2017-06-21 20:45:09 +00:00
## For I want you to know ##
"For I, Paul, want you Colossian believers to know"
## how great a struggle I have had for you ##
Paul has exerted much effort to their purity and understanding of the gospel.
## those at Laodicea ##
This was a city very close to Colossae where there was also a church for which Paul was praying.
## as many as have not seen my face in the flesh
"many I have never seen personally" or "many I have never met face to face".
## that their hearts ##
"that all the believers' hearts who had never seen Paul in person"
## brought together
2017-06-21 20:47:54 +00:00
Brought together in a real close relationship. AT: "knit together" or "brought closely together".
2017-06-21 20:45:09 +00:00
## come from confidently understanding ##
Having assurance in knowing these things.
## the mystery of God ##
This is knowledge that can only be revealed by God.
## that is, Christ ##
Jesus Christ is the mystery revealed by God.
## hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge ##
Great riches or wealth of wisdom and knowledge
## wisdom and knowledge ##
2017-06-21 20:47:54 +00:00
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]])
2017-06-21 20:45:09 +00:00
## are in him ##
The word “him” refers to Christ.
See in Reader
