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| 1 | Book | Chapter | Verse | ID | SupportReference | OrigQuote | Occurrence | GLQuote | OccurrenceNote |
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| 2 | 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]])<br> | |||
| 3 | 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))<br> | |||
| 4 | COL | 1 | 1 | h5gl | figs-inclusive | 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-inclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) | |
| 5 | 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” | |
| 6 | 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]]) |
| 7 | COL | 1 | 4 | km8w | figs-exclusive | ἀκούσαντες | 1 | We have heard | Paul is excluding his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) |
| 8 | COL | 1 | 4 | z6eb | τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ | 1 | your faith in Christ Jesus | “your belief in Christ Jesus” | |
| 9 | 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]]) |
| 10 | 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.” | |
| 11 | 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]]) |
| 12 | 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]]) |
| 13 | COL | 1 | 6 | ait7 | τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ | 1 | the grace of God in truth | “the true grace of God” | |
| 14 | 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]]) |
| 15 | 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” | |
| 16 | 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. | |
| 17 | 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]]) |
| 18 | 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]]) |
| 19 | 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]]) |
| 20 | 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. | ||
| 21 | COL | 1 | 9 | s83e | διὰ τοῦτο | 1 | Because of this love | “Because the Holy Spirit has enabled you to love other believers” | |
| 22 | 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]]) |
| 23 | COL | 1 | 9 | u7zh | ἀφ’ ἧς ἡμέρας ἠκούσαμεν | 1 | from the day we heard this | “from the day Epaphras told us these things” | |
| 24 | 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]]) |
| 25 | 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” | |
| 26 | 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]]) |
| 27 | 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]]) |
| 28 | COL | 1 | 10 | vv4g | εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν | 1 | in pleasing ways | “in ways that will please the Lord” | |
| 29 | 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]]) |
| 30 | 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]]) |
| 31 | 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]]) |
| 32 | COL | 1 | 12 | t5lw | ἱκανώσαντι ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν μερίδα | 1 | has made you able to have a share | “has allowed you to share” | |
| 33 | 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. | |
| 34 | 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]]) |
| 35 | 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]]) |
| 36 | COL | 1 | 13 | g9d3 | 0 | Connecting Statement: | Paul talks about the ways in which Christ is excellent. | ||
| 37 | COL | 1 | 13 | mv87 | ὃς ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς | 1 | He has rescued us | “God has rescued us” | |
| 38 | 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]]) |
| 39 | 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]]) |
| 40 | 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]]) |
| 41 | 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]]) |
| 42 | 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]]) |
| 43 | 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]]) |
| 44 | 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]]) |
| 45 | 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]]) |
| 46 | 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]]) |
| 47 | COL | 1 | 17 | wk9y | αὐτός ἐστιν πρὸ πάντων | 1 | He himself is before all things | “It is he who existed before all things” | |
| 48 | 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]]) |
| 49 | COL | 1 | 18 | qsf3 | αὐτός ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ | 1 | He is the head | “Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the head” | |
| 50 | 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]]) |
| 51 | COL | 1 | 18 | j6uq | ἡ ἀρχή | 1 | the beginning | “the originating authority.” He is the first chief or founder. | |
| 52 | 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. | |
| 53 | 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” | |
| 54 | 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]]) |
| 55 | 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. | ||
| 56 | COL | 1 | 21 | imq1 | καὶ ὑμᾶς ποτε | 1 | At one time, you also | “There was a time when you Colossian believers also” | |
| 57 | COL | 1 | 21 | wp3t | ἀπηλλοτριωμένους | 1 | were strangers to God | “were like people whom God did not know” or “had pushed God away” | |
| 58 | 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]]) |
| 59 | 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]]) |
| 60 | 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]]) |
| 61 | COL | 1 | 23 | d9kg | figs-activepassive | τοῦ κηρυχθέντος | 1 | that was proclaimed | that believers proclaimed (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) |
| 62 | COL | 1 | 23 | q21b | ἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν | 1 | to every person created under heaven | “to every person in the world” | |
| 63 | 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]]) |
| 64 | 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. | |
| 65 | 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]]) |
| 66 | 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]]) |
| 67 | 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]]) |
| 68 | 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]]) |
| 69 | 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. | |
| 70 | 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]]) |
| 71 | 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]]) |
| 72 | 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]]) |
| 73 | COL | 1 | 27 | mr83 | ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς δόξης | 1 | the hope of glory | “so you can confidently expect to share in God’s glory” | |
| 74 | 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]]) |
| 75 | COL | 1 | 28 | na8w | νουθετοῦντες πάντα ἄνθρωπον | 1 | We admonish every person | “We warn everyone” | |
| 76 | 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]]) |
| 77 | 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]]) |
| 78 | 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]])<br> | |||
| 79 | 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. | ||
| 80 | 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. | |
| 81 | 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. | |
| 82 | 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]]) |
| 83 | 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]]) |
| 84 | COL | 2 | 2 | a4px | συμβιβασθέντες | 1 | brought together | This means brought together in a close relationship. | |
| 85 | 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]]) |
| 86 | COL | 2 | 2 | qgi2 | τοῦ μυστηρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ | 1 | the secret truth of God | This is knowledge that can be revealed only by God. | |
| 87 | COL | 2 | 2 | v13e | Χριστοῦ | 1 | that is, Christ | Jesus Christ is the secret truth revealed by God. | |
| 88 | 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]]) |
| 89 | 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]]) |
| 90 | 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]]) |
| 91 | 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. | |
| 92 | COL | 2 | 4 | y4r3 | πιθανολογίᾳ | 1 | persuasive speech | speech that will make a person think differently | |
| 93 | 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]]) |
| 94 | 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]]) |
| 95 | COL | 2 | 5 | ev9p | τὴν τάξιν | 1 | good order | doing things properly | |
| 96 | 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” | |
| 97 | 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]]) |
| 98 | 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]]) |
| 99 | 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]]) |
| 100 | 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]]) |
| 101 | COL | 2 | 7 | yh83 | βεβαιούμενοι τῇ πίστει | 1 | be established in faith | “trust in Jesus for everything” | |
| 102 | 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” | |
| 103 | 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]]) |
| 104 | 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. | ||
| 105 | COL | 2 | 8 | lm1v | βλέπετε | 1 | See that | “Make sure that” | |
| 106 | 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]]) |
| 107 | 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 | |
| 108 | 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]]) |
| 109 | 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. | |
| 110 | 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” | |
| 111 | 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]]) |
| 112 | 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]]) |
| 113 | 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]]) |
| 114 | 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]]) |
| 115 | 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]]) |
| 116 | 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]]) |
| 117 | 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]]) |
| 118 | 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]]) |
| 119 | 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]]) |
| 120 | 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. | |
| 121 | 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” | |
| 122 | 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]]) |
| 123 | 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]]) |
| 124 | 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]]) |
| 125 | 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” | |
| 126 | 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” | |
| 127 | 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]]) |
| 128 | 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]]) |
| 129 | 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]]) |
| 130 | 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]]) |
| 131 | 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]]) |
| 132 | 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]]) |
| 133 | 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]]) |
| 134 | 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]]) |
| 135 | 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]]) |
| 136 | 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]]) |
| 137 | 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” | |
| 138 | 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]]) |
| 139 | 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. | ||
| 140 | 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’” | |
| 141 | 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” | |
| 142 | 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” | |
| 143 | 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.<br> | |||
| 144 | COL | 3 | 1 | ya97 | 0 | Connecting Statement: | Paul warns the believers that because they are one with Christ, they ought not do certain things. | ||
| 145 | 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]]) |
| 146 | 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]]) |
| 147 | COL | 3 | 1 | p3fw | τὰ ἄνω | 1 | things above | “things in heaven” | |
| 148 | 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]]) |
| 149 | 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]]) |
| 150 | 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]]) |
| 151 | COL | 3 | 5 | p9w9 | ἀκαθαρσίαν | 1 | uncleanness | impure behavior | |
| 152 | COL | 3 | 5 | e65k | πάθος | 1 | passion | strong, lustful desire | |
| 153 | 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” | |
| 154 | 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. | |
| 155 | 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]]) |
| 156 | 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]]) |
| 157 | COL | 3 | 8 | d3wr | κακίαν | 1 | evil intentions | “desire to do wicked deeds” | |
| 158 | COL | 3 | 8 | lgz1 | βλασφημίαν | 1 | insults | speech used to hurt others | |
| 159 | COL | 3 | 8 | f59z | αἰσχρολογίαν | 1 | obscene speech | words that do not belong in polite conversation | |
| 160 | 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]]) |
| 161 | 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. | ||
| 162 | 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]]) |
| 163 | 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]]) |
| 164 | COL | 3 | 10 | d15v | figs-metonymy | εἰκόνα | 1 | the image | This refers to Jesus Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) |
| 165 | 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]]) |
| 166 | COL | 3 | 11 | vt4t | βάρβαρος | 1 | barbarian | a foreigner who does not know local customs | |
| 167 | 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. | |
| 168 | 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]]) |
| 169 | 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]]) |
| 170 | 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]]) |
| 171 | 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” | |
| 172 | COL | 3 | 13 | rts1 | χαριζόμενοι ἑαυτοῖς | 1 | Be gracious to each other | “Treat each other better than they deserve for you to treat them” | |
| 173 | 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]]) |
| 174 | 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]]) |
| 175 | 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]]) |
| 176 | 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]]) |
| 177 | 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]]) |
| 178 | COL | 3 | 16 | h5k9 | νουθετοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς | 1 | admonish one another | “caution and encourage one another” | |
| 179 | COL | 3 | 16 | ubi5 | ψαλμοῖς, ὕμνοις, ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς | 1 | with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs | “with all sorts of songs to praise God” | |
| 180 | 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]]) |
| 181 | COL | 3 | 17 | g8p8 | ἐν λόγῳ ἢ ἐν ἔργῳ | 1 | in word or in deed | “in speaking or in acting” | |
| 182 | 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]]) |
| 183 | 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]]) |
| 184 | COL | 3 | 18 | flu9 | 0 | Connecting Statement: | Paul then gives some special instructions to wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters. | ||
| 185 | COL | 3 | 18 | tt9u | αἱ γυναῖκες, ὑποτάσσεσθε τοῖς | 1 | Wives, submit to | “Wives, obey” | |
| 186 | COL | 3 | 18 | b2y3 | ἀνῆκεν | 1 | it is appropriate | “it is proper” or “it is right” | |
| 187 | COL | 3 | 19 | lc4a | μὴ πικραίνεσθε πρὸς | 1 | do not be bitter against | “do not be harsh with” or “do not be angry toward” | |
| 188 | COL | 3 | 21 | bvi3 | μὴ ἐρεθίζετε τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν | 1 | do not provoke your children | “do not needlessly make your children angry” | |
| 189 | COL | 3 | 22 | cx6a | ὑπακούετε ... τοῖς κατὰ σάρκα κυρίοις | 1 | obey your masters according to the flesh | “obey your human masters” | |
| 190 | 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” | |
| 191 | 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]]) |
| 192 | COL | 3 | 23 | arw4 | ὡς τῷ Κυρίῳ | 1 | as to the Lord | “as you would work for the Lord” | |
| 193 | COL | 3 | 24 | f3ed | τὴν ἀνταπόδοσιν τῆς κληρονομίας | 1 | the reward of the inheritance | “the inheritance as your reward” | |
| 194 | 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]]) |
| 195 | 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” | |
| 196 | COL | 3 | 25 | ak8j | ἀδικῶν | 1 | who does unrighteousness | who actively does wrong of any kind | |
| 197 | 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]]) |
| 198 | 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]])<br> | |||
| 199 | 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. | ||
| 200 | 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]]) |
| 201 | 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. | |
| 202 | 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]]) | |
| 203 | COL | 4 | 2 | wx86 | 0 | Connecting Statement: | Paul continues to give instructions to believers on how to live and speak. | ||
| 204 | COL | 4 | 2 | pp1c | τῇ προσευχῇ προσκαρτερεῖτε | 1 | Continue steadfastly in prayer | “Keep praying faithfully” or “Keep praying consistently” | |
| 205 | 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]]) |
| 206 | COL | 4 | 3 | lj4f | ἀνοίξῃ ... θύραν τοῦ λόγου | 1 | open a door for the word | “make an opportunity for us tp preach his message” | |
| 207 | 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. | |
| 208 | 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]]) |
| 209 | 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” | |
| 210 | 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]]) |
| 211 | 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]]) |
| 212 | 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]]) |
| 213 | 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” | |
| 214 | 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. | ||
| 215 | COL | 4 | 7 | ut91 | 0 | Connecting Statement: | Paul closes with special instructions about certain people as well as greetings to and from individual believers. | ||
| 216 | COL | 4 | 7 | xzz4 | τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ | 1 | the things concerning me | “everything that has been happening to me” | |
| 217 | 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. | |
| 218 | 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]]) |
| 219 | 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]]) |
| 220 | 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. | |
| 221 | COL | 4 | 9 | n15d | γνωρίσουσιν | 1 | They will tell | “Tychicus and Onesimus will tell” | |
| 222 | 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. | |
| 223 | COL | 4 | 10 | wmf4 | Ἀρίσταρχος | 1 | Aristarchus | He was in prison with Paul in Ephesus when Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians. | |
| 224 | COL | 4 | 10 | cg3a | ἐὰν ἔλθῃ | 1 | if he comes | “if Mark comes” | |
| 225 | COL | 4 | 11 | bm6s | Ἰησοῦς, ὁ λεγόμενος Ἰοῦστος | 1 | Jesus who is called Justus | This is a man who also worked with Paul. | |
| 226 | 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]]) |
| 227 | COL | 4 | 11 | p8e9 | ἐκ περιτομῆς οὗτοι, μόνοι | 1 | These alone of the circumcision | “These men—Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus—alone of the circumcision” | |
| 228 | COL | 4 | 12 | et2g | 0 | General Information: | Laodicea and Hierapolis were towns close to Colossae. | ||
| 229 | 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)). | |
| 230 | COL | 4 | 12 | rq61 | ὁ ἐξ ὑμῶν | 1 | one of you | “from your city” or “your fellow townsman” | |
| 231 | COL | 4 | 12 | ek51 | δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ | 1 | a slave of Christ Jesus | “a committed disciple of Christ Jesus” | |
| 232 | COL | 4 | 12 | p8ff | πάντοτε ἀγωνιζόμενος ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς | 1 | always strives for you in prayer | “earnestly prays for you” | |
| 233 | COL | 4 | 12 | nuh9 | σταθῆτε τέλειοι καὶ πεπληροφορημένοι | 1 | you may stand complete and fully assured | “you may stand mature and confident” | |
| 234 | 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” | |
| 235 | COL | 4 | 14 | hq1k | Δημᾶς | 1 | Demas | This is another co-worker with Paul. | |
| 236 | COL | 4 | 15 | sc5g | τοὺς ... ἀδελφοὺς | 1 | brothers | Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women. | |
| 237 | COL | 4 | 15 | zkp3 | ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ | 1 | in Laodicea | a city very close to Colossae where there was also a church | |
| 238 | 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” | |
| 239 | 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]]) |
| 240 | COL | 4 | 18 | an7s | 0 | Connecting Statement: | Paul closes his letter with a greeting written in his own handwriting. | ||
| 241 | 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]]) |
| 242 | 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]]) |