of any kind
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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]])
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COL 4 intro nm3y 0 # Colossians 04 General Notes<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>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]])
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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.
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COL 4 1 ae3y figs-doublet τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα 1 right and fair These words mean almost the same thing and are used to emphasize the things that are morally correct. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
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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.
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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]])
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COL 4 2 wx86 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues to give instructions to believers on how to live and speak.
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COL 4 2 pp1c τῇ προσευχῇ προσκαρτερεῖτε 1 Continue steadfastly in prayer “Keep praying faithfully” or “Keep praying consistently”
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COL 4 3 ub1i figs-metaphor ὁ Θεὸς ἀνοίξῃ…θύραν 1 God would open a door Opening 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]])
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COL 4 3 lj4f ἀνοίξῃ…θύραν τοῦ λόγου 1 open a door for the word “make an opportunity for us tp preach his message”
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COL 4 3 ce37 τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the secret truth of Christ This refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was not understood before Christ came.
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COL 4 3 q4jx figs-metonymy δι’ ὃ…δέδεμαι 1 Because of this, I am chained up Here **chained** 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]])
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COL 4 4 hm5w ἵνα φανερώσω αὐτὸ 1 Pray that I may make it clear “Pray that I might be able to speak the message of Jesus Christ clearly”
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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]])
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COL 4 5 b525 figs-metaphor τὸν καιρὸν ἐξαγοραζόμενοι 1 redeem the time To **redeem** something means to restore it to it’s rightful owner. Here **time** is spoken of as something that can be restored and used to serve God. Alternate translation: “do the best things you can with your time” or “put the time to its best use” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 4 6 fuv5 figs-metaphor ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν πάντοτε ἐν χάριτι, ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος 1 Let your words always be with grace. Let them be seasoned with salt Food with salt is a metaphor for words that teach others and that others enjoy hearing. Alternate translation: “Let your conversation always be gracious and attractive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 4 6 c1w4 εἰδέναι πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς…ἀποκρίνεσθαι 1 so that you may know how you should 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”
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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.
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COL 4 7 ut91 0 Connecting Statement: Paul closes with special instructions about certain people as well as greetings to and from individual believers.
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COL 4 7 xzz4 τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ 1 the things concerning me “everything that has been happening to me”
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COL 4 7 p7c1 σύνδουλος 1 fellow slave “fellow servant.” Though Paul is a free man, he sees himself as a servant of Christ and sees Tychicus as a fellow servant.
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COL 4 8 vyq5 figs-exclusive τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν 1 about us These words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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COL 4 8 fr1z figs-metaphor παρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν 1 may encourage your hearts The heart was thought to be the center of many emotions. Alternate translation: “may encourage you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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COL 4 9 yqh9 τῷ πιστῷ καὶ ἀγαπητῷ ἀδελφῷ 1 the faithful and beloved brother Paul calls Onesimus a fellow Christian and servant of Christ.
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COL 4 9 n15d γνωρίσουσιν 1 They will tell “Tychicus and Onesimus will tell”
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COL 4 9 vb7j πάντα…τὰ ὧδε 1 everything that has happened 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.
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COL 4 10 wmf4 Ἀρίσταρχος 1 Aristarchus He was in prison with Paul in Ephesus when Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians.
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COL 4 10 cg3a ἐὰν ἔλθῃ 1 if he comes “if Mark comes”
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COL 4 11 bm6s Ἰησοῦς, ὁ λεγόμενος Ἰοῦστος 1 Jesus who is called Justus This is a man who also worked with Paul.
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COL 4 11 ci74 figs-metonymy οἱ ὄντες ἐκ περιτομῆς οὗτοι, μόνοι συνεργοὶ εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 These alone of the circumcision are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God 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]])
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COL 4 11 p8e9 ἐκ περιτομῆς οὗτοι, μόνοι 1 These alone of the circumcision “These men—Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus—alone of the circumcision”
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COL 4 12 et2g 0 General Information: Laodicea and Hierapolis were towns close to Colossae.
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COL 4 12 gg86 Ἐπαφρᾶς 1 Epaphras Epaphras was the man who had preached the good news to the people in Colossae ([Colossians 1:7](../01/07.md)).
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COL 4 12 rq61 ὁ ἐξ ὑμῶν 1 one of you “from your city” or “your fellow townsman”
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COL 4 12 ek51 δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ 1 a slave of Christ Jesus “a committed disciple of Christ Jesus”
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COL 4 12 p8ff πάντοτε ἀγωνιζόμενος ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς 1 always strives for you in prayer “earnestly prays for you”
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COL 4 12 nuh9 σταθῆτε τέλειοι καὶ πεπληροφορημένοι 1 you may stand complete and fully assured “you may stand mature and confident”
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COL 4 13 k8vv μαρτυρῶ…αὐτῷ, ὅτι ἔχει πολὺν πόνον ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν 1 I bear witness of him, that he works hard for you “I have observed that he has worked very hard for you”
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COL 4 14 hq1k Δημᾶς 1 Demas This is another co-worker with Paul.
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COL 4 15 sc5g τοὺς…ἀδελφοὺς 1 brothers Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
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COL 4 15 zkp3 ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ 1 in Laodicea a city very close to Colossae where there was also a church
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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”
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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, that you should 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 should fulfill** all refer to Archippus and should be singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
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COL 4 18 an7s 0 Connecting Statement: Paul closes his letter with a greeting written in his own handwriting.
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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]])
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COL 4 18 w2vm figs-metonymy ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν 1 May 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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