1For he wants them to know how great a struggle he has on their behalf, and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen his face in the flesh, [2:2] so that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and into all the wealth of full assurance of understanding, into the knowledge of God’s mystery, Christ, [2:3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [2:4] He says this so that no one may deceive them with persuasive arguments. [2:5] For though he is absent in the flesh, yet he is present in spirit, rejoicing and seeing their good order and the firmness of their faith in Christ.
COL 2:1-5
Absent in Body, Present in Spirit
In the world it was spoken into
In the Greco-Roman world, the term (struggle) evoked images of public athletic contests, where participants competed for honor and glory. Paul’s use of this term would have resonated with his audience, framing his efforts for the Colossians and Laodiceans as a visible, strenuous endeavor akin to a public spectacle. The phrase (encouraged) carried a broader semantic field, encompassing comfort, exhortation, and appeal, often in communal or relational contexts. This would have been familiar to early Christians, who relied on mutual support in a society marked by social stratification and hostility toward new religious movements. The idea of (being knit together) suggested not just unity but also instruction and shared understanding, reflecting the communal ethos of early Christian gatherings. The term (full assurance) conveyed a sense of unwavering conviction, crucial for communities navigating competing philosophies and religious claims. Paul’s emphasis on spiritual presence despite physical absence would have reassured a community accustomed to the absence of itinerant leaders.
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How other translations render this
COL 2:1
- KJV
- For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
- BSB
- For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me face to face,
- Koinōnos
- For he wants them to know how great a struggle he has on their behalf, and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen his face in the flesh,
COL 2:2
- KJV
- That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
- BSB
- that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,
- Koinōnos
- so that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and into all the wealth of full assurance of understanding, into the knowledge of God’s mystery, Christ,
COL 2:3
- KJV
- In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
- BSB
- in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
- Koinōnos
- in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
COL 2:4
- KJV
- And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
- BSB
- I say this so that no one will deceive you by smooth rhetoric.
- Koinōnos
- He says this so that no one may deceive them with persuasive arguments.
COL 2:5
- KJV
- For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
- BSB
- For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.
- Koinōnos
- For though he is absent in the flesh, yet he is present in spirit, rejoicing and seeing their good order and the firmness of their faith in Christ.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
COL 2:1
- a struggle:The word translated 'a struggle' refers to a public contest or assembly, like an athletic competition or a legal dispute, emphasizing intense effort and public display.
COL 2:2
- may be encouraged:The word translated 'may be encouraged' carries a broad sense of being called alongside for comfort, exhortation, or instruction, not just simple encouragement.
- being knit together:The term used here for 'being knit together' suggests being joined or fitted together like parts of a body or a structure, implying organic unity and cohesion.
- of the:The word translated 'full assurance' implies a complete and unwavering conviction, a state of being fully persuaded or having full certainty.