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2COLfrontintrod9hy0# 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>- Pauls 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 “Pauls 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]])
3COL1introgtm30# 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))
4COL11h5glfigs-exclusive0General 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]])
5COL11fny3ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ διὰ θελήματος Θεοῦ1an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God“whom God chose to be an apostle of Christ Jesus”
6COL13q1sufigs-exclusiveεὐχαριστοῦμεν…τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν…πάντοτε1We give…our Lord…we alwaysThese words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
7COL14km8wfigs-exclusiveἀκούσαντες1We have heardPaul is excluding his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
8COL14z6ebτὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1your faith in Christ Jesus“your belief in Christ Jesus”
9COL15n1qzfigs-metonymyδιὰ τὴν ἐλπίδα τὴν ἀποκειμένην ὑμῖν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1because of the certain hope reserved for you in heavenHere “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]])
10COL15xn8sτῷ λόγῳ τῆς ἀληθείας, τοῦ εὐαγγελίου1the word of truth, the gospelPossible meanings are (1) “the message about the truth, the gospel” or (2) “the true message, the gospel.”
11COL16wk21figs-metaphorἐστὶν καρποφορούμενον καὶ αὐξανόμενον1This 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]])
12COL16z3g5figs-hyperboleἐν παντὶ τῷ κόσμῳ1in all the worldThis 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]])
13COL16ait7τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ1the grace of God in truth“the true grace of God”
14COL17f8t1figs-exclusiveἡμῶν…ἡμῶν1our beloved…our behalfThe word “our” does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
15COL17mjv5ἐμάθετε ἀπὸ Ἐπαφρᾶ, τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ συνδούλου ἡμῶν, ὅς1gospel 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”
16COL17q8gtἘπαφρᾶ, τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ συνδούλου ἡμῶν, ὅς ἐστιν πιστὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν διάκονος τοῦ Χριστοῦ1Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalfHere “on our behalf” means that Epaphras was doing work for Christ that Paul himself would have done if he were not in prison.
17COL17pz3htranslate-namesἘπαφρᾶ1Epaphrasthe man who preached the gospel to the people in Colossae (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
18COL18k2k9figs-exclusiveἡμῖν1to usThe word “us” does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
19COL18e7ezfigs-metaphorτὴν ὑμῶν ἀγάπην ἐν Πνεύματι1your love in the SpiritPaul 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]])
20COL19iyq40Connecting Statement:Because the Spirit has enabled them to love others, Paul prays for them and tells them here how he prays for them.
21COL19s83eδιὰ τοῦτο1Because of this love“Because the Holy Spirit has enabled you to love other believers”
22COL19f2xdfigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς…ἠκούσαμεν…καὶ αἰτούμενοι1we heard…we have not stopped…We have been askingThe word “we” does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
23COL19u7zhἀφ’ ἧς ἡμέρας ἠκούσαμεν1from the day we heard this“from the day Epaphras told us these things”
24COL19w2a7figs-metaphorἵνα πληρωθῆτε τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ1that you will be filled with the knowledge of his willPaul 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]])
25COL19mzz8ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ καὶ συνέσει πνευματικῇ1in all wisdom and spiritual understanding“, so that the Holy Spirit will make you wise and able to understand what God wants you to do”
26COL110cz4afigs-exclusiveπεριπατῆσαι1We have been prayingThe word “we” does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
27COL110m4hffigs-metaphorπεριπατῆσαι ἀξίως τοῦ Κυρίου1that you will walk worthily of the LordWalking 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]])
28COL110vv4gεἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν1in pleasing ways“in ways that will please the Lord”
29COL110vfp3figs-metaphorκαρποφοροῦντες1will bear fruitPaul 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]])
30COL111gxv6figs-exclusiveδυναμούμενοι1We prayThe word “we” refers to Paul and Timothy but not to the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
31COL111mzf2figs-metaphorεἰς πᾶσαν ὑπομονὴν καὶ μακροθυμίαν1into all perseverance and patiencePaul 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]])
32COL112t5lwἱκανώσαντι ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν μερίδα1has made you able to have a share“has allowed you to share”
33COL112lt2qἱκανώσαντι ὑμᾶς1has made you ableHere Paul is focusing on his readers as receivers of Gods blessings. But he does not mean that he himself has no share in those blessings.
34COL112r2zwfigs-metaphorτοῦ κλήρου1inheritanceReceiving 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]])
35COL112hkf5figs-metaphorἐν τῷ φωτί1in lightThis 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]])
36COL113g9d30Connecting Statement:Paul talks about the ways in which Christ is excellent.
37COL113mv87ὃς ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς1He has rescued us“God has rescued us”
38COL113dw5kfigs-metaphorτῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ σκότους1the 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]])
39COL113zav6guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ τῆς ἀγάπης αὐτοῦ1his beloved Son“Son” is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
40COL114wh6qfigs-metaphorἐν ᾧ1in whomPaul 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]])
41COL114v5d8figs-abstractnounsἔχομεν τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, τὴν ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν1we have redemption, the forgiveness of sinsThe 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]])
42COL115j5u9figs-metaphorὅς ἐστιν εἰκὼν τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ἀοράτου1He 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]])
43COL115h945figs-metaphorπρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως1the firstborn of all creationThe 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: “Gods Son, the most important one over all creation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
44COL115af6bfigs-abstractnounsπάσης κτίσεως1all creationThe noun “creation” can be translated with a verb. Alternate Translation: “all that God created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
45COL116kru3figs-activepassiveὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰ πάντα1For by him all things were createdThis 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]])
46COL116zl7jfigs-activepassiveτὰ πάντα δι’ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν ἔκτισται1all things were created by him and for himThis can be stated in active form. God caused the Son to create all things for the Sons 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]])
47COL117wk9yαὐτός ἐστιν πρὸ πάντων1He himself is before all things“It is he who existed before all things”
48COL117m4lpfigs-activepassiveτὰ πάντα ἐν αὐτῷ συνέστηκεν1in him all things hold togetherPaul 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]])
49COL118qsf3αὐτός ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ1He is the head“Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the head”
50COL118q8i3figs-metaphorαὐτός ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ τοῦ σώματος, τῆς ἐκκλησίας1He is the head of the body, the churchPaul 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]])
51COL118j6uqἡ ἀρχή1the beginning“the originating authority.” He is the first chief or founder.
52COL118s12xπρωτότοκος ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν1firstborn from among the deadJesus is the first person to die and come back to life, never to die again.
53COL120as3pδιὰ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ1through the blood of his cross“by means of the blood Jesus shed on the cross”
54COL120x5avfigs-metonymyτοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ1the blood of his crossHere “blood” stands for the death of Christ on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
55COL121kv5u0Connecting Statement:Paul makes it clear that God has now revealed that Christ exchanges the sin of Gentile believers for his holiness.
56COL121imq1καὶ ὑμᾶς ποτε1At one time, you also“There was a time when you Colossian believers also”
57COL121wp3tἀπηλλοτριωμένους1were strangers to God“were like people whom God did not know” or “had pushed God away”
58COL122ejt4figs-metaphorπαραστῆσαι ὑμᾶς ἁγίους, καὶ ἀμώμους, καὶ ἀνεγκλήτους, κατενώπιον αὐτοῦ1to present you holy, blameless, and above reproach before himPaul 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]])
59COL122u94jfigs-parallelismἀμώμους, καὶ ἀνεγκλήτους1blameless, and above reproachPaul 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]])
60COL122lf5afigs-metaphorκατενώπιον αὐτοῦ1before himThis expression of location stands for “in Gods view” or “in Gods mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
61COL123d9kgfigs-activepassiveτοῦ κηρυχθέντος1that was proclaimedthat believers proclaimed (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
62COL123q21bἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν1to every person created under heaven“to every person in the world”
63COL123g8iqfigs-metonymyοὗ ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ Παῦλος διάκονος1the gospel of which I, Paul, became a servantPaul 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]])
64COL124rcw3ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου1I fill up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of ChristPaul 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 Christs sufferings alone were not enough to provide salvation for the believers.
65COL124fm9yfigs-metaphorἀνταναπληρῶ…ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου1I fill up in my fleshPaul speaks of his body as if it were a container that could hold suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
66COL124mge9figs-metaphorὑπὲρ τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἡ ἐκκλησία1for the sake of his body, which is the churchPaul often speaks of the church, the group of all Christian believers, as if it were Christs body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
67COL125t6udfigs-metaphorπληρῶσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1to fulfill the word of GodThis means to bring about the purpose of Gods 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]])
68COL126f3mtfigs-activepassiveτὸ μυστήριον τὸ ἀποκεκρυμμένον1This is the secret truth that was hiddenThis 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]])
69COL126z8gvἀπὸ τῶν αἰώνων καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν γενεῶν1for ages and for generationsThe words “ages” and “generations” refer to the time period from the creation of the world until the time when the gospel was preached.
70COL126a9kwfigs-activepassiveνῦν…ἐφανερώθη1now it has been revealedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “now God has revealed it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
71COL127c8ybfigs-metaphorτὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης τοῦ μυστηρίου τούτου1the riches of the glory of this secret truthPaul 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]])
72COL127c7lnfigs-metaphorΧριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν1Christ in youPaul 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]])
73COL127mr83ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς δόξης1the hope of glory“so you can confidently expect to share in Gods glory”
74COL128va1xfigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς καταγγέλλομεν, νουθετοῦντες…διδάσκοντες…παραστήσωμεν1we proclaim…We admonish…we teach…we may presentThese words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
75COL128na8wνουθετοῦντες πάντα ἄνθρωπον1We admonish every person“We warn everyone”
76COL128lyz1figs-explicitἵνα παραστήσωμεν πάντα ἄνθρωπον1so that we may present every personYou 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]])
77COL128uk2ifigs-metaphorτέλειον1completeBeing complete is a metaphor for being spiritually mature. Alternate translation: “spiritually mature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
78COL2introp3uc0# 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]])
79COL21tt6v0Connecting 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.
80COL21dqg5ἡλίκον ἀγῶνα ἔχω ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν1how great a struggle I have had for youPaul has exerted much effort in developing their purity and understanding of the gospel.
81COL21fn4zτῶν ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ1those at LaodiceaThis was a city very close to Colossae where there was also a church for which Paul was praying.
82COL21rj7dfigs-synecdocheὅσοι οὐχ ἑόρακαν τὸ πρόσωπόν μου ἐν σαρκί1as many as have not seen my face in the fleshHere “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]])
83COL22ge1wfigs-pronounsἵνα…αἱ καρδίαι αὐτῶν1so that their heartsPaul 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]])
84COL22a4pxσυμβιβασθέντες1brought togetherThis means brought together in a close relationship.
85COL22kdg8figs-metaphorπᾶν πλοῦτος τῆς πληροφορίας τῆς συνέσεως1all the riches of full assurance of understandingPaul 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]])
86COL22qgi2τοῦ μυστηρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ1the secret truth of GodThis is knowledge that can be revealed only by God.
87COL22v13eΧριστοῦ1that is, ChristJesus Christ is the secret truth revealed by God.
88COL23w74dfigs-activepassiveἐν ᾧ εἰσιν πάντες οἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως ἀπόκρυφοι1In him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hiddenOnly Christ can reveal Gods 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]])
89COL23w4mrfigs-metaphorοἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως1the treasures of wisdom and knowledgePaul speaks of Gods 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]])
90COL23vd98figs-doubletτῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως1wisdom and knowledgeThese 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]])
91COL24j8diπαραλογίζηται1trickThis means to cause someone to believe something that is not true, so he acts on that belief, and suffers harm as a result.
92COL24y4r3πιθανολογίᾳ1persuasive speechspeech that will make a person think differently
93COL25g1rpfigs-metonymyτῇ σαρκὶ ἄπειμι1not with you in the fleshThe persons 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]])
94COL25bz56figs-idiomτῷ πνεύματι σὺν ὑμῖν εἰμι1I am with you in spiritBeing 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]])
95COL25ev9pτὴν τάξιν1good orderdoing things properly
96COL25hth1τὸ στερέωμα…πίστεως ὑμῶν1the strength of your faith“how nothing and no one can cause you to stop believing”
97COL26m3f1figs-metaphorἐν αὐτῷ περιπατεῖτε1walk in himWalking 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]])
98COL27e2x6figs-idiomἐρριζωμένοι…ἐποικοδομούμενοι…βεβαιούμενοι…περισσεύοντες1Be rooted…be built…be established…aboundThese words explain what it means to “walk in him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
99COL27fw47figs-metaphorἐρριζωμένοι…ἐν αὐτῷ1Be rooted in himPaul 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]])
100COL27tb5mfigs-metaphorἐποικοδομούμενοι ἐν αὐτῷ1be built on himPaul 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]])
101COL27yh83βεβαιούμενοι τῇ πίστει1be established in faith“trust in Jesus for everything”
102COL27l1isκαθὼς ἐδιδάχθητε1just as you were taughtThis 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”
103COL27j47dfigs-metaphorπερισσεύοντες ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ1abound in thanksgivingPaul 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]])
104COL28cbw50Connecting 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.
105COL28lm1vβλέπετε1See that“Make sure that”
106COL28ga9lfigs-metaphorὑμᾶς ἔσται ὁ συλαγωγῶν1captures youPaul 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]])
107COL28p3vxτῆς φιλοσοφίας1philosophyreligious doctrines and beliefs that are not from Gods word but are based on mans thoughts about God and life
108COL28t8xxfigs-metaphorκενῆς ἀπάτης1empty deceitPaul 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]])
109COL28l9jtτὴν παράδοσιν τῶν ἀνθρώπων…τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου1the tradition of men…the elements of the worldBoth 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 peoples basic teachings about the world.
110COL29ahq5ἐν αὐτῷ κατοικεῖ πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τῆς Θεότητος σωματικῶς1in him all the fullness of God lives in bodily form“Gods total nature lives in physical form in Christ”
111COL210lbk7figs-metaphorἐστὲ ἐν αὐτῷ πεπληρωμένοι1You have been filled in himPaul 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]])
112COL210je36figs-metaphorὅς ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ πάσης ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας1who is the head over every power and authorityChrist is the ruler over every other ruler (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
113COL211xeq7figs-metaphorἐν ᾧ καὶ περιετμήθητε1In him you were also circumcisedPaul is speaking of those who belong to Christ as if they were inside Christs 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]])
114COL211ii43figs-metaphorπεριτομῇ ἀχειροποιήτῳ1a circumcision not done by humansWith 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]])
115COL212ln8efigs-metaphorσυνταφέντες αὐτῷ ἐν τῷ βαπτισμῷ1You were buried with him in baptismPaul 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]])
116COL212g1rqfigs-metaphorἐν ᾧ…συνηγέρθητε1in him you were raised upWith 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]])
117COL212rec6figs-activepassiveσυνηγέρθητε1you were raised upHere 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]])
118COL213v6vifigs-metaphorὑμᾶς νεκροὺς ὄντας1When you were deadPaul 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]])
119COL213f9msfigs-metaphorὑμᾶς νεκροὺς ὄντας…συνεζωοποίησεν ὑμᾶς1you were dead…he made you aliveWith 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]])
120COL213wh4zνεκροὺς…ἐν τοῖς παραπτώμασιν καὶ τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν1dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your fleshYou 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.
121COL213k2hwχαρισάμενος ἡμῖν πάντα τὰ παραπτώματα1forgave us all of our trespasses“he forgave us, both us Jews and you Gentiles, of all our trespasses”
122COL214w22zfigs-metaphorἐξαλείψας τὸ καθ’ ἡμῶν χειρόγραφον τοῖς δόγμασιν, ὃ ἦν ὑπεναντίον ἡμῖν1He canceled the written record of debts that stood against usPaul 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]])
123COL215gh24figs-metaphorἐδειγμάτισεν ἐν παρρησίᾳ1made a public spectacle of themIn 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]])
124COL215cg37figs-metonymyἐν αὐτῷ1by the crossHere “the cross” stands for Christs death on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
125COL216cii9ἐν βρώσει, καὶ ἐν πόσει1in eating or in drinkingThe law of Moses included what one can eat and drink. “for what you eat or what you drink”
126COL216b4kdἐν μέρει ἑορτῆς, ἢ νουμηνίας, ἢ Σαββάτων1about a feast day or a new moon, or about Sabbath daysThe 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”
127COL217ip3afigs-metaphorἅ ἐστιν σκιὰ τῶν μελλόντων, τὸ δὲ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ1These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance is ChristA 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]])
128COL218zv2tfigs-metaphorμηδεὶς ὑμᾶς καταβραβευέτω1Let no one…judge you out of your prizeHere 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]])
129COL218b5cefigs-metonymyθέλων…ταπεινοφροσύνῃ1who wants humilityThe 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]])
130COL218kn5dfigs-metaphorἃ ἑόρακεν ἐμβατεύων1enters into the things he has seenHere 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]])
131COL218p7q4figs-activepassiveφυσιούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ1becomes puffed up by his fleshly thinkingHere 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]])
132COL218wp42figs-metaphorφυσιούμενος1puffed upHere 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]])
133COL218if94figs-metaphorτοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ1his fleshly thinkingHere the idea of flesh stands for the sinful human nature. “the sinful thoughts he naturally thinks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
134COL219m2dzfigs-metaphorοὐ κρατῶν τὴν κεφαλήν1He does not hold on to the headA 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]])
135COL219r4cafigs-metaphorἐξ οὗ πᾶν τὸ σῶμα διὰ τῶν ἁφῶν καὶ συνδέσμων ἐπιχορηγούμενον καὶ συμβιβαζόμενον1It is from the head that the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments is supplied and held togetherPaul 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]])
136COL220yg7hfigs-metaphorεἰ ἀπεθάνετε σὺν Χριστῷ ἀπὸ τῶν στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου1If you died together with Christ to the elements of the worldWith 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]])
137COL220uu77ὡς ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ δογματίζεσθε1live as obligated to the world“think you must obey the desires of the world”
138COL220fe1kfigs-metonymyτοῦ κόσμου1the worldthe thoughts, desires, and assumptions of the sinful majority of the worlds people (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
139COL221v9e70Connecting Statement:The rhetorical question that begins with the words “why do you live as obligated to the world” in verse 20 ends here.
140COL221b392μὴ 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
141COL223y2dcἅτινά ἐστιν λόγον μὲν ἔχοντα σοφίας ἐν ἐθελοθρησκείᾳ καὶ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ, ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος1These 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”
142COL223e7p5οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι πρὸς πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός1have no value against the indulgence of the flesh“do not help you stop following your human desires”
143COL3introqtl20# 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.
144COL31ya970Connecting Statement:Paul warns the believers that because they are one with Christ, they ought not do certain things.
145COL31r5yhfigs-idiomεἰ οὖν1If thenThis is an idiom that means “because.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
146COL31t1jvfigs-pastforfutureσυνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ1God has raised you with ChristHere 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]])
147COL31p3fwτὰ ἄνω1things above“things in heaven”
148COL33l9ykfigs-metaphorἀπεθάνετε γάρ1For you have diedAs Christ actually died, so God counts the Colossian believers as having died with Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
149COL33gkz6figs-activepassiveἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν κέκρυπται σὺν τῷ Χριστῷ ἐν τῷ Θεῷ1your life is hidden with Christ in GodPaul speaks of peoples 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 Gods 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]])
150COL34n4njfigs-metonymyἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν1who is your lifeChrist is the one who gives spiritual life to the believer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
151COL35p9w9ἀκαθαρσίαν1uncleannessimpure behavior
152COL35e65kπάθος1passionstrong, lustful desire
153COL35h5v4τὴν πλεονεξίαν, ἥτις ἐστὶν εἰδωλολατρία1greed, which is idolatry“greed, which is the same thing as idolatry” or “do not be greedy because that is the same as worshiping idols”
154COL36s9lmἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ1wrath of GodGods anger against those who do evil as shown by what he does to punish them.
155COL37p4q8figs-metaphorἐν οἷς καὶ ὑμεῖς περιεπατήσατέ1It is in these things that you also once walkedPaul 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]])
156COL37s824figs-metaphorὅτε ἐζῆτε ἐν τούτοις1when you lived in themPossible 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]])
157COL38d3wrκακίαν1evil intentions“desire to do wicked deeds”
158COL38lgz1βλασφημίαν1insultsspeech used to hurt others
159COL38f59zαἰσχρολογίαν1obscene speechwords that do not belong in polite conversation
160COL38n23cfigs-metonymyἐκ τοῦ στόματος ὑμῶν1from your mouthHere “mouth” is a metonym for talk. “in your talk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
161COL39c6tk0Connecting Statement:Paul continues to tell the believers how to live and reminds them that Christians should treat everyone according to the same standard.
162COL39vsd8figs-metaphorἀπεκδυσάμενοι τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον σὺν ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτοῦ1you have taken off the old man with its practicesHere Paul is speaking of a Christians 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]])
163COL310brx6figs-metaphorκαὶ ἐνδυσάμενοι τὸν νέον1and you have put on the new manHere Paul is speaking of a Christians 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]])
164COL310d15vfigs-metonymyεἰκόνα1the imageThis refers to Jesus Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
165COL311t2w2figs-metonymyοὐκ ἔνι Ἕλλην καὶ Ἰουδαῖος, περιτομὴ καὶ ἀκροβυστία, βάρβαρος, Σκύθης, δοῦλος, ἐλεύθερος1there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freemanThese 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]])
166COL311vt4tβάρβαρος1barbariana foreigner who does not know local customs
167COL311n7byΣκύθης1ScythianThis 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.
168COL311i964figs-explicitἀλλὰ πάντα καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν Χριστός1Christ is all, and is in allNothing 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]])
169COL312b5tifigs-activepassiveὡς ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἅγιοι καὶ ἠγαπημένοι1as Gods chosen ones, holy and belovedThis 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]])
170COL312d217figs-metaphorἐνδύσασθε…σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, χρηστότητα, ταπεινοφροσύνην, πραΰτητα, μακροθυμίαν1put on a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patienceThe “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]])
171COL313r8iyἀνεχόμενοι ἀλλήλων1Bear with one another“Be patient with one another” or “Accept each other even when you disappoint each other”
172COL313rts1χαριζόμενοι ἑαυτοῖς1Be gracious to each other“Treat each other better than they deserve for you to treat them”
173COL313p474figs-abstractnounsπρός…ἔχῃ μομφήν1has a complaint againstThe abstract noun “complaint” can be stated as “complain.” Alternate translation: “has a reason to complain against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
174COL314x5g8figs-metaphorτὴν ἀγάπην, ὅ ἐστιν σύνδεσμος τῆς τελειότητος1have love, which is the bond of perfectionHere “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]])
175COL315hdg5figs-metonymyἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Χριστοῦ βραβευέτω ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν1Let the peace of Christ rule in your heartsPaul 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]])
176COL315i9hgfigs-metonymyἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν1in your heartsHere “hearts” is a metonym for a peoples minds or inner being. Alternate translation: “in your minds” or “inside of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
177COL316w9dvfigs-metaphorὁ λόγος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐνοικείτω ἐν ὑμῖν1Let the word of Christ live in youPaul speaks of Christs 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 Christs promises” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
178COL316h5k9νουθετοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς1admonish one another“caution and encourage one another”
179COL316ubi5ψαλμοῖς, ὕμνοις, ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς1with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs“with all sorts of songs to praise God”
180COL316cnj1figs-metonymyἐν τῇ χάριτι, ᾄδοντες ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν1Sing with thankfulness in your heartsHere “hearts” is a metonym for peoples 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]])
181COL317g8p8ἐν λόγῳ ἢ ἐν ἔργῳ1in word or in deed“in speaking or in acting”
182COL317uix9figs-metonymyἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1in the name of the Lord JesusActing 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]])
183COL317bv84figs-metaphorδι’ αὐτοῦ1through himPossible 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]])
184COL318flu90Connecting Statement:Paul then gives some special instructions to wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters.
185COL318tt9uαἱ γυναῖκες, ὑποτάσσεσθε τοῖς1Wives, submit to“Wives, obey”
186COL318b2y3ἀνῆκεν1it is appropriate“it is proper” or “it is right”
187COL319lc4aμὴ πικραίνεσθε πρὸς1do not be bitter against“do not be harsh with” or “do not be angry toward”
188COL321bvi3μὴ ἐρεθίζετε τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν1do not provoke your children“do not needlessly make your children angry”
189COL322cx6aὑπακούετε…τοῖς κατὰ σάρκα κυρίοις1obey your masters according to the flesh“obey your human masters”
190COL322iy1nπάντα…μὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοδουλεία, ὡς ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι1things, not with eyeservice as people pleasers“things. Do not obey only when your master is watching, as though you need only to please people”
191COL322r22mfigs-metonymyἐν ἁπλότητι καρδίας1with a sincere heart“Heart” here is a metonym for a persons thoughts or intentions. Alternate translation: “with all honest intentions” or “with sincerity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
192COL323arw4ὡς τῷ Κυρίῳ1as to the Lord“as you would work for the Lord”
193COL324f3edτὴν ἀνταπόδοσιν τῆς κληρονομίας1the reward of the inheritance“the inheritance as your reward”
194COL324p3pwfigs-metaphorκληρονομίας1inheritanceReceiving 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]])
195COL325u5lxὁ…ἀδικῶν, κομιεῖται ὃ ἠδίκησεν1anyone who does unrighteousness will receive the penaltyThe 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”
196COL325ak8jἀδικῶν1who does unrighteousnesswho actively does wrong of any kind
197COL325c9fxfigs-abstractnounsοὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολημψία1there is no favoritismThe 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]])
198COL4intronm3y0# 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]])
199COL41qhd20Connecting Statement:After speaking to masters, Paul ends his special instructions to the different kinds of believers in the church at Colossae.
200COL41ae3yfigs-doubletτὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα1right and fairThese 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]])
201COL41t9wyκαὶ ὑμεῖς ἔχετε Κύριον ἐν οὐρανῷ1you also have a master in heavenGod 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.
202COL42sct4figs-exclusive0General Information:Here the word “us” refers to Paul and Timothy but not the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
203COL42wx860Connecting Statement:Paul continues to give instructions to believers on how to live and speak.
204COL42pp1cτῇ προσευχῇ προσκαρτερεῖτε1Continue steadfastly in prayer“Keep praying faithfully” or “Keep praying consistently”
205COL43ub1ifigs-metaphorὁ Θεὸς ἀνοίξῃ…θύραν1God would open a doorOpening 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]])
206COL43lj4fἀνοίξῃ…θύραν τοῦ λόγου1open a door for the word“make an opportunity for us tp preach his message”
207COL43ce37τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ1the secret truth of ChristThis refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was not understood before Christ came.
208COL43q4jxfigs-metonymyδι’ ὃ…δέδεμαι1Because of this, I am chained upHere “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]])
209COL44hm5wἵνα φανερώσω αὐτὸ1Pray that I may make it clear“Pray that I might be able to speak the message of Jesus Christ clearly”
210COL45z3axfigs-metaphorἐν σοφίᾳ περιπατεῖτε πρὸς τοὺς ἔξω1Walk in wisdom toward those outsideThe idea of walking is often used for the idea of conducting ones 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]])
211COL45b525figs-metaphorτὸν καιρὸν ἐξαγοραζόμενοι1redeem the timeTo “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: “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]])
212COL46fuv5figs-metaphorὁ λόγος ὑμῶν πάντοτε ἐν χάριτι, ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος1Let your words always be with grace. Let them be seasoned with saltFood 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]])
213COL46c1w4εἰδέναι πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς…ἀποκρίνεσθαι1so 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”
214COL47vtb10General 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 Pauls letter to Colossae.
215COL47ut910Connecting Statement:Paul closes with special instructions about certain people as well as greetings to and from individual believers.
216COL47xzz4τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ1the things concerning me“everything that has been happening to me”
217COL47p7c1σύνδουλος1fellow slave“fellow servant.” Though Paul is a free man, he sees himself as a servant of Christ and sees Tychicus as a fellow servant.
218COL48vyq5figs-exclusiveτὰ περὶ ἡμῶν1about usThese words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
219COL48fr1zfigs-metaphorπαρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν1may encourage your heartsThe heart was thought to be the center of many emotions. Alternate translation: “may encourage you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
220COL49yqh9τῷ πιστῷ καὶ ἀγαπητῷ ἀδελφῷ1the faithful and beloved brotherPaul calls Onesimus a fellow Christian and servant of Christ.
221COL49n15dγνωρίσουσιν1They will tell“Tychicus and Onesimus will tell”
222COL49vb7jπάντα…τὰ ὧδε1everything that has happened hereThey 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.
223COL410wmf4Ἀρίσταρχος1AristarchusHe was in prison with Paul in Ephesus when Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians.
224COL410cg3aἐὰν ἔλθῃ1if he comes“if Mark comes”
225COL411bm6sἸησοῦς, ὁ λεγόμενος Ἰοῦστος1Jesus who is called JustusThis is a man who also worked with Paul.
226COL411ci74figs-metonymyοἱ ὄντες ἐκ περιτομῆς οὗτοι, μόνοι συνεργοὶ εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ1These alone of the circumcision are my fellow workers for the kingdom of GodPaul 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]])
227COL411p8e9ἐκ περιτομῆς οὗτοι, μόνοι1These alone of the circumcision“These men—Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus—alone of the circumcision”
228COL412et2g0General Information:Laodicea and Hierapolis were towns close to Colossae.
229COL412gg86Ἐπαφρᾶς1EpaphrasEpaphras was the man who had preached the good news to the people in Colossae ([Colossians 1:7](../01/07.md)).
230COL412rq61ὁ ἐξ ὑμῶν1one of you“from your city” or “your fellow townsman”
231COL412ek51δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1a slave of Christ Jesus“a committed disciple of Christ Jesus”
232COL412p8ffπάντοτε ἀγωνιζόμενος ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς1always strives for you in prayer“earnestly prays for you”
233COL412nuh9σταθῆτε τέλειοι καὶ πεπληροφορημένοι1you may stand complete and fully assured“you may stand mature and confident”
234COL413k8vvμαρτυρῶ…αὐτῷ, ὅτι ἔχει πολὺν πόνον ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν1I bear witness of him, that he works hard for you“I have observed that he has worked very hard for you”
235COL414hq1kΔημᾶς1DemasThis is another co-worker with Paul.
236COL415sc5gτοὺς…ἀδελφοὺς1brothersHere this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
237COL415zkp3ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ1in Laodiceaa city very close to Colossae where there was also a church
238COL415wyk3Νύμφαν, καὶ τὴν κατ’ οἶκον αὐτῆς ἐκκλησίαν1Nympha, and the church that is in her houseA woman named Nympha hosted a house church. Alternate translation: “Nympha and the group of believers that meets in her house”
239COL417d39xfigs-youεἴπατε Ἀρχίππῳ, βλέπε τὴν διακονίαν ἣν παρέλαβες ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἵνα αὐτὴν πληροῖς.1Say to Archippus, “Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, that you should fulfill itPaul 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]])
240COL418an7s0Connecting Statement:Paul closes his letter with a greeting written in his own handwriting.
241COL418h3kxfigs-metonymyμνημονεύετέ μου τῶν δεσμῶν1Remember my chainsPaul 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]])
242COL418w2vmfigs-metonymyἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν1May grace be with youHere “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]])