Fullness in Christ and Warnings against Human Traditions
Colossians 2:6-23
Col.2.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ως: CONJ
- ουν: CONJ
- παρελαβετε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- Χριστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- κυριον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- περιπατειτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
Parallels
- Colossians 1:10 (structural): Same letter and use of 'walk' language—prays that believers may 'walk worthy of the Lord' and please him, echoing the exhortation to live consistently with reception of Christ.
- Ephesians 4:1 (thematic): A parallel exhortation to conduct: 'walk worthy of the calling'—both verses urge lives that reflect the believer's standing in Christ.
- Romans 6:4 (verbal): Speaks of walking 'in newness of life' after being united with Christ in baptism—connects union with Christ to a transformed way of life (walking in him).
- Galatians 5:16 (verbal): 'Walk in the Spirit'—uses the same 'walk' metaphor to describe living according to the reality of Christ and the Spirit rather than the flesh, similar to walking 'in him.'
- 1 John 2:6 (verbal): Directly links abiding in Christ with ethical conduct: 'he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked'—closely parallels the call to 'walk in him.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
- Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so continue to live your lives in him,
Col.2.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ερριζωμενοι: PART,perf,pass,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- εποικοδομουμενοι: PART,pres,pass,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- βεβαιουμενοι: PART,pres,pass,nom,pl,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- πιστει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- καθως: CONJ
- εδιδαχθητε: VERB,aor,pass,ind,2,pl
- περισσευοντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- ευχαριστια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 2:6 (structural): Immediate context: the exhortation 'as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him' leads directly into being 'rooted and built up'—continuation of the same practical admonition.
- Ephesians 3:17 (verbal): Uses the same verb ἐρριζωμένοι ('rooted') and closely related imagery (rooted/grounded) to describe believers' being established in Christ (there 'in love').
- Colossians 1:23 (verbal): Parallel language about perseverance 'if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast' — same concern for being established/confirmed in the faith.
- Ephesians 4:15–16 (thematic): Both passages speak of growth and being 'built up' in Christ: the body grows and is built up into Christ the head, corresponding to the Colossian call to be 'built up in him.'
- 1 Corinthians 3:9–11 (thematic): Shared building/foundation metaphor: Paul portrays believers as God's field/building with Christ as the only foundation—echoing the idea of being rooted, built up, and established in Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- rooted and being built up in him, established in the faith just as you were taught, and abounding in thanksgiving.
- rooted and being built up in him, established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Col.2.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Βλεπετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- μη: PART
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εσται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- συλαγωγων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- δια: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- φιλοσοφιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- κενης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- απατης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- παραδοσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- κατα: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- στοιχεια: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κοσμου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- κατα: PREP
- Χριστον·: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 2:20 (verbal): Same letter and vocabulary — explicitly picks up the phrase 'elements of the world' (στοιχεια του κοσμου) and continues the argument against submitting to them after union with Christ.
- Mark 7:8-9 (thematic): Jesus condemns adherence to 'human tradition' over God's command — parallels Paul's warning about being led astray 'according to human tradition' rather than according to Christ.
- Galatians 1:6-9 (thematic): Paul's severe warning against deserting the true gospel for a different teaching — echoes the concern about being captured by false philosophy/teaching that is not 'according to Christ.'
- Romans 16:18 (verbal): Paul warns about those who 'capture' or deceive minds by smooth talk — language and the theme of being led captive by persuasive but false teaching resonate with Colossians 2:8.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3 (thematic): Paul's fear that the Corinthians might be 'deceived' or led away from sincere devotion to Christ parallels the Colossians' danger of being taken captive by empty philosophy not rooted in Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
- See to it that no one leads you off into captivity through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition and the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Col.2.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οτι: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- κατοικει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- παν: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πληρωμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- θεοτητος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- σωματικως: ADV
Parallels
- Colossians 1:19 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language (τὸ πλήρωμα κατοικῆσαι ἐν αὐτῷ) — both verses affirm the full divine presence dwelling in Christ.
- John 1:14 (thematic): The Word ‘became flesh and dwelt among us’ — parallels the claim that God's fullness took up bodily residence in Christ (incarnation and divine presence).
- Philippians 2:6–7 (thematic): Affirms Christ's preexistent divine status and his taking on human form (‘in the form of God…made himself nothing…took the form of a servant’), echoing deity united with a human body.
- Hebrews 1:3 (thematic): Describes the Son as the exact imprint/representation of God's nature who upholds all things — parallels the claim that the fullness of deity is present in Christ.
- 1 Timothy 3:16 (allusion): Proclaims the mystery of godliness—‘He was manifested in the flesh’ (and in some manuscripts 'God was manifested in the flesh')—connecting divine revelation to the incarnate Christ as in Colossians 2:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- For in him the whole fullness of the divine dwells bodily.
- For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.
Col.2.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- εστε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- πεπληρωμενοι: PART,perf,pass,nom,pl,m
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- κεφαλη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- πασης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- αρχης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- εξουσιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
Parallels
- Colossians 1:16-17 (thematic): Affirms Christ's supremacy over all creation and authorities ('for in him all things were created' and 'he is before all things'), complementing 'head of every principality and power.'
- Colossians 1:18 (verbal): Uses the same 'head' imagery: Christ as the head of the body, the church, and as the beginning/first in resurrection-preeminence—closely parallels 'head of every principality and power.'
- Ephesians 1:22-23 (verbal): Speaks of God 'putting all things under Christ's feet' and appointing him 'head over all things' of the church, echoing the claim of universal authority in Colossians 2:10.
- Ephesians 4:15-16 (structural): Develops the head/body motif: Christ as the head from whom the whole body grows and is joined together—paralleling Colossians' use of headship to describe Christ's authority and role.
- Hebrews 1:3 (thematic): Describes the Son sustaining the universe by his power and being the exact imprint of God—supporting the theme of Christ's sovereign authority over all powers and creation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And in him you have been made full, who is the head of all rule and authority.
- And you have been made complete in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Col.2.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- περιετμηθητε: VERB,aor,pass,ind,2,pl
- περιτομη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- αχειροποιητω: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- απεκδυσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σωματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- σαρκος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- περιτομη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 2:28-29 (verbal): Contrasts physical circumcision with inward, spiritual circumcision of the heart — mirrors Colossians' emphasis on a non‑manual, spiritual circumcision ('made without hands').
- Romans 6:6 (thematic): Speaks of the 'old self' being crucified so that the body of sin might be done away with, paralleling Colossians' language of putting off the body of the flesh in union with Christ.
- Colossians 2:12 (structural): Immediate context in the same letter: links the 'circumcision of Christ' to baptism — burial and rising with Christ — reinforcing the idea of spiritual initiation/transformation.
- Philippians 3:3 (thematic): Paul claims 'we are the circumcision' who worship by the Spirit and put no confidence in the flesh, echoing Colossians' focus on a Christ‑centered, non‑physical circumcision.
- Galatians 6:15 (thematic): Declares that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters but a new creation does, resonating with Colossians' presentation of circumcision as a spiritual transformation in Christ rather than a physical rite.
Alternative generated candidates
- In him you were also circumcised—a circumcision not made with hands, but by Christ—having put off the body of flesh in the circumcision of Christ;
- In him you were also circumcised—circumcision not done by hands but by the putting off of the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.
Col.2.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- συνταφεντες: VERB,aor,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- βαπτισμω: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- συνηγερθητε: VERB,aor,pass,ind,2,pl
- δια: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ενεργειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- εγειραντος: VERB,aor,act,part,gen,sg,m
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εκ: PREP
- νεκρων·: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Romans 6:3-4 (verbal): Explicitly links baptism with burial and resurrection with Christ—'buried with him by baptism' and 'raised... to walk in newness of life,' paralleling Col 2:12's burial and being raised.
- Ephesians 2:6 (thematic): Speaks of believers being raised and seated with Christ, echoing Colossians' theme of believers' union with Christ in his resurrection and exaltation.
- Colossians 3:1 (structural): Within the same letter Paul develops the claim 'if then you were raised with Christ' to ground ethical exhortation, directly building on 2:12's theological premise.
- Romans 8:11 (verbal): Attributes believers' life to the same divine power that raised Jesus—'the Spirit who raised Jesus'—paralleling Colossians' reference to the 'working of God... who raised him from the dead.'
- 1 Peter 3:21 (allusion): Connects baptism with salvation 'through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,' reflecting Colossians' linkage of baptismal burial and resurrection to God's raising of Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
- Having been buried with him in baptism, in which also you were raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Col.2.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- νεκρους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- οντας: PART,pres,act,acc,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- παραπτωμασιν: NOUN,dat,pl,neut
- και: CONJ
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ακροβυστια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- σαρκος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- συνεζωοποιησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- συν: PREP
- αυτω·χαρισαμενος: PRON,dat,sg,3+PART,aor,mid,nom,sg,m
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- παραπτωματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- Ephesians 2:1-5 (verbal): Explicit parallel language and theology: believers are 'dead in trespasses' but God 'made us alive with Christ' by grace—close verbal and thematic correspondence with Colossians 2:13.
- Ephesians 1:7 (verbal): Speaks of redemption and 'forgiveness of sins' in Christ—echoes Colossians' claim that God forgave 'all our trespasses' in union with Christ.
- Colossians 3:3 (structural): Same letter’s teaching that 'you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God' develops the present reality of death-and-life union introduced in 2:13.
- Romans 6:4 (thematic): Paul’s imagery of burial and resurrection to 'walk in newness of life' parallels the idea of being made alive with Christ after death in trespasses.
- Titus 3:5 (thematic): Emphasizes salvation/renewal not by works but by God's mercy and the renewing work that effects cleansing and new life—resonates with Colossians’ emphasis on God’s action in making the dead alive and forgiving sins.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you, who were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses;
- And you, though you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him—having forgiven us all our trespasses.
Col.2.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εξαλειψας: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,m,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- καθ᾽ημων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,1
- χειρογραφον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- δογμασιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- υπεναντιον: PREP
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- αυτο: PRON,acc,sg,neut
- ηρκεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- εκ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- μεσου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- προσηλωσας: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,m,sg
- αυτο: PRON,acc,sg,neut
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- σταυρω·: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 2:13 (structural): Immediate context: describes God making you alive with Christ and forgiving you all trespasses—sets up the idea of cancellation of the legal record in v.14.
- Colossians 2:15 (thematic): Follows v.14: speaks of Christ disarming rulers and authorities and triumphing over them—continuation of the victory enacted by nailing the record to the cross.
- Ephesians 2:15 (verbal): Speaks of abolishing the law of commandments in ordinances (Greek: nomon tōn entolōn)—parallels Colossians’ language about a hostile written code being annulled by Christ.
- Ephesians 1:7 (thematic): Affirms redemption and forgiveness of sins through Christ’s blood—connects to Colossians’ emphasis on cancellation of debt and forgiveness accomplished in the cross.
- Hebrews 10:17-18 (thematic): God’s promise that he will remember sins no more and once-for-all forgiveness is given—parallels the idea of the legal record being erased/cancelled by Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- by canceling the record of debt consisting of decrees that stood against us—he set it aside, nailing it to the cross.
- He cancelled the written record of debt that stood against us with its demands, and he took it out of the way by nailing it to the cross.
Col.2.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- απεκδυσαμενος: VERB,aor,mid,part,nom,sg,m
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- αρχας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- εξουσιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- εδειγματισεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- παρρησια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- θριαμβευσας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Ephesians 1:20-22 (thematic): Speaks of God raising Christ and seating him above every rule and authority, placing all things under his feet—parallels Colossians' depiction of Christ's victory over rulers and powers.
- Ephesians 4:8-10 (allusion): Cites the ascent/triumph tradition (Psalm 68) and portrays Christ's exaltation and giving of gifts; shares the triumphal, subjugating imagery found in Colossians 2:15.
- Psalm 68:18 (allusion): The Old Testament triumphal/ascending text behind New Testament language of Christ's victory (explicitly used in Eph 4:8); provides the cultural-linguistic background for Colossians' 'triumph' motif.
- Hebrews 2:14-15 (thematic): Describes Jesus destroying the one who has the power of death and freeing people from bondage to fear—parallel to Colossians' language of disarming hostile powers and securing liberation.
- 1 Corinthians 15:24-27 (verbal): Speaks of Christ's subjection of all enemies and putting all things under his feet (quoting Psalm 8); echoes Colossians' language of Christ's triumph and the domination/neutralization of rulers and authorities.
Alternative generated candidates
- He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in him.
- He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public display of them, triumphing over them in it.
Col.2.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Μη: PART
- ουν: CONJ
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- κρινετω: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- βρωσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- ποσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- μερει: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- εορτης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- νουμηνιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- σαββατων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
Parallels
- Romans 14:5-6 (thematic): Paul argues against judging believers over disputable matters of food and sacred days, directly paralleling Colossians' prohibition on judging 'in food or drink or in respect of a festival, a new moon, or Sabbaths.'
- Galatians 4:10-11 (verbal): Paul reproaches the Galatians for observing 'days and months and seasons and years,' language and concern virtually identical to Colossians' critique of legalistic observance of calendar rites.
- Colossians 2:17 (structural): Immediate context: Paul explains that festivals, new moons, and Sabbaths are 'a shadow of things to come,' linking the prohibitions of 2:16 to his theological interpretation in 2:17.
- Acts 15:19-21 (thematic): The Jerusalem Council addresses requirements for Gentile Christians regarding food and certain practices, reflecting early church debates about Jewish ceremonial observance that underlie Colossians' argument.
- Leviticus 23:2-3 (allusion): The Old Testament background: Leviticus institutes 'appointed festivals' and the Sabbath; Colossians implicitly confronts how these divinely ordained observances were being reinterpreted in the Christian community.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink or with regard to a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths,
- Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food or drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or sabbaths—
Col.2.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- σκια: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- μελλοντων: ADJ,gen,pl,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- δε: CONJ
- σωμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Hebrews 10:1 (verbal): Uses almost the same wording: the law/ordinances are 'a shadow of the good things to come,' paralleling Colossians' 'shadow of things to come' and the contrast with the true reality.
- Hebrews 8:5 (verbal): Describes the earthly sanctuary and priestly service as a 'copy and shadow' of heavenly realities, paralleling Colossians' characterization of Jewish rites as shadows whose reality belongs to Christ.
- Hebrews 9:23-24 (thematic): Contrasts earthly copies/shadows with the heavenly realities and shows Christ entering the true heavenly place—echoing Colossians' claim that the substance/true reality is Christ.
- Matthew 5:17 (thematic): Jesus' statement that he fulfills the Law resonates with Colossians' claim that ceremonial observances are shadows whose fulfillment/substance is found in Christ.
- Colossians 1:18 (structural): Within the same letter the motif of Christ as head of the body (the church) and the locus of fullness connects to Colossians 2:17's assertion that the 'substance/body' belongs to Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- which are but a shadow of what is to come; the substance belongs to Christ.
- these are only a shadow of what is to come; the reality belongs to Christ.
Col.2.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μηδεις: PRON,nom,sg,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- καταβραβευετω: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,sg
- θελων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- ταπεινοφροσυνη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- θρησκεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αγγελων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- εορακεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- εμβατευων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- εικη: ADV
- φυσιουμενος: PART,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- υπο: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- νοος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- σαρκος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 2:20-23 (structural): Immediate context in the same letter that expands on the problem: rejection of Christ’s life, submission to human precepts, ascetic regulations and worship practices (including angelic intermediaries) as powerless and self-imposed.
- 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 (thematic): Paul reports visionary experiences but refuses to boast; contrasts with those who claim ecstatic visions as ground for pride or special authority—parallel to critics ‘walking in visions’.
- Revelation 22:8-9 (thematic): John attempts to worship an angel and is rebuked; both texts prohibit worship of angels and correct devotional misdirection toward heavenly beings.
- Galatians 4:8-11 (thematic): Paul rebukes turning back to enslaving, ‘weak and beggarly elements’ (often understood as spiritual/ritual intermediaries), warning against reverting to non-Christian religious practices akin to angelic mediators.
- Romans 8:5-8 (verbal): Contrast between being ‘mindful of the flesh’ (sensuous/fleshly mind) and being spiritual; parallels Colossians’ charge that some are ‘puffed up’ by a sensuous mind (νοῦς τῆς σάρκος).
Alternative generated candidates
- Let no one who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you—intruding into things they have seen, vainly puffed up by their fleshly reasonings—and not holding fast to the Head.
- Let no one therefore disqualify you, delighting in humility and the worship of angels, intruding into things he has seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind and not holding fast to the head,
Col.2.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- κρατων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- κεφαλην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εξ: PREP
- ου: PART,neg
- παν: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- σωμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- δια: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αφων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- συνδεσμων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- επιχορηγουμενον: PART,pres,pass,nom,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- συμβιβαζομενον: PART,pres,pass,nom,sg,n
- αυξει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αυξησιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Eph.4.15-16 (verbal): Uses nearly identical body imagery and language about the whole body being joined and held together by every supporting ligament, growing and building itself up—parallels Colossians’ 'whole body' joined by 'joints and bands' and 'grows'.
- Col.1.18 (verbal): Explicitly calls Christ 'the head of the body, the church,' providing the same head–body Christology that Colossians 2:19 presumes when criticizing those 'not holding the head.'
- Eph.1.22-23 (thematic): Speaks of God giving Christ as 'head over all things to the church, which is his body,' echoing the theological theme of Christ as the organizing head from whom the body derives life and growth.
- 1 Cor.12.12-27 (thematic): Develops the metaphor of the church as a single body with many members, emphasizing interdependence and growth of the whole—background to Colossians’ concern for the proper ordering and growth of the body in Christ.
- Col.2.9-10 (allusion): Speaks of the fullness of deity dwelling in Christ and believers' completeness in him, which underlies Colossians 2:19's claim that the body 'grows with the growth of God' when properly held to its head.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with the growth that is from God; and it is the Head that holds it together.
- from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with the growth that is from God.
Col.2.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ει: PART
- απεθανετε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- συν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- στοιχειων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κοσμου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- ως: ADV
- ζωντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- κοσμω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- δογματιζεσθε·: VERB,pres,mid,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- Romans 6:2-8 (thematic): Argues believers have 'died with Christ' and thus no longer live under former powers (sin/death), paralleling Colossians' point about death with Christ and refusal to submit to worldly principles.
- Galatians 4:9 (verbal): Uses the same term for 'elemental principles' (stoicheia) and warns against turning back to them, a direct verbal/allusive link to Colossians 2:20.
- Galatians 2:20 (verbal): Speaks of being 'crucified with Christ' and the new life that follows—closely echoes Colossians' language and theology of dying with Christ.
- Colossians 3:1-3 (structural): Within the same letter: if raised with Christ, believers are to seek heavenly things—develops the practical implication of having died with Christ in 2:20.
- Ephesians 2:6 (thematic): Describes believers being raised up and seated with Christ, reflecting the same theological theme of participation in Christ's death and life and liberation from worldly rule.
Alternative generated candidates
- If then you have died with Christ to the elemental principles of the world, why do you submit yourselves as if living in the world to regulations:
- If then you died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourselves to regulations?
Col.2.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Μη: PART
- αψη: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,sg
- μηδε: CONJ
- γευση: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,sg
- μηδε: CONJ
- θιγης: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,sg
Parallels
- Colossians 2:20-23 (structural): Immediate context: the same passage continues the critique of ascetic regulations, using the same prohibitive language and arguing these rules have no value in restraining the flesh.
- Colossians 2:16-17 (verbal): Addresses judgments about food, drink, and religious observances; parallels the concern with religious rules about eating/touching and counters legalistic observance.
- 1 Timothy 4:1-5 (thematic): Warns against doctrines that forbid marriage and require abstaining from certain foods—an apostolic critique of the same ascetic tendencies that lie behind 'Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle.'
- Romans 14:1-3 (thematic): Paul's guidance on disputable matters of food and not judging fellow believers echoes the rejection of legalistic dietary/ritual prohibitions implied by Colossians 2:21.
- Galatians 4:9-11 (allusion): Speaks of turning back to the 'elementary principles' (stoicheia) and bondage to basic rules—parallels Colossians' critique of reliance on elemental regulations and prohibitions.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch?
- "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch"—
Col.2.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- εις: PREP
- φθοραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αποχρησει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- κατα: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- ενταλματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- διδασκαλιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Colossians 2:21 (structural): Immediate context: v.21 lists prohibitions ("Touch not; taste not; handle not") and v.22 comments that such rules are destined to perish—Colossians 2:22 directly interprets those prohibitions.
- Colossians 2:8 (verbal): Both verses warn against human-origin teachings—v.8 cautions against philosophy and vain deceit "after the tradition of men," paralleling 2:22's critique of "commandments and doctrines of men."
- Mark 7:8-9 (thematic): Jesus condemns religious traditions that nullify God's commandments (the Pharisees' human rules); thematically parallels Paul's critique of human commandments and practices that are ultimately futile.
- 1 Timothy 4:1-3 (thematic): Paul warns of false teachings that command abstinence and other human-imposed rules—similar theme of human doctrines imposing ascetic practices that are not from God and lead believers astray.
- Hebrews 9:10 (allusion): Refers to "regulations for the body" (meats, drinks, various washings) as temporary and symbolic; parallels Colossians' point that such ritual rules and usages are destined to perish and are of limited, non-saving value.
Alternative generated candidates
- (These are all destined to perish with use; they are grounded in human commands and teachings.)
- all of which are destined to perish with use, being based on human commands and teachings.
Col.2.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ατινα: PRON,nom,pl,nt
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μεν: PART
- εχοντα: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,n
- σοφιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- εθελοθρησκια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ταπεινοφροσυνη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- αφειδια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- σωματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εν: PREP
- τιμη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- τινι: PRON,dat,sg,neut
- προς: PREP
- πλησμονην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- σαρκος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 2:20-22 (structural): Immediate context: Paul contrasts Christian union with Christ and legalistic rules like 'Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch' and calls such regulations powerless to check the flesh—direct background for v.23.
- 1 Timothy 4:3-8 (thematic): Condemns ascetic, self-imposed piety (forbidding marriage, dietary rules) and contrasts bodily discipline with true godliness—parallels Colossians' critique of 'self-made religion' and physical severity as ineffective.
- Galatians 3:3 (verbal): 'Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?'—echoes Colossians' point that fleshly practices cannot bring true spiritual fullness or restrain sinful appetite.
- Matthew 23:25-28 (thematic): Jesus' denunciation of outward piety that conceals inner corruption parallels Paul's charge that certain humble, ascetic appearances have no power to change the heart or curb the flesh.
- Isaiah 29:13 (allusion): Prophetic critique of ritual piety—'honor me with your lips while your heart is far from me'—serves as a biblical analogue to Paul's rejection of mere external religiosity.
Alternative generated candidates
- These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, humility, and severe treatment of the body, but they are of no value in restraining the indulgence of the flesh.
- These have an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion, humility, and severe treatment of the body, but they are of no value in restraining the indulgence of the flesh.
So then, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him,
rooted and built up in him, established in the faith just as you were taught, abounding in thankfulness.
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily. And you have been given fullness in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
In him you were also circumcised—with a circumcision not made by hands, but by putting off the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ—
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And when you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him—having forgiven us all our trespasses,
by canceling the written record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands; he set it aside, nailing it to the cross.
He disarmed the rulers and authorities, making a public display of them, triumphing over them in him.
Therefore let no one judge you regarding food or drink, or regarding a festival or new moon or sabbath days—
these are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
Let no one disqualify you, insisting on self-made humility and the worship of angels—puffed up by visions he claims to have seen, without cause inflating his fleshly mind—
and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, being nourished and knit together through joints and ligaments, grows with the growth that is from God.
If you died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if living in the world, do you submit to ordinances—
“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch”?—
things destined to perish by use, dependent on human commands and teachings.
These have an outward appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion and humility and severity toward the body, but they are of no value in restraining the indulgence of the flesh.