Colossians

Colossians front

Introduction to Colossians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of Colossians

1. Letter Opening (1:1–12)
   • Greeting (1:1–2)
   • Prayer of Thanksgiving (1:3–8)
   • Prayer of Petition (1:9–12)
2. Teaching Section (1:13–2:23)
   • Christ and His Work (1:13–20)
   • Christ’s Work Applied to the Colossians (1:21–23)
   • Paul’s Ministry (1:24–2:5)
   • Effects of Christ’s Work (2:6–15)
   • Freedom in Christ (2:16–23)
3. Exhortation Section
   • Seek the Things Above (3:1–4)
   • Take off Vices, Put on Virtues (3:5–17)
   • Commands for the Household (3:18–4:1)
   • Prayer Request and Behavior towards Outsiders (4:2–6)
4. Letter Closing (4:7–18)
   • The Messengers (4:7–9)
   • Greetings from Friends (4:10–14)
   • Greetings and Instructions from Paul (4:15–17)
   • Greeting in Paul’s Own Hand (4:18)

Who wrote the book of Colossians?

The author identifies himself as Paul the apostle. 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, and he persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire, telling people about Jesus. However, he had never met the Colossians in person (see 2:1).

Paul wrote this letter while in prison (4:3; 4:18). Paul was imprisoned many times, and he does not say where he is. Many scholars think he is in Rome.

What is the book of Colossians about?

Paul wrote this letter to the believers in city of Colossae, which is in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). When he heard from Epaphras about the believers in Colossae, he wrote to encourage them and to warn them against false teachers. These false teachers were telling people that they had to obey certain rules and know certain things to receive new life, and they boasted about their own power and experiences. Paul attacks this false teaching by showing the Colossians that Christ’s work accomplishes everything that they need and gives them new life. When they are united to Christ, they do not need anything else, including this false teaching.

How should the title of this book be translated?

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: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Who were the false teachers that Paul warns the Colossians against?

Most likely, these false teachers were not part of one specific group or belief system. They probably believed and practiced things from several different belief systems. Because of this, it is hard to describe exactly what they believed and taught. Based on what Paul says about them, they had certain rules about food and drink, the rituals of special days and behavior. They had what Paul calls a “philosophy,” or a system of thinking about the world that they thought was sophisticated. It seems that they based at least some of these beliefs and rules on visions and marvelous experiences that probably included what they believed were encounters with angels. Paul argues that the people who hold to these views are not remaining faithful to Christ, and he wants the Colossians to focus on the work of Christ for them, which has accomplished everything this false teaching claims to do and more.

What does Paul mean when he uses language for “heaven”?

Paul speaks of heaven as “above,” and he further defines it as the place where Christ is seated at God’s right hand and where blessings are stored up for believers. Most likely, the spiritual powers are also in heaven. When Paul tells the Colossians to focus on what is “above” (3:1), that is not because heaven is good and earth is bad. Instead, it is because heaven is where Christ is, as he states in the same verse. The Colossians are supposed to focus on Christ and where he is.

What are the spiritual powers that Paul speaks about?

Paul speaks of thrones, dominions, governments, and authorities in 1:16, and he uses some of these words again in 2:10; 2:15. These words refer to people or things that have power and authority, and in the letter to the Colossians they probably refer more specifically to powerful spiritual beings. The “elemental principles” in 2:8; 2:20 probably refer to the same kind of beings in a generic way. Paul never specifically says that these spiritual powers are evil, but he does say that Christ’s work frees the Colossians from them. Obeying these powers and focusing on them is thus opposed to the new life that Christ has given.

Who are all the people that Paul mentions in the letter?

Most of the people who are mentioned at the end of the letter are either with Paul or are people that Paul knows in or near the city of Colossae. Epaphras is mentioned several times, since he is the one who first preached the good news to the Colossians and the one who told Paul about them. Tychicus and Onesimus are the ones who traveled from Paul to Colossae with the letter, and they are able to give more updates about Paul and the people with him.

Why does Paul mention other towns in this letter?

Paul mentions Laodicea and Hierapolis because they are towns nearby in the same valley. If a person stood in Colossae, he or she could see Laodicea at the edge of the valley. Paul mentions these three towns (Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis) because they were towns where Epaphras preached the good news, and Paul had never met any Christians in these places. Perhaps it is because of these similarities and because they were so close together that Paul wanted the Colossians and the Laodiceans to share their letters.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How does Paul identify Jesus as God?

Paul calls Jesus the “image” of God and the “firstborn” of all creation (1:15). Neither of these descriptions is meant to describe Jesus as the first or best thing God created; instead, they put him outside the creation. This is clear from the next verse, which identifies him as creator (1:16). If Jesus is not created, he is God. Being “before all things” and having “all things hold together” in him are statements that make the same affirmation (1:17).

Paul twice describes Jesus as having the “fullness” of God (1:19; 2:9). This does not mean that Jesus was particularly close with God or had God living inside him. Instead, it means that Jesus is everything that God is (the “fullness” of God).

Finally, Jesus is seated at God’s right hand in heaven (3:1). This does not mean he is a powerful figure who obeys God. Instead, it means that he sits on the divine throne along with God, and he is God.

How does Paul identify Jesus as human?

Paul says that Jesus died in “the body of his flesh” (1:22). Additionally, when he states that Jesus is the “fullness” of God, this is true of him “bodily” (2:9). When Paul says that Jesus has a “body,” this does not mean that Jesus simply used a body to look human. Instead, he means that Jesus is an embodied human like us.

What does Paul mean when he tells the Colossians they have died and come back to life?

Multiple times throughout the letter, Paul tells the Colossians that they have died and risen with Christ. This does not mean that the Colossians have physically died and then returned from the dead. This language also is not just a figure of speech that Paul does not really mean. Rather, he means that God included believers with Christ when he died and resurrected. While the Colossians had not yet physically died and been resurrected, they could already experience death to the world and its powers, and new life with its blessings, because of their union with Christ in his death and resurrection.

What does Paul mean when he talks about knowledge?

Paul uses knowledge language throughout his letter, including words such as “knowing,” “knowledge,” and “understanding.” Perhaps the false teachers promised “knowledge” of God and his will to those who listened to them, and Paul intended to show the Colossians that all the knowledge they needed could be found in Christ and his work. Whether this is true or not, Paul does clearly intend to tell the Colossians that growing in their knowledge of God is important and that this knowledge can be found in Christ. “Knowledge” refers to learning more about God, his will, and his work in the world, and “knowing” these things leads to new life and changed behavior.

What are the major issues in the text of the book of Colossians?

For the following verses, there are differences between some of the ancient manuscripts. The ULT text follows the reading that most scholars consider to be original and puts the other reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the language of wider communication in the region, translators may want to consider using the reading found in that version. If not, translators are advised to follow the reading in the ULT.

• “Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:2). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “Grace to you, and peace from God our Father.”
• “Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf” (1:7). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on your behalf.”
• “the Father, who has made you able to share the inheritance of the saints in the light” (1:12). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “the Father, who has made us able to share the inheritance of the saints in the light.”
• “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (1:14). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
• “having forgiven us all of our trespasses” (2:13). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “having forgiven you all of your trespasses.”
• “When Christ, your life, is revealed” (3:4). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “When Christ, our life, is revealed.”
• “the wrath of God is coming” (3:6). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.”
• “so that you might know the things concerning us” (4:8). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “so that he might know the things concerning you.”

(See: Textual Variants)

Colossians 1

Colossians 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. Letter Opening (1:1–12)
   • Greeting (1:1–2)
   • Prayer of Thanksgiving (1:3–8)
   • Prayer of Petition (1:9–12)
2. Teaching Section (1:13–2:23)
   • Christ and His Work (1:13–20)
   • Christ’s Work Applied to the Colossians (1:21–23)
   • Paul’s Ministry (1:24–2:5)

Paul begins this letter in 1:1–2 by giving his and Timothy’s names, identifying the people to whom he is writing, and offering a greeting. This is the way people typically began letters at this time.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Mystery

Paul refers to a “mystery” for the first time in this chapter (1:26–27). This does not refer to some secret truth that is hard to understand and that only a few privileged individuals can learn about. Instead, it refers to God’s plans that once were unknown but are now known to all his people. What is the content of this mystery? It is Christ himself, his work, and his union with believers. (See: reveal, revealed, revelation)

Fullness

Paul refers to “filling” or “fullness” four times in this chapter. First, Paul prays that the Colossians are “filled” with the knowledge of God’s will (1:9). Second, Jesus has all the “fullness” of God (1:19). Third, Paul “fills up” in his flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ (1:24). Fourth, Paul makes the word of God “fully” known (1:25). It is possible that Paul uses “filling” and “fullness” so often because it was something that the false teachers promised. Paul wishes to show instead how “fullness” comes through the work of Christ and through his own work on their behalf. Christ has God’s fullness, and Paul works for Christ by “filling” the Colossians, who then are “filled” with the knowledge of God’s will.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Images for Christian living

Paul uses many different images to describe Christian living. In this chapter, he uses the images of “walking” and “bearing fruit” (1:10). These images show that Paul wants the Colossians to think about the Christian life as a life that is directed towards a goal (either a destination, if one is walking, or fruit, if one is growing). (See: fruit, fruitful, unfruitful)

Light versus dark

Paul contrasts the “inheritance of the saints in the light” (1:12) with the “authority of the darkness” (1:12). The “light” describes what is good, desirable, and related to God’s favor. The “darkness” describes what is distant from God, opposed to him, and evil.

Head and body

In this chapter, Paul introduces an image that he will develop more fully in chapter 2: that of Christ as the head of the body, which is his church. This image identifies Christ as the source of life and direction for his church, just like the head is the source of life and direction for the body.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

The lack of the afflictions of Christ

In 1:24, Paul speaks of “the lack of the afflictions of Christ,” a lack that he fills up by his sufferings. This does not mean that Christ somehow failed in his mission and work, and Paul has to fill in the missing pieces. Instead, “lack” refers to something that Christ intentionally left for this followers to complete. He has called them to suffer, just as he himself did, to continue the mission of the church.

The “Christ-Hymn”

Many scholars think that 1:15–20 is an early Christian hymn that Paul has quoted to remind the Colossians of what they believe in common with other Christians. If this is true, it does not mean that this section says something different than what Paul thinks. Instead, Paul chose to quote it because he fully affirmed it. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could format these verses in a way that shows that they are from a hymn or poem.

Colossians 1:1

Throughout this letter the words “we,” “us,” “our,” and “ours” include the Colossian believers unless noted otherwise. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

The words “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to the Colossian believers, and so they are plural unless noted otherwise. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

Παῦλος

In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, referring to themselves in the third person. If that is confusing in your language, you can use the first person here. If your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you can use it here. Alternate translation: “From Paul” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Παῦλος

Here and throughout the letter, Paul is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

καὶ Τιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς

This phrase does not mean that Timothy helped Paul write this letter. Paul was the author of this letter, as he shows by using the first person singular throughout the letter. What this does mean is that Timothy is with Paul and that Timothy is in agreement with what Paul writes. If it sounds in your language like Timothy is writing the letter with Paul, you can make Timothy’s supporting role more clear. Alternate translation: “with the support of Timothy, our fellow believer” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Τιμόθεος

Timothy is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Colossians 1:2

τοῖς ἐν Κολοσσαῖς ἁγίοις, καὶ πιστοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ

In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would name those to whom they sent the letter, referring to them in the third person. If that is confusing in your language, you could use the second person here. Or if your language has a particular way of introducing the recipient of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “to you who live in the city of Colossae and who are God’s people and faithful fellow believers who are united to the Messiah” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τοῖς…ἁγίοις, καὶ πιστοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ

The words saints, faithful brothers, and in Christ all describe people who are followers of Jesus. Paul is using all of these to describe one group of people. For example, he is not implying that saints and faithful brothers in Christ are two different groups. If using both saints and faithful brothers would be misunderstood in your language, you can join these together in a clearer way. Alternate translation: “to God’s faithful people, joined together as a family in Christ” (See: Doublet)

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

After stating his name and the name of the person to whom he is writing, Paul adds a blessing for the Colossians. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May you experience kindness and peace within you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus the Messiah” or “I pray that grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus the Messiah will always be with you” (See: Blessings)

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

The words grace and peace are abstract nouns. Your language may have a particular way of expressing these concepts, such as with verbs or description words. If so, you can use them in your translation. Alternate translation: “We pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will treat you kindly and give you peaceful relationships” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν

Here and throughout the chapter, Father is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God, who is our Father,” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples/01.md)

Colossians 1:3

εὐχαριστοῦμεν…ἡμῶν

The word We here does not include the Colossians, but the word our here does include the Colossians (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

πάντοτε

Here, always is an exaggeration that the Colossians understood to mean that Paul and Timothy prayed for them often. If that would be misunderstood in your language, you can use a word that indicates frequency. Alternate translation: “consistently” or “frequently” (See: Hyperbole)

Colossians 1:4

ἀκούσαντες τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faith, you could express the idea behind this abstract noun in another way. Alternate translation: “having heard that you are trusting” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν ἀγάπην ἣν ἔχετε εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἁγίους,

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word love, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “how much you love all the saints” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 1:5

τὴν ἐλπίδα

Here, hope refers not only to the attitude of hopefulness but also to what the believer hopes for, that is, what God has promised to give to all believers. If hope would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “what you hope for” (See: Metonymy)

τὴν ἀποκειμένην

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this with an active form, and you can state who did the action. Alternate translation: “that God is reserving for” or “that God has prepared for” or “that God has ready for” (See: Active or Passive)

τῷ λόγῳ τῆς ἀληθείας

Paul uses the possessive form to describe a word that is characterized by truth. This could refer to: (1) a message that is truth. Alternate translation: “the message that is true” (2) a message concerning the truth. Alternate translation: “the message about the truth” (See: Possession)

τῷ λόγῳ

Here, word figuratively represents a message that is made up of words. If word would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the announcement” (See: Metonymy)

Colossians 1:6

τοῦ παρόντος εἰς ὑμᾶς

Here, the good news is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could be present with the Colossians. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “which was told to you in Colossae” (See: Personification)

ἐν παντὶ τῷ κόσμῳ

Here, in all the world is a generalization referring to the part of the world that Paul and the Colossians knew about. If all the world would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that world refers to the known world at that time. Alternate translation: “in every place that we know about” (See: Hyperbole)

ἐστὶν καρποφορούμενον καὶ αὐξανόμενον

Here, Paul speaks of the gospel as if it were a plant that could grow and produce fruit. He means that the gospel reaches more people and that it changes how people think and behave. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “is reaching more people so that they do what is pleasing to God” (See: Metaphor)

καθὼς καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν

Paul leaves out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your language needs these words, you could supply them from the context. Alternate translation: “just as this good news has reached you so that you do what is pleasing to God” or “just as it has done among you” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐπέγνωτε τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ

Here, in truth could describe (1) the way in which the Colossians learned about the grace of God. Alternate translation: “accurately grasped how God acts kindly” (2) the way God is gracious to the Colossians. Alternate translation: “learned about the true grace of God” or “understood how God truly acts kindly” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 1:7

Ἐπαφρᾶ

Epaphras is the name of a man. He is the one who preached the good news to the people in Colossae. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν

Here, our does not include the Colossians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Colossians 1:8

ἡμῖν

The word us here does not include the Colossians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

τὴν ὑμῶν ἀγάπην

Here Paul is primarily talking about the love that the Colossians are showing to other believers. Of course they also love God. If you must specify the object of their love, and people might think that the Colossians do not love God if he is not mentioned, then you can include both. Alternate translation: “that you love God and all his people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν Πνεύματι

Alternate translation: “which is by the power of the Holy Spirit” or “which you do through the power of the Holy Spirit”

Colossians 1:9

ἡμεῖς…ἠκούσαμεν, οὐ παυόμεθα

The word we here does not include the Colossians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἀφ’ ἧς ἡμέρας ἠκούσαμεν

Alternate translation: “from the day Epaphras told us these things”

οὐ παυόμεθα

Here, have not stopped is an exaggeration that the Colossians would have understood to mean that Paul and Timothy pray often for the Colossians. If this way of speaking would be misunderstood in your language, you can use a word or phrase that indicates frequency. Alternate translation: “have been frequently” or “have made a habit of” (See: Hyperbole)

οὐ παυόμεθα

Here Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “have kept” or “are continually” (See: Litotes)

ἵνα πληρωθῆτε τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ

Here Paul speaks of the Colossian believers as though they were containers that could be filled up. By speaking this way, he emphasizes that the Colossians should know God’s will in every area of their lives. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “that God would enable you to understand fully what he wants you to do” (See: Metaphor)

πληρωθῆτε

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in an active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God would fill you with” (See: Active or Passive)

πληρωθῆτε τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind the words knowledge and will, you could express those ideas in another way, such as with verbs. Alternate translation: “you might fully know what he has planned for you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

πληρωθῆτε τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ καὶ συνέσει πνευματικῇ,

Here, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding identifies how the Colossians are filled. The phrase does not describe God’s will. If what in all wisdom and spiritual understanding describes would be misunderstood in your language, you could move the phrase so that it appears immediately after filled. Alternate translation: “you might be filled in all wisdom and spiritual understanding with the knowledge of his will” (See: Information Structure)

ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ καὶ συνέσει πνευματικῇ

If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind wisdom and understanding, you could express the ideas with adjectives or verbs. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “which includes being spiritually very wise and intelligent” (See: Abstract Nouns)

σοφίᾳ καὶ συνέσει πνευματικῇ

Here, spiritual wisdom and understanding could refer to: (1) wisdom and understanding that comes from the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “wisdom and understanding given by the Holy Spirit” (2) wisdom and understanding in spiritual matters. Alternate translation: “wisdom and understanding about spiritual things”

σοφίᾳ καὶ συνέσει πνευματικῇ

The words wisdom and understanding mean very similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize the breadth of spiritual wisdom. If your language does not use repetition in this way or has only one word for this concept, you can use just one word. Alternate translation: “spiritual comprehension” or “spiritual insight” (See: Doublet)

Colossians 1:10

περιπατῆσαι ἀξίως τοῦ Κυρίου

Here, the word walk is a figurative way to refer to behavior in life. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “to behave in the way that the Lord expects you to behave” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν

If your language does not use abstract nouns, you could express the idea behind the phrase pleasing way with a verb. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “doing everything that pleases him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν παντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ καρποφοροῦντες

Paul is speaking figuratively of the Colossian believers as if they were trees or plants and of the things that they do as if it were their fruit. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a different figure or in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “performing many good deeds” (See: Metaphor)

αὐξανόμενοι τῇ ἐπιγνώσει τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind knowledge, you could express the idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “knowing God better and better” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 1:11

δυναμούμενοι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can express the idea with an active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God strengthening you” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ κράτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ

Paul uses the possessive form to describe power that is characterized by God’s glory. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could use an adjective such as “glorious” or “great” instead of the noun glory. Alternate translation: “his glorious power” or “his great power” (See: Possession)

εἰς πᾶσαν ὑπομονὴν καὶ μακροθυμίαν μετὰ χαρᾶς

This is a purpose phrase. Paul is stating the purpose for which the Colossians have been strengthened with all power. In your translation, follow the conventions of your language for purpose phrases. Alternate translation: “so that you have all endurance and patience with joy” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ὑπομονὴν καὶ μακροθυμίαν

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word patience tells what kind of endurance the Colossians can have. If your language does not use this form, you could express the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “patient endurance.” (See: Hendiadys)

πᾶσαν ὑπομονὴν καὶ μακροθυμίαν

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind endurance and patience, you could express the ideas with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “endure always and wait patiently” (See: Abstract Nouns)

πᾶσαν ὑπομονὴν καὶ μακροθυμίαν μετὰ χαρᾶς

Here, with joy could describe (1) the way that the Colossians are to have endurance and patience (2) the way that the Colossians are to give thanks in verse 12. Alternate translation: “all endurance and patience”

Colossians 1:12

εὐχαριστοῦντες

Some Bible versions connect the phrase “with joy” at the end of verse 11 to the phrase at the beginning of verse 12, instead of connecting it to verse 11. Alternate translation: “with joy giving thanks”

τῷ Πατρὶ

Father is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus, and it also describes the relationship between God and believers, who are adopted children. Alternate translation: “God the Father” (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἱκανώσαντι ὑμᾶς

Alternate translation: “who has qualified you”

εἰς τὴν μερίδα τοῦ κλήρου τῶν ἁγίων

This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God made the Colossians able. In your translation, follow the conventions of your language for purpose clauses. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “so that you can share the inheritance of the saints” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

τὴν μερίδα τοῦ κλήρου

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a share that is characterized by inheritance. If your language does not use this form to express that meaning, you could use a verbal phrase like “receive your portion of” or “take part in.” Alternate translation: “to take part in the inheritance” (See: Possession)

τοῦ κλήρου τῶν ἁγίων

Here, Paul uses the possessive form to indicate that the inheritance is for the saints. If your language does not use this form to express that meaning, you could use a descriptive phrase such as “that God is keeping for” or “that belongs to” instead. Alternate translation: “the inheritance that belongs to the saints” (See: Possession)

ἐν τῷ φωτί

Here, in the light is the opposite of the “authority of the darkness” in the next verse (1:13) and refers to belonging to God and being part of his kingdom. The metaphor of light representing God, goodness, and heaven is very common in the Bible, and it would be useful to retain it if it communicates well. But if it might be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “in the spiritual kingdom of God” or “in God’s glorious presence” (See: Metaphor)

Colossians 1:13

τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ σκότους

Here, darkness is a metaphor for evil. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “the authority of evil powers” (See: Metaphor)

τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ σκότους

Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe an authority that is characterized by darkness (a metaphor for evil). If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could use a verb such as “rule” or “control” for the noun authority. Alternate translation: “the evil that ruled us” (See: Possession)

τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ σκότους

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word authority, you could express that idea in another way, such as with a verb. Alternate translation: “the dark things that controlled us” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μετέστησεν

Here Paul speaks about a change in who rules over believers as if they were moving from one location to another. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “made us subject instead” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Υἱοῦ τῆς ἀγάπης αὐτοῦ

Paul speaks figuratively of the people who belong to God’s Son as if they were citizens of a kingdom. He means that they are members of a community that obeys God’s Son Jesus and belongs to him. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “so that his beloved Son reigns over us” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ Υἱοῦ τῆς ἀγάπης αὐτοῦ

Paul uses the possessive form to characterize the Son as his beloved. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could express the idea behind his beloved with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “of the Son he loves” (See: Possession)

τοῦ Υἱοῦ τῆς ἀγάπης αὐτοῦ

Son is an important title that describes the relationship between God the Father (who is mentioned in the previous verse (1:12)) and Jesus. Alternate translation: “of Jesus, God the Father’s beloved Son” (See: Translating Son and Father)

Colossians 1:14

τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν

Some later manuscripts add “through his blood” after redemption. Most likely, “through his blood” was accidentally added because of how similar this verse is to Ephesians 1:7, which does include “through his blood.” Most likely, you should not include “through his blood” in your translation. (See: Textual Variants)

ἔχομεν τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν

Here, the word redemption does not refer to a payment or to the act of redeeming. Instead, it refers to the result of the act of redeeming. If redemption would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word such as “freedom” to express this idea. Alternate translation: “we have freedom” (See: Metonymy)

ἔχομεν τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, τὴν ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind redemption and forgiveness, you can express the idea by using verbs. Alternate translation: “God has redeemed us; that is, he has forgiven our sins” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν

Here, Paul uses the possessive form to indicate that the forgiveness concerns sins. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could use a verb for forgiveness and make sins its object or complement. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to replace the comma before it with a semicolon. Alternate translation: “that is, God has forgiven us for our sins” (See: Possession)

Colossians 1:15

ὅς ἐστιν εἰκὼν τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ἀοράτου

Here, image does not mean a representation of something that is visible, like a photo or a reflection. Instead, image refers to how the Son perfectly reveals the Father. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could replace image with an expression that emphasizes how the Son reveals the Father. Alternate translation: “What the invisible God is like can be seen in his Son” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ἀοράτου

The word invisible does not mean that God the Father could be seen by people but hides himself. Instead, it means that human sight is unable to perceive God the Father, since he is not part of the created world. If invisible would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase to clarify the idea. Alternate translation: “of God, whom humans are unable to see” (See: Translate Unknowns)

πρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως

The word 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 that means that he existed as God before God created anything and that he is most important. You could emphasize either or both of these ideas in your translation. Alternate translation: “God’s Son, the most important one over all creation” or “God’s Son, who existed as God before all creation” (See: Metaphor)

πάσης κτίσεως

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind creation, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “create.” Alternate translation: “of all that God created” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 1:16

ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰ πάντα

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “For in him God created all things” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰ πάντα

Paul here seems to speak as if God created everything inside the Son. This is a metaphor that describes the involvement of the Son when God created all things, which you could clarify by making both the Son and the Father the subjects of created. If your language can clearly indicate different types of agency, you could identify God the Father as the primary agent and God the Son as the secondary agent. Alternate translation: “God the Father created all things through the work of God the Son” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς

Paul refers to two opposite things, the heavens and the earth, as a way to include not only them but also everything else in what God and his Son created. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in every part of the universe” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md)

τὰ ὁρατὰ καὶ τὰ ἀόρατα

Paul refers to two opposite things, the visible and the invisible, as another way to refer to everything that God and his Son created. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “whether people can see them or not” (See: Merism)

εἴτε θρόνοι, εἴτε κυριότητες, εἴτε ἀρχαὶ, εἴτε ἐξουσίαι

The words thrones, dominions, governments, and authorities here refer to different kinds of angels or other spiritual beings that are not specified as being good or evil. They are examples of what is invisible. It may be that the false teachers were teaching that these beings should be worshiped. But Paul is emphasizing here that God the Father created all of these spiritual beings through his Son, and so the Son is much greater than these. If these four words would be misunderstood in your language, you could (1) identify that these are spiritual beings and translate as many of these names as you have different words for. Alternate translation: “Including all spiritual beings, which can be called thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities” (2) use names from your culture that identify different classes of angels or spiritual beings. Alternate translation: “Whether angels or archangels or spirit rulers” (3) summarize without using specific names. Alternate translation: “Including all types of powerful spiritual beings” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὰ πάντα δι’ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν ἔκτισται

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “through him and for him God created all things” (See: Active or Passive)

δι’ αὐτοῦ…ἔκτισται

The phrase through him shows God the Son’s involvement in creating the world with the Father. Alternate translation: “God the Father created by working through the Son”

καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν

Here, for him refers to the Son as the purpose or goal of all creation. If the meaning of for him would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that creation’s purpose is to honor and glorify the Son. Alternate translation: “and everything exists to glorify him” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Colossians 1:17

αὐτός ἐστιν πρὸ πάντων

The word before refers to time, not location. It means that the Son did not come into being when God created everything, but rather he existed as God before anything was created. If the meaning of before would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to prior time. Alternate translation: “before God created anything, the Son existed as God” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

τὰ πάντα ἐν αὐτῷ συνέστηκεν

Paul is speaking here as if all created things hold together because they are inside the Son. By speaking in this way, Paul means that everything that God created continues to exist because the Son actively works to preserve everything. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “he controls everything so that it works the way it should” or “he is the one who makes sure everything has its proper place” (See: Metaphor)

Colossians 1:18

αὐτός ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ τοῦ σώματος, τῆς ἐκκλησίας

Paul speaks of Jesus’ position over the church as if he were the head on the human body. As the head rules and directs the body, so Jesus rules and directs the church. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or express the idea with a simile or in non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “he rules and directs the church” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ ἀρχή

The word beginning could refer to (1) the origin of something; here, the origin of the church. Alternate translation: “the origin of the church” or “the one who started the church” (2) a position of power or authority. Alternate translation: “the ruler” or “the one with authority”

πρωτότοκος ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν

Paul describes Jesus’ resurrection from among the dead as if someone gave birth to him as her first child. This figure helps us to see that this new life was not like his old life, because he can never die again. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “the first one to come back to new life” or “the first person to permanently rise from the dead” (See: Metaphor)

τῶν νεκρῶν

Paul is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “the dead people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἵνα γένηται ἐν πᾶσιν αὐτὸς πρωτεύων

This clause could identify: (1) the result of Jesus starting the church and coming back from the dead. Alternate translation: “with the result that he is first among all things” (2) the purpose of Jesus starting the church and coming back from the dead. Alternate translation: “in order that he might be first among all things” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

γένηται ἐν πᾶσιν αὐτὸς πρωτεύων

Paul here describes Jesus as if he were first to do or be something. This does not refer to time or sequence, but rather it refers to importance. If the meaning of first would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable expression or in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “he himself might become the most important person in all creation” or “he himself might be greater than everything and anybody else” (See: Metaphor)

Colossians 1:19

ὅτι

The word for provides a reason for previous statements. If for by itself would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify for which statements this verse gives a reason. These statements could be (1) everything in the previous verse, including the Son’s headship over the church, his founding of the church, his resurrection, and his status as most important. Alternate translation: “He is all these things because” (2) why the Son is first among all things. Alternate translation: “He is first among all things because” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐν αὐτῷ εὐδόκησεν πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα κατοικῆσαι

The verb was pleased implies a personal subject, which must be God the Father. By using the phrase all the fullness, Paul is speaking figuratively of everything that God the Father is, either by ellipsis or metonymy. If this way of speaking would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “God the Father was pleased to make all of his fullness dwell in the Son” or “all the fullness of God the Father was pleased to dwell in the Son” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν αὐτῷ εὐδόκησεν πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα κατοικῆσαι

Here, Paul speaks figuratively of the Son as though he were a house in which God’s fullness could dwell. This does not mean that God lives inside of the Son or that the Son is part of God. This means that the Son has all the divinity of God. It means that the Son is fully God just as the Father is fully God. If the metaphor might be misunderstood in your language, you could state it more plainly. Alternate translation: “the Son is fully God in every way” (See: Metaphor)

πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα

In the context, fullness stands for the fullness of divinity, or everything that characterizes God. If your readers would misunderstand fullness, you could make it clear that this word refers to the fullness of God. Alternate translation: “the full divinity of God” (See: Metonymy)

Colossians 1:20

ἀποκαταλλάξαι

This verse continues the sentence from the previous verse, so to reconcile continues the same verb from there, “was pleased,” along with its implied subject, God the Father. If your readers would misunderstand this, you can repeat that subject and verb here. Alternate translation: “God the Father was pleased to reconcile”

τὰ πάντα

Here, all things includes everything that God created, including people. If all things would be misunderstood in your language, you can be more specific. Alternate translation: “all things and all people”

εἰρηνοποιήσας

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word peace, you could express this idea in another way. Alternate translation: “having made things right” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ

Paul uses the possessive form to describe blood characterized by his cross, which is the location where the blood was shed. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could make the relationship between the two words clearer with a short phrase such as “shed on.” Alternate translation: “the blood shed on his cross.” (See: Possession)

τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ

Here, blood stands for the death of Christ on the cross. If the meaning of blood would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable word that stands for death or express the idea in non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “his death on the cross” (See: Metonymy)

τὰ πάντα εἰς αὐτόν…εἴτε τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, εἴτε τὰ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

The last part of this verse (whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens) describes all things, found near the beginning of the verse. If your language does not separate a description from the thing it describes, you could move the description next to all things. Alternate translation: “all things, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens, to himself” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-infostructure/01.md)

εἴτε τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, εἴτε τὰ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

Paul refers to the things on the earth and the things in the heavens to include them and everything in between, that is, everything in all of creation. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “everything in the whole creation” (See: Merism)

Colossians 1:21

ποτε

The phrase At one time does not refer to one specific instance in time when the Colossians were alienated from God. Instead, it refers to all the time before they believed in Jesus. If At one time would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify what time Paul is referring to. Alternate translation: “During the time before you believed” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

ὄντας ἀπηλλοτριωμένους

If your language does not use this passive form, you could describe the Colossians’ state with an active form. Alternate translation: “did not want a relationship with God” or “were people who did not want to be near God” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀπηλλοτριωμένους, καὶ ἐχθροὺς

Paul assumes that the Colossians will know from whom they were alienated and with whom they were enemies: God. If your language would include this implied information, you could include a reference to “God” in this sentence. Alternate translation: “alienated from God and were his enemies” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῇ διανοίᾳ ἐν τοῖς ἔργοις τοῖς πονηροῖς,

If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind thought and deeds, you could express the ideas with relative clauses. Alternate translation: “in what you thought, in what you did that was evil” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 1:22

νυνὶ δὲ

The word now does not refer to the moment at which Paul writes this letter or the moment at which it is read to the Colossians. Instead, it refers to the time since they believed, including the present moment. This follows as a sequence to the previous verse, which referred to the time when they had not yet believed. If the meaning of now would be misunderstood your language, you could add a phrase such as “that you have believed.” Alternate translation: “But now that you have faith in Jesus,” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

δὲ

The word But here introduces a strong contrast from the previous sentence. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a strong contrast from what was just said. Alternate translation: “Instead of that,” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἐν τῷ σώματι τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ

Here Paul uses the phrase the body of his flesh to refer to Jesus and everything that he did while in a human body. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “by Jesus in his physical body” (See: Metonymy)

τῷ σώματι τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ

Here Paul describes Jesus’ body that is characterized by flesh. This refers to Jesus’ body during his earthly life, not his glorified body after the resurrection. If the body of his flesh would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an expression that makes this idea clear. Alternate translation: “his physical body” or “his body before the resurrection” (See: Possession)

διὰ τοῦ θανάτου

Here, Paul has not stated whose death this is. This death is not that of the Colossians but that of Jesus on the cross. If your language would state who died, you could add a possessive word to clarify. Alternate translation: “through his death” or “through Jesus’ death” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

παραστῆσαι ὑμᾶς

Here, to present you gives the purpose for which God reconciled the Colossians by the death of his Son. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a purpose phrase such as “so that” or “in order to.” Alternate translation: “so that he might present you” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

παραστῆσαι ὑμᾶς ἁγίους, καὶ ἀμώμους, καὶ ἀνεγκλήτους, κατενώπιον αὐτοῦ

Here Paul is describing the Colossians as though Jesus had brought them to stand before God the Father, by which he means that Jesus has made them acceptable to God. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea in non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “to make you acceptable before him, holy and blameless and above reproach” (See: Metaphor)

ἁγίους, καὶ ἀμώμους, καὶ ἀνεγκλήτους

The words blameless and above reproach are adjectives that describe a person or thing that is free from blemishes and that cannot be blamed for doing anything wrong. If the meaning of these words would be misunderstood in your language, you could use relative clauses instead. Alternate translation: “as people who are holy and who have no faults and who cannot be blamed for doing anything wrong” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἁγίους, καὶ ἀμώμους, καὶ ἀνεγκλήτους

These words, holy, blameless, and above reproach, mean basically the same thing here. The repetition is used to emphasize the completeness of what the Son did to take away the Colossians’ sin. After trusting in Jesus, they are now completely morally pure. If your language does not use repetition in this way or you do not have three words that mean this, you could use fewer words and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “completely pure” or “without any sin at all” (See: Doublet)

Colossians 1:23

εἴ γε ἐπιμένετε

Here Paul explains that the Colossians need to continue in their faith for what he said in the previous verse to be true about them. In other words, in order for them to be reconciled to God, blameless and without reproach, they need to continue in the faith. However, he does not think that this is a hypothetical situation or something that is likely not true. Instead, Paul thinks that they are continuing in their faith, and he uses this statement with if to encourage them to keep doing so. If your language does not use if in this context, you could rephrase the condition into a circumstance or an assumption. Alternate translation: “provided that you continue” or “presuming that you continue” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

τῇ πίστει

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faith, you could express the idea behind this abstract noun in another way. Alternate translation: “to trust God” or “to believe God’s message” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τεθεμελιωμένοι καὶ ἑδραῖοι

The words founded and firm mean basically the same thing. The words not being moved repeat the idea again in a negative way. The repetition is used to emphasize that it is important for the Colossians to continue strong in their faith. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could use one word for this idea and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “very firm” or “like a rock” (See: Doublet)

τεθεμελιωμένοι καὶ ἑδραῖοι, καὶ μὴ μετακινούμενοι ἀπὸ

Here Paul speaks of the Colossians as if they were a building that was founded and sits on a firm foundation so that it cannot be moved from its place, which means that they have good basis for their faith and will keep believing in all situations. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with an equivalent metaphor in your culture or express it in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “holding onto it and grasping it tightly and not letting go of” (See: Metaphor)

τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

Here Paul uses to possessive to explain that hope comes from the gospel. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could express the idea by using a phrase such as “that comes from” or “gained from.” Alternate translation: “the hope that comes from the gospel” or “how you hope, which you gained from the gospel” (See: Possession)

τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hope, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “expecting God to fulfill the gospel” or “waiting for God to complete the good news” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦ κηρυχθέντος ἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form. You could: (1) change proclaimed to “heard” and make every creature the subject. Alternate translation: “which every creature that is under heaven has heard” (2) specify that “fellow believers” is the subject of proclaimed. Alternate translation: “which fellow believers have proclaimed to every creature that is under heaven” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν

Here Paul uses an exaggeration that the Colossians would have understood to emphasize how far the good news has spread. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or qualify the claim. Alternate translation: “to people in many different places” or “to people in every place we know about” (See: Hyperbole)

τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν

In Paul’s culture, under heaven refers to the visible part of creation that humans regularly interact with. It excludes spiritual beings, the stars, and anything else in heaven. If your readers would misunderstand under heaven, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “that is on the earth” (See: Translate Unknowns)

οὗ ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ Παῦλος διάκονος

Here Paul speaks as if the good news were a person of whom he could become a servant. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could explain that Paul is a servant of God, but his task from God is to proclaim the good news. Alternate translation: “which I, Paul, proclaim as God has commanded me, his servant, to do” (See: Personification)

Colossians 1:24

νῦν

The word Now indicates that Paul wishes to tell the Colossians how he is currently serving the gospel. It does not indicate a change of topic, as it sometimes does in English. If Now would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a longer phrase to express this idea. Alternate translation: “While I write this letter,” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἐν τοῖς παθήμασιν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν

Alternate translation: “while I suffer for your sake”

ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου

Paul speaks of his flesh as if it were a container that could fill up with afflictions. By this, he means that his bodily sufferings function to satisfy a specific purpose, which here is to finish what Christ started with his afflictions. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “with my bodily suffering, I finish what the Messiah started when he suffered. I do this” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here Paul is not saying that there is a lack in Christ’s afflictions because those afflictions did not succeed in doing what they were supposed to do. Instead, the lack refers to what Christ wished for his disciples to do as his servants. The lack, then, is something that Christ intentionally did not accomplish, because he wanted Paul to do it. If your readers would misunderstand a lack, you could rephrase this so that it is clearer that Christ intentionally left something for Paul to do. Alternate translation: “the afflictions that Christ has called me to suffer to complete his work” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Paul uses two possessive forms to speak about the lack that characterizes the afflictions that Christ suffered. If your language would not use possessive forms to express that idea, you could express the idea with a relative clause or two clauses. Alternate translation: “what Christ, when he suffered, left for me to suffer” (See: Possession)

τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἡ ἐκκλησία

Here Paul speaks of the church as if it were Christ’s body, and he provides the explanation of what body means. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to the church first and then identify it as his body. Alternate translation: “the church, which is his body” (See: Metaphor)

Colossians 1:25

ἧς ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ διάκονος

If your language would specify who called Paul to be a servant of the church, you could rephrase this clause so that God is the subject and Paul is the object. Alternate translation: “God appointed me to be a servant of the church” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὴν οἰκονομίαν

The word stewardship refers to managing a household or, more generally, to directing any group or process. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word stewardship, you could replace the word with a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “authoritative oversight” or “superintending authority” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν οἰκονομίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul uses the possessive form to describe a stewardship that could (1) come from God. Alternate translation: “the stewardship from God” (2) belong to God and be given to Paul. Alternate translation: “God’s own stewardship” or “God’s own oversight” (See: Possession)

τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “that God gave to me” or “that he gave me” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul uses the possessive form to describe a word that is (1) from God. Alternate translation: “the word that came from God” (2) about God. Alternate translation: “the word about God” (See: Possession)

τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, word figuratively represents a message that is made up of words. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the message from God” or “God’s message” (See: Metonymy)

Colossians 1:26

τὸ μυστήριον τὸ ἀποκεκρυμμένον

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “the mystery that God had hidden” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ μυστήριον

Here Paul calls “the word of God,” from 1:25, a mystery. This does not mean that it is hard to understand, but rather, it had not yet been revealed. Now, however, Paul says that it “has been revealed.” If your language would not use mystery to refer to something that has been revealed, you could replace mystery with a short descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “the concealed message” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὸ ἀποκεκρυμμένον ἀπὸ τῶν αἰώνων καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν γενεῶν

This clause does not mean that the ages and the generations were unable to understand the “mystery.” Instead, from the ages and from the generations refer to the time during which the mystery was hidden. Those from whom the mystery was hidden are not expressed explicitly, but it is clear that they are those who were alive during those times. If your language would express explicitly those from whom the mystery was hidden, you could insert it into the sentence. Alternate translation: “that has been hidden from the people who lived during the ages and in the generations” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπὸ τῶν αἰώνων καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν γενεῶν

These phrases speak about the passage of time. The word ages refers to periods of time that are marked off by specific boundaries (often major events), while the word generations refers to time periods marked off by human birth and death. The mystery has been hidden during all these time periods up until the present time. If these phrases would be misunderstood in your language, you could use equivalent expressions or short phrases. Alternate translation: “during all time periods, while people were born and died” (See: Translate Unknowns)

νῦν δὲ

The word now does not refer to the time during which Paul wrote this letter. Instead, it contrasts with the ages and generations and refers to the time or “age” after the work of Jesus. If now would be misunderstood in your language, you could further identify what time now refers to. Alternate translation: “but now that Jesus has come, it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐφανερώθη

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God has revealed it” (See: Active or Passive)

Colossians 1:27

τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης τοῦ μυστηρίου τούτου

Paul emphasizes the scope of the glory by speaking as if it had wealth or riches. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable statement or express the idea with an adverb such as “very” or an adjective such as “abundant.” Alternate translation: “the abundant glory of this mystery” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης τοῦ μυστηρίου τούτου

Here Paul uses the possessive form to connect riches to glory, which then characterizes the mystery. If your language would not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could translate both riches and glory as adjectives or adverbs describing the mystery. Alternate translation: “this richly glorious mystery” (See: Possession)

τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης τοῦ μυστηρίου τούτου

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word glory, you could express that idea in another way, such as with a description word. Alternate translation: “this richly glorious mystery” or “this abundantly wonderful mystery” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν

This could refer to: (1) how the mystery applies to all people, including Gentiles. Alternate translation: “that applies to every person, including the Gentiles” (2) where God makes the mystery known. Alternate translation: “to the Gentiles”

Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν

Paul speaks of the believers as if they were containers in which Christ is present. The expression means basically the same thing as “you in Christ.” If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use the same translation you have used for being “in Christ.” Alternate translation: “your union with Christ” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς δόξης

Here Paul speaks of a hope that relates to glory. This could refer to: (1) hoping for, or expecting, glory. Alternate translation: “the expectation of becoming glorious” (2) a hope that is glorious. Alternate translation: “the glorious hope” (See: Possession)

ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς δόξης

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind the words hope and glory, you could express those ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “with whom we can expect to share his glorious life” or “who makes us confidently hope for living with him in heaven” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 1:28

ἡμεῖς καταγγέλλομεν…παραστήσωμεν

The pronoun we in this verse does not include the Colossians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

πάντα ἄνθρωπον

Here, every man refers to every person whom Paul has told about Jesus. If every man would be misunderstood in your language, you can include this information. Alternate translation: “every man whom we talk to … each of them … each of them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄνθρωπον

Here, the word man does not refer to only male people but to any human being. If man would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a term that refers to humans in general. Alternate translation: “human” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

πάσῃ σοφίᾳ

Here Paul speaks figuratively when he says that he uses all wisdom, by which he means that he uses all of the wisdom that he possesses. He does not mean that he possesses all the wisdom that exists. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could state this more plainly. Alternate translation: “all of the wisdom that we have” or “all of the wisdom that God has given us” (See: Hyperbole)

ἵνα παραστήσωμεν

Paul here explains the goal or purpose for which he and those with him “admonish” and “teach” people. In your translation, use a phrase that designates goal or purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that we may present” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

παραστήσωμεν πάντα ἄνθρωπον τέλειον ἐν Χριστῷ

In this context, when Paul says that he intends to present people, he does not say to whom or where he will present them. If your language would include this information, you could explain what the situation is. Paul could be referring to (1) when people appear before God on the judgment day. Alternate translation: “we may present every man complete in Christ to God the Father on the judgment day” (2) when people worship God. Alternate translation: “we may present every man complete in Christ when they come before God in worship” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τέλειον

The word complete in this context means that a person is what he or she is supposed to be and is able to do what he or she is called to do. If complete would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that has this meaning, such as “perfect” or “excellent,” or you could translate complete with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “fit for what God has called him to be” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Colossians 1:29

κοπιῶ, ἀγωνιζόμενος

The words labor and striving mean very similar things. The repetition emphasizes how hard Paul works. If your language does not use repetition in this way or has only one word for this concept, you can use just one word and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “work hard” or “labor greatly” (See: Doublet)

τὴν ἐνέργειαν αὐτοῦ, τὴν ἐνεργουμένην ἐν ἐμοὶ

The word working is repeated here to emphasize God’s activity in Paul that enables him to do what he does. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can just use the word once and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “his constant working in me” or “how he greatly enables me” (See: Doublet)

κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν αὐτοῦ, τὴν ἐνεργουμένην

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind working, you could express the idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “according to how God works, who works” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν δυνάμει

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind power, you could express the idea with an adjective or adverb. Alternate translation: “in powerful ways” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 2

Colossians 2 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. Teaching Section (1:13–2:23)
   • Paul’s Ministry (1:24–2:5)
   • Effects of Christ’s Work (2:6–15)
   • Freedom in Christ (2:16–23)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Philosophy

Paul speaks of “philosophy” in 2:8. He is not referring to all attempts by humans to understand the world around them. Instead, he makes it clear that he is referring to thinking that is “empty” and full of “deceit,” that comes from traditions of humans and the “elemental principles.” All this “philosophy” is bad because it is not “according to Christ.” The “philosophy” that Paul attacks, then, is any attempt to make sense of the world that does not do so in line with Christ and his work.

Fullness

Just as in the last chapter, “fullness” is an important idea that Paul refers to 2:9–10. Again, Christ has the divine “fullness,” and he “fills” the Colossians. No other source of “fullness” is needed.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Head and body

As in the last chapter, Christ is called the “head,” both of powerful rulers (2:10) and of his church 2:19. Paul uses this language to identify Christ as (1) the supreme ruler, just as the head rules over the body, and (2) the source of life for the church, just as a body is dead without its head. Paul also identifies the church as the body of Christ in 2:19. Here, his point is that the church cannot survive and grow without being connected to Christ, just as a body does not live or grow without a head. Finally, Paul refers to a “body” in 2:17, but here the metaphor is different. The word “body” refers to any object that can cast a shadow (not primarily to an organic, human body) and here the “body” (the object) is Christ, who casts a shadow, which is identified as old covenant regulations.

Circumcision and baptism

In 2:11–13, Paul uses the old covenant sign of circumcision to refer to removing the “the body of flesh,” and he uses the new covenant sign of baptism to refer to “being buried” with Christ. He uses these two signs to show how Christians are united with Christ, freed from sin, and given new life.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Flesh

In Colossians, Paul uses “flesh” to refer to human, embodied existence in the world before the resurrection and before God creates the new heavens and earth. He uses “flesh” neutrally to refer to physical presence in 2:1; 2:5. In many other places, however, he uses “flesh” to refer to the weakness and sinfulness of humans as they live in ways that fit with this broken world (2:11, 13, 18, 23). Often, “flesh” in these situations is translated with something like “sinful nature.” However, it is perhaps better to emphasize both weakness and sinfulness, and the term “nature” can be confusing. For examples of some ways to translate “flesh,” see the UST and notes in this chapter.

The false teaching

In this chapter, Paul gives some information about what the false teachers are saying and doing. However, it is not enough to give us a full picture of who they were and what they taught. What is clear is that they spoke about extraordinary experiences, were interested in spiritual beings, and gave commands about behavior that at least sometimes were related to Old Testament law. If possible, keep your translation as vague as Paul’s own description of the false teachers.

Colossians 2:1

γὰρ

The word For introduces the reason why Paul told them in 1:29 about how hard he works. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could make the transition more explicit. Alternate translation: “I tell you about my hard work because” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἡλίκον ἀγῶνα ἔχω

Here, the word struggle is directly related to the word “striving” in 1:29. Just as in that verse, it is usually used for striving to win a contest, whether athletic, legal, or military. Paul uses the word here to indicate how much he cares for the Colossians and how hard he works for their benefit. If that meaning of struggle would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “how much care I have” (See: Metaphor)

ἡλίκον ἀγῶνα ἔχω

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind struggle, you could express the idea behind this abstract noun by combining it with the verb have and using a verb such as “struggle.” Alternate translation: “how much I struggle” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, καὶ τῶν ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ, καὶ ὅσοι οὐχ ἑόρακαν τὸ πρόσωπόν μου ἐν σαρκί

This list includes the Colossians and the Laodiceans among those who have not seen Paul’s face in the flesh. If this inclusion would be misunderstood in your language, you could reverse the order of the list and include you and those at Laodicea among those who have not seen Paul’s face. Alternate translation: “for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, including you and those at Laodicea” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐχ ἑόρακαν τὸ πρόσωπόν μου ἐν σαρκί

In Paul’s culture, seeing a face in the flesh refers to meeting someone in person. If the meaning of have not seen my face in the flesh would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea in non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “have not personally made my acquaintance” or “have not personally met me” (See: Idiom)

Colossians 2:2

αὐτῶν

Paul here switches from the second person to the third person because he wishes to include everyone he has not met in person, including the Colossians. If this switch would be misunderstood in your language, you could (1) use the second person from the previous verse but make it clear that this includes everyone Paul has not met in person. Alternate translation “your hearts and their” (2) retain the third person here and reverse the list in the previous verse as suggested by the note there (See: First, Second or Third Person)

παρακληθῶσιν αἱ καρδίαι αὐτῶν, συμβιβασθέντες

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express these verbs in their active forms, with Paul as the subject of the “encouraging” and God as the subject of the “bringing together.” Alternate translation: “I might encourage their hearts, with God bringing them together” (See: Active or Passive)

αἱ καρδίαι αὐτῶν

Here when Paul refers to their hearts, the Colossians would have understood him to mean the entire person. Paul uses hearts because his culture identified hearts as the body part where people experienced encouragement. If that meaning of their hearts would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that identifies the location where people experience encouragement in your culture, or you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “they” (See: Synecdoche)

πᾶν πλοῦτος τῆς πληροφορίας

Paul here speaks as if full assurance could be characterized as having all the riches. He uses this metaphor to describe the full assurance as complete and valuable. If all the riches of the full assurance would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the complete and valuable full assurance” or “all the blessings of the full assurance” (See: Metaphor)

τῆς πληροφορίας τῆς συνέσεως

Here Paul uses the possessive form to speak of full assurance that is gained from understanding. From the rest of the verse, it is clear that what is “understood” is the mystery of God. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a relative clause to translate of understanding. Alternate translation: “of the full assurance that comes from understanding” (See: Possession)

εἰς πᾶν πλοῦτος τῆς πληροφορίας τῆς συνέσεως; εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ μυστηρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind full assurance, understanding, and knowledge, you could express the ideas with verbs. Alternate translation: “having all the riches that come when they completely trust God because they understand, that is, they know the mystery of God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῆς συνέσεως; εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν

Here, the words understanding and knowledge mean basically the same thing. Paul uses both words to emphasize the breadth of spiritual knowledge he speaks about. If your language does not use repetition in this way or has only one word for this concept, you can use just one word or translate understanding with an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “of wise knowledge” (See: Doublet)

ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ μυστηρίου

Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak of knowledge about the mystery. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate knowledge with a verb such as “knowing” or use different prepositions, such as “about.” Alternate translation: “knowing about the mystery” (See: Possession)

τοῦ μυστηρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul here uses the possessive form to speak about a mystery that comes from God. Only God can reveal the content of this mystery. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could express the idea by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “the mystery that God reveals” or “the mystery known by God” (See: Possession)

Colossians 2:3

ἐν ᾧ

If your readers would misunderstand to whom the word whom refers, you could state it more clearly. The word whom could refer to: (1) the mystery. Alternate translation: “in this mystery” (2) Christ. Alternate translation: “in the Messiah.” Since 2:2 identifies the mystery with Christ, both options express what Paul is saying, so pick the option that most clearly communicates the idea in your language. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰσιν πάντες οἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως ἀπόκρυφοι

If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν ᾧ εἰσιν πάντες οἱ θησαυροὶ…ἀπόκρυφοι

Paul here speaks of the Messiah as if he were a container that could “hide” treasures. He speaks this way to emphasize the value of what Christians receive from God when they are united to the Messiah. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “from whom all the blessings … can be received” (See: Metaphor)

οἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως

Paul here uses the possessive form to explain what the treasures are: wisdom and knowledge. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could clarify that wisdom and knowledge are the treasures. Alternate translation: “the treasures, which are wisdom and knowledge,” (See: Possession)

τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind wisdom and knowledge, you could express the ideas behind these abstract nouns with adjectives such as “wise” and “knowledgeable.” Alternate translation: “of wise and knowledgeable thinking” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως

The words wisdom and knowledge mean very similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize the breadth of spiritual wisdom. If your language does not use repetition in this way or has only one word for this concept, you can use just one word or translate wisdom as an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “of wisdom” or “of knowledge” or “of wise knowledge” (See: Doublet)

Colossians 2:4

τοῦτο

The word this refers to what Paul has said in 2:2–3 about the “secret.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could summarize what Paul has said instead of using this. Alternate translation: “these things about the secret” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μηδεὶς ὑμᾶς παραλογίζηται

Alternate translation: “people cannot deceive you”

πιθανολογίᾳ

The phrase persuasive speech refers to arguments that appear plausible. The phrase itself does not suggest that the arguments are true or false, but the context here suggests that the arguments are false even though they sound believable. If persuasive speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or a short phrase that expresses this idea. Alternate translation: “plausible arguments” or “words that sound true” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Colossians 2:5

γὰρ

The word For introduces further support for why the Colossians should not be “deceived” (2:4). Even if Paul is physically absent, he is thinking about them and caring for them. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could specify what the word For is supporting. Alternate translation: “This persuasive speech is false because,” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

εἰ…καὶ

Paul speaks as if being “absent” were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language would not use a conditional statement for something that is a current fact, you could translate these words as an affirmation. Alternate translation: “while” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

τῇ σαρκὶ ἄπειμι

In Paul’s culture, being absent in the flesh is a figurative way to speak about not being present in person. If absent in the flesh would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or translate the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I am not there with you” (See: Idiom)

ἀλλὰ

The word yet introduces a contrast with “absent in the flesh.” While the Colossians might expect that, since Paul is “absent in the flesh,” he is also absent “in the spirit,” Paul says the opposite: he is with them “in the spirit.” Use a word that indicates contrast or contraexpectation in your language. Alternate translation: “despite this” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

τῷ πνεύματι σὺν ὑμῖν εἰμι

In Paul’s culture, being with someone in the spirit is a figurative way to speak of thinking about and caring about that person. If with you in the spirit would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I am still connected to you” (See: Idiom)

τῷ πνεύματι

Here, the spirit could refer to: (1) Paul’s spirit, which would be the part of him that rejoices over the Colossians from a distance. Alternate translation: “in my spirit” (2) the Holy Spirit, which connects Paul with the Colossians, even though they are not physically together. Alternate translation: “in God’s Spirit” or “by the power of God’s Spirit”

χαίρων καὶ βλέπων

Here, rejoicing and seeing are what Paul does while he is with them “in the spirit.” If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could make the relationship between the ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: (adding a period after “spirit”) “When I think about you, I rejoice and see” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

χαίρων καὶ βλέπων

Paul here expresses a single idea with the two words rejoicing and seeing. He means that he “rejoices” when he “sees.” If rejoicing and seeing would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by translating rejoicing as an adverb or prepositional phrase. Alternate translation: “joyfully seeing” or “seeing with joy” (See: Hendiadys)

ὑμῶν τὴν τάξιν

The phrase good order refers to behavior that properly fits into a larger pattern or arrangement. In the context, that larger pattern is what God expects of his people. If good order would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable term or translate the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “the fact that you behave according to God’s standards” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὸ στερέωμα…πίστεως ὑμῶν

Paul uses the possessive form to describe the Colossians’ faith as something that has strength. If your language does not use the possessive form to express this idea, you could express the idea by translating strength with an adjective such as “strong.” Alternate translation: “your strong faith” (See: Possession)

τὸ στερέωμα…πίστεως ὑμῶν

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind the words strength and faith, you could express the ideas behind these abstract nouns in another way. Alternate translation: “how you strongly believe” or “the fact that you firmly believe” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 2:6

οὖν

The word Therefore draws an inference or conclusion from what Paul has said in 2:1–5, which includes the truth about Paul and the benefits that flow from knowing the Messiah. If Therefore by itself would be misunderstood in your language, you could specify from what does Paul draw his inference. Alternate translation: “Because of what I have told you about myself and about the Messiah” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ὡς…παρελάβετε τὸν Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν τὸν Κύριον, ἐν αὐτῷ περιπατεῖτε,

Paul here draws a comparison between the way in which the Colossians received the Messiah and the way in which he wishes them to behave now. If your language would put the comparison second, you could reverse the two clauses. Alternate translation: “walk in Christ Jesus the Lord just as you received him” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-infostructure/01.md)

παρελάβετε τὸν Χριστὸν

Paul says that the Colossians received Christ as if they had welcomed him into their homes or received him as a gift. What this means is that they believed in Jesus and the teachings about him. If received Christ would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase that refers to coming to believe in Jesus, or you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you first believed in Christ” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν αὐτῷ περιπατεῖτε

This command does not require the Colossians to walk around inside Jesus. Rather, in Paul’s culture, to walk is a common metaphor for how people live their lives, and the words in him refer to being united to Christ. If walk in him would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a verb that refers to behavior in life and connect it with how you have translated “in Christ” elsewhere. Alternate translation: “act as those who are united to the Messiah” (See: Metaphor)

Colossians 2:7

ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐποικοδομούμενοι…βεβαιούμενοι…περισσεύοντες

Paul uses these four verbs to give examples of how the Colossians should “walk in” the Messiah (2:6). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could add a phrase that makes this relationship clear. Alternate translation: “Walking in him entails being rooted … built up … confirmed … abounding” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐποικοδομούμενοι…βεβαιούμενοι

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could translate all three of these words in their active forms with the Colossians as the subject. Alternate translation: “rooting yourselves … building yourselves up … having confidence” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐρριζωμένοι…ἐν αὐτῷ

Paul wants the Colossians to be united so closely to Christ that he speaks of this union as if the Colossians were a plant with roots growing into Christ. If this image would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “being closely connected with … in him” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ ἐποικοδομούμενοι ἐν αὐτῷ

Paul wants the Colossians to base everything they think and do on Christ as if they were a house built on Christ, who is the foundation. If this image would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in him, and basing everything you think and do on him” (See: Metaphor)

βεβαιούμενοι τῇ πίστει

The word confirmed refers to something being sure or valid. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable expression or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “sure about the faith” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τῇ πίστει

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind faith, you could express the idea in a different way, such as with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “in what you believe” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐδιδάχθητε

If your language does not use this passive form, you could translate this verb (1) in its active form with Epaphras as the subject (we know he was their teacher from 1:7) (2) with a verb such as “learned.” Alternate translation: “you learned” (See: Active or Passive)

περισσεύοντες ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ

If your language does not use an abstract for the idea behind thanksgiving, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being very thankful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 2:8

βλέπετε, μή τις ὑμᾶς ἔσται ὁ συλαγωγῶν

Paul uses this clause to warn the Colossians against any person who wishes to take them captive. If your language does not use this form, you could simplify or restructure the clause so that it does not include both someone and the one. Alternate translation: “Beware lest anyone take you captive” or “Make sure that no one takes you captive” (See: Idiom)

ὑμᾶς…ὁ συλαγωγῶν

Paul speaks of those who are trying to deceive the Colossians as if they were capturing the Colossians as prisoners. He uses this language to portray the false teachers as enemies who do not care about the Colossians but only want to use them for their own benefit. If this image would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea in non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “the one who convinces you to believe a lie” (See: Metaphor)

τῆς φιλοσοφίας καὶ κενῆς ἀπάτης

The words philosophy and empty deceit work together to express one idea: human philosophy that is empty of content and deceitful. If your language does not use this form, you could combine the two nouns into one phrase, such as by using words like “meaningless” and “deceptive.” Alternate translation: “empty, deceitful philosophy” (See: Hendiadys)

τῆς φιλοσοφίας

If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea behind philosophy, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how humans understand the world” (See: Abstract Nouns)

κενῆς ἀπάτης

Paul speaks of deceitful philosophy as if it were a container that had nothing in it. He means that the deceitful philosophy has nothing important or meaningful to contribute. If empty deceit would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea in non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “valueless deceit” or “deceit with no content” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν ἀνθρώπων

The tradition of men refers to the ways in which humans behave that they learned from their families and pass on to their children. If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea of tradition, you could a phrase that refers to traditions that are passed on from parents to children. Alternate translation: “customary human thinking and behavior” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῶν ἀνθρώπων

Although the word men is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If men would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “of humans” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου

The phrase elemental teaching could refer to (1) basic human opinions about how the world works. Alternate translation: “human worldviews” (2) the spiritual powers of this world. Alternate translation: “spiritual beings that rule the world” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Colossians 2:9

ὅτι

The word for introduces a reason why the Colossians need to watch out for anyone who provides teaching that is “not according to Christ” (2:8): Christ is God and provides access to God. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could make what Paul is supporting more explicit. Alternate translation: “You must beware of any teaching without Christ, because” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐν αὐτῷ κατοικεῖ πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τῆς Θεότητος σωματικῶς

Paul speaks as if Jesus were a place in which complete divinity (fullness of deity) lives (dwells). This metaphor indicates that Jesus, who is human (in bodily form), is truly and fully God. If this metaphor does not indicate Jesus’ full divinity and full humanity in your language, you could express this idea with a metaphor that does indicate this or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “he is both fully God and fully man” (See: Metaphor)

πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τῆς Θεότητος

If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind fullness and deity, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “everything that it means to be God” or “everything that belongs fully to God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 2:10

καὶ

The word and introduces another reason why the Colossians need to watch out for anyone who provides teaching that is “not according to Christ” (2:8): not only is Christ fully God (2:9), but he provides the way in which the Colossians are filled with everything they need. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this link more explicit. Alternate translation: “and furthermore,” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἐστὲ ἐν αὐτῷ πεπληρωμένοι

Here Paul speaks as if people were containers that are filled when they are united to Christ, which means that people receive everything they need, including salvation, in their union with Christ. The word filled is very similar to the word Paul used in 2:9 for “fullness.” If your language uses similar words in these two sentences, you could use a word like the one you used in 2:9. If not, you could express this idea in another way, using a comparable metaphor, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you lack nothing because of your union with the Messiah” (See: Metaphor)

ἐστὲ…πεπληρωμένοι

If in your language does not use this passive form, you could translate this verb in the active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God has filled you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ κεφαλὴ πάσης ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας

The expression head of here refers to supremacy and authority over something or somebody. If head would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively with another noun, such as “sovereign” or “ruler,” or a verb, such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “the sovereign over all rule and authority” or “the one who rules over all rule and authority” (See: Metaphor)

πάσης ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας

The words rule and authority could refer to (1) powerful spiritual beings, as in 1:16. Translate these words here as you translated them there. Alternate translation: “of all spirit beings who govern and rule” (2) anyone or anything with power and authority. Alternate translation: “of anyone with power and authority” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Colossians 2:11

καὶ περιετμήθητε περιτομῇ ἀχειροποιήτῳ, ἐν τῇ ἀπεκδύσει τοῦ σώματος τῆς σαρκός, ἐν τῇ περιτομῇ τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here Paul uses circumcision as an image to describe what happens to believers when they are united to the Messiah. In the metaphor, the circumcision is completed without hands, which means that God accomplishes it. What is “removed” or cut off is the body of flesh, which refers to the broken and sinful parts of the person. If this metaphor about circumcision would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with the language of analogy or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you were also marked off by God as his own when he took away your body of flesh by the work of the Messiah” (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)

ἐν ᾧ καὶ περιετμήθητε

If your language does not use this passive form, you could translate this verb in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “in whom God also circumcised you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τῇ ἀπεκδύσει τοῦ σώματος τῆς σαρκός

If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea behind removal, you could express the idea with a verb such as “remove.” Alternate translation: “when he removed the body of flesh” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν τῇ περιτομῇ τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here, Paul uses the possessive form to connect circumcision with Christ. This does not refer to when Christ himself was circumcised or how he himself circumcises believers. Instead, the possessive form connects the extended metaphor of circumcision with Christ’s work: the circumcision that Paul speaks about is accomplished in what Christ has done. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could make the relationship between circumcision and Christ more explicit. Alternate translation: “in the circumcision accomplished by Christ” (See: Possession)

τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here Paul uses the word Christ to refer primarily to what Christ has accomplished. If your language does not use a person’s name to identify something that they have done, you could clarify that Paul is speaking of the “work” of Christ. Alternate translation: “that comes from what Christ did” or “that Christ’s work accomplished” (See: Metonymy)

Colossians 2:12

συνταφέντες αὐτῷ ἐν τῷ βαπτισμῷ

Paul here uses a metaphor that connects baptism to “burial” to further explain what happens to believers when they are united to Christ. This metaphor expresses how, when they are baptized, believers are united to Christ in his (death and) burial and are no longer who they once were. If this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with the language of analogy, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “having been united with the Messiah in his burial when you were baptized” (See: Metaphor)

συνταφέντες

Here Paul refers only to being buried, but he also implies “dying.” If buried would not include the idea of “dying” in your language, you could include “dying” in your translation. Alternate translation: “having died and been buried with” (See: Synecdoche)

συνταφέντες αὐτῷ

If your language does not use this passive form, you could translate this phrase in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God burying you with him” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν ᾧ…συνηγέρθητε

Paul here explains that believers are not only united to Christ in his burial but also in his resurrection. It is by being united to him in his resurrection that believers receive new life. If believers being raised up now would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate this idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in union with the Messiah in his resurrection you received new life” (See: Metaphor)

συνηγέρθητε

If your language does not use this passive form, you could translate the idea in its active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God raised you up” (See: Active or Passive)

συνηγέρθητε…τοῦ ἐγείραντος αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν

Paul uses the words raised up and raised him from the dead to refer to someone who had died and then came back to life. If your language does not use these words to describe coming back to life, use a comparable idiom or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “you were restored to life … who restored him to life” (See: Idiom)

διὰ τῆς πίστεως τῆς ἐνεργείας τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind faith and power, you could express the ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “because you trusted in the powerful God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

νεκρῶν

Paul is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “among the dead people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Colossians 2:13

ὑμᾶς νεκροὺς ὄντας ἐν τοῖς παραπτώμασιν καὶ τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν, συνεζωοποίησεν ὑμᾶς

Here Paul begins the sentence with you, and then he restates you when he identifies what God has done for you. If your language would not restate you or use this structure, you could separate the two uses of you into separate sentences. Alternate translation: “you were dead in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. Then, he made you alive together” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

νεκροὺς ὄντας ἐν τοῖς παραπτώμασιν καὶ τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν

This clause does not refer to the current situation of the Colossians, but rather it describes their situation before God acted to make them alive, as expressed in the rest of the verse. If the time of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that this clause describes a time before he made you alive. Alternate translation: “who used to be dead in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ὑμᾶς νεκροὺς ὄντας

Paul speaks of people who are without Christ as if they were dead. By this he means that those who lack any relationship with God and are not united to Christ are spiritually dead. If calling the Colossians dead would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul speaks of spiritual death or express the idea with a simile, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you, being like dead people” or “you, being totally separated from God” (See: Metaphor)

νεκροὺς ὄντας ἐν τοῖς παραπτώμασιν καὶ τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν

When Paul speaks of someone being dead in something, this identifies both why and in what state the person is dead. In other words, the Colossians were dead because of their trespasses and because of their uncircumcision, and these things also characterized them while they were dead. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a phrase like “because of,” or you could translate trespasses and uncircumcision as descriptors of dead. Alternate translation: “being dead because of your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh” or “being dead, that is, trespassing God’s commands and being uncircumcised in your flesh” (See: Metaphor)

τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν

Here, uncircumcision could refer (1) to how the Colossians were not circumcised Jews and thus not part of God’s people. Alternate translation: “among the non-Jews without God’s promises” (2) to the metaphor about circumcision in 2:11. Alternate translation: “apart from God’s saving work” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν

Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe flesh that has not been “circumcised.” If your language does not express this idea with the possessive form, you could translate uncircumcision as an adjective. Alternate translation: “your uncircumcised flesh” (See: Possession)

συνεζωοποίησεν ὑμᾶς σὺν αὐτῷ

Here Paul speaks of God’s work in restoring people to himself as if he brought these people back to life physically. If this image would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul speaks of spiritual life or express the idea with a simile or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “he did something like making you alive together with him” or “he restored you to proper relationship with him” (See: Metaphor)

συνεζωοποίησεν ὑμᾶς σὺν αὐτῷ

The word he refers to God the Father, while the word translated him refers to God the Son. If these pronouns would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify the antecedent of one or both of these pronouns. Alternate translation: “he made you alive together with the Messiah” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Colossians 2:14

ἐξαλείψας τὸ καθ’ ἡμῶν χειρόγραφον τοῖς δόγμασιν, ὃ ἦν ὑπεναντίον ἡμῖν, καὶ αὐτὸ ἦρκεν ἐκ τοῦ μέσου, προσηλώσας αὐτὸ τῷ σταυρῷ;

Paul speaks of the way God forgives our sins as if God canceled debts that we owed him. In the metaphor, God has crossed out or erased the written record of those debts and thus removed any impact these debts have on our relationship to him. If this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “having taken away the guilt from our sins, he has kept those sins from impacting our relationship with him, having nailed them to the cross” (See: Metaphor)

καθ’ ἡμῶν…ὃ ἦν ὑπεναντίον ἡμῖν

The phrases against us and opposed to us might be considered redundant in your language. If this is the case, you could combine the two phrases into one. Alternate translation: “which were opposed to us” (See: Doublet)

αὐτὸ ἦρκεν ἐκ τοῦ μέσου

Paul speaks as if the written record was within the community of believers, and God takes it away. What he means by this is that the written record of our sins no longer affects our relationship with God and each other. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “he has kept it from affecting our relationship with him and others” (See: Metaphor)

προσηλώσας αὐτὸ τῷ σταυρῷ

Here Paul speaks as if God had nailed the “written record” to the cross. He means that Christ’s death on the cross “canceled” the “written record” as surely as if it had been nailed to the cross and died with Christ. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea using a simile, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “destroying it through the Messiah’s death on the cross” (See: Metaphor)

Colossians 2:15

ἀπεκδυσάμενος…ἐδειγμάτισεν ἐν παρρησίᾳ…θριαμβεύσας

Here Paul speaks of God’s victory over powerful spiritual beings in terms that fit with what a conqueror often did to his prisoners in Paul’s culture. He would make a public spectacle or example of them, “stripping” them of their clothes and forcing them to parade behind him in his “triumph.” If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express these ideas with a comparable metaphor, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “having defeated … he showed everyone that he had conquered” (See: Metaphor)

τὰς ἀρχὰς καὶ τὰς ἐξουσίας

Just as in 1:16 and 2:10, the rulers and authorities could refer to (1) powerful spiritual beings that rule this world. Alternate translation: “the spiritual powers, including those known as rulers and authorities” (2) anybody or anything that rules and has authority. Alternate translation: “those who rule with authority” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐν αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “by the cross” or “through the cross”

αὐτῷ

Here Paul uses the cross to refer to Christ’s death on the cross. If the meaning of cross would be misunderstood in your language, you could include a word or a phrase which includes Christ’s death. Alternate translation: “the Messiah’s death on the cross” (See: Metonymy)

Colossians 2:16

οὖν

The word Therefore draws an inference or conclusion from what Paul has already said, which can be found in 2:9–15: in the work of Christ, the Colossians have received new life and the powers that rule this world have been defeated. Because of these things that have happened, the Colossians should not allow others to judge them in how they behave. Paul is continuing the warning against false teachers that he started in 2:8. If these connections would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to these ideas more explicitly or use a comparable transition word or phrase. Alternate translation: “In light of all these things” or “Given the Messiah’s sufficient work on your behalf” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

μὴ…τις ὑμᾶς κρινέτω

This phrase translates a third-person imperative. If your language has third-person imperatives, you can use one here. If your language does not have third-person imperatives, you could use a comparable phrase or express the idea with a second-person imperative. Alternate translation: “you should not let anyone judge you” or “do not permit anyone to judge you” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἐν βρώσει, καὶ ἐν πόσει, ἢ ἐν μέρει ἑορτῆς, ἢ νουμηνίας, ἢ Σαββάτων

This list of areas in which someone might judge the Colossians refers to parts of the law of Moses. Some of these areas were also important for other religions in Paul’s culture. If Paul’s list of things that someone could judge the Colossians in would be misunderstood in your translation, you could clarify that these areas are covered by the law of Moses and sometimes by the traditions of other religions as well. Alternate translation: “for you how behave in relationship to the law of Moses and other religious traditions, including in the areas of food and drink and festivals, new moons or Sabbaths.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

νουμηνίας

The word new moon refers to a festival or celebration that would take place when it was the time of the new moon. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable expression or translate the idea with a longer phrase. Alternate translation: “a new moon celebration” (See: Metonymy)

Colossians 2:17

ἅ ἐστιν σκιὰ τῶν μελλόντων, τὸ δὲ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ

A shadow shows the shape and outline of a body, but it is not the body itself. In a similar way, the things listed in the previous verse show the shape and outline of the things coming, but the body that casts this shadow is Christ. He is the substance of the things coming. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “which are a foretaste of the things coming, but the full experience is of Christ” or “which hint at the things that were to come, but Christ is the one who came” (See: Metaphor)

σκιὰ τῶν μελλόντων

Paul here uses the possession form to show that the shadow is cast by the things coming. If your language would not use the possessive form to express this idea, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a shadow cast by the things coming” (See: Possession)

τῶν μελλόντων

The things coming primarily refers to things that will happen or be experienced in the future. They can be connected with both the first and the second coming of Christ, which is why the body is of Christ in this verse. If that meaning of coming would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that coming refers to what Christ has blessed believers with at his first coming and what he will bless them with at his second coming. Alternate translation: “blessings that Christ brings” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὸ…σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here Paul uses the possessive form to identify Christ as the body that casts the “shadow.” If your language would not use the possessive form to express this idea, you could express the idea with a simple “being” verb. Alternate translation: “the body is Christ” (See: Possession)

Colossians 2:18

μηδεὶς…ἑόρακεν…αὐτοῦ

The words no one, he, and his do not refer to one male person. Instead, they refer in a generic way to anyone who acts in these ways. If the meaning of these words would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate these words with a comparable generic phrase in your language or make them plural. Alternate translation: “no one … they have seen … their” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

μηδεὶς ὑμᾶς καταβραβευέτω

This phrase translates a third-person imperative. If your language has third-person imperatives, you can use one here. If your language does not, you could use a comparable phrase or express the idea with a second-person imperative. Alternate translation: “Do not allow anyone … deprive you of your prize” or “Be on your guard against anyone … so that he does not deprive you of your prize” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

μηδεὶς ὑμᾶς καταβραβευέτω

Here Paul refers to the false teachers as if they were judges or umpires at a contest who could decide against the Colossians, thus keeping them from receiving the prize for winning the contest. This metaphor fits with the “judging” language in 2:16. These two verses together suggest that the Colossians are tempted to choose the false teachers as their judges instead of Christ. If these figures of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Let no one … act instead of Christ as your judge” (See: Metaphor)

ταπεινοφροσύνῃ

If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea behind humility, you could express the idea in another way, such as with a verb. Alternate translation: “humbling themselves falsely” (See: Abstract Nouns)

θρησκείᾳ τῶν ἀγγέλων

Paul uses the possessive form to describe the act of worshiping angels, not the worship that angels present to God. If worship of the angels would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify with a phrase such as “presented to.” Alternate translation: “worship presented to the angels” (See: Possession)

ἐμβατεύων

Here Paul speaks as if the false teachers were standing on “things they have seen.” This metaphor means that they talk about what they have seen and base teachings on it. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate standing with a verb that expresses this idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “constantly talking about” or “basing his teaching on” (See: Metaphor)

ἃ ἑόρακεν

In the context of angel worship, things he has seen refers to visions and dreams that reveal powerful beings, heaven, the future, or other secrets. If these implications would not be understood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to these kinds of visions or dreams or use a phrase to express the idea. Alternate translation: “things he has seen in visions” or “secrets revealed to him in visions” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰκῇ φυσιούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you could translate the phrase in its active form. Alternate translation: “the mind of his flesh puffing him up without cause” (See: Active or Passive)

φυσιούμενος

Here Paul describes people who boast as if they had made themselves larger by filling themselves with air. He means that they think of themselves as more important than they really are. If becoming puffed up would not mean “becoming prideful” in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “becoming self-important” (See: Metaphor)

ὑπὸ τοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind mind, you could express this idea by using a verb such as “think.” Alternate translation: “by how he thinks in fleshly ways” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ

Here Paul uses the possessive form to speak of a mind that belongs to the flesh. This phrase refers to thinking that is characterized by the flesh in its weakness and sinfulness. If your language does not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could express the idea by translating flesh as an adjective. Alternate translation: “his fleshly mind” or “his weak and sinful mind” (See: Possession)

Colossians 2:19

οὐ κρατῶν τὴν κεφαλήν

Paul describes the false teachers as if they had let go of the head, which is Christ. This means that they have stopped treating Christ as the source and authority behind their teaching. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or translate the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “not staying connected to the head” or “not treating the head, which is Christ, as most important” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν κεφαλήν, ἐξ οὗ πᾶν τὸ σῶμα διὰ τῶν ἁφῶν καὶ συνδέσμων ἐπιχορηγούμενον καὶ συμβιβαζόμενον, αὔξει τὴν αὔξησιν τοῦ Θεοῦ

In this verse Paul uses an extended metaphor in which Christ is the head of the body, which is his church, which has joints and ligaments, and which grows. Paul uses this metaphor to describe how Christ leads, directs, nourishes, and unifies his church to help it become what he wants it to be. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea using the language of analogy, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “to the Messiah, from whom the whole church receives nourishment and leadership and in whom the church is united as it grows with the growth from God” (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)

ἐξ οὗ πᾶν τὸ σῶμα διὰ τῶν ἁφῶν καὶ συνδέσμων ἐπιχορηγούμενον καὶ συμβιβαζόμενον

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the sentence in active form. Alternate translation: “which supplies and holds the whole body together throughout the joints and ligaments” (See: Active or Passive)

τῶν ἁφῶν καὶ συνδέσμων

The word joints refers to where parts of the body are connected together, while the word translated ligaments refers to what holds these parts together. If these words would be misunderstood in your language, you could use technical terms that correspond to joints and ligaments, or you could use more general language for what holds the body together. Alternate translation: “what holds it together” or “all its parts” (See: Translate Unknowns)

αὔξει τὴν αὔξησιν

The words grows and growth are directly related and may be redundant in your language. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could use just one form of “grow.” Alternate translation: “experiences the growth” (See: Doublet)

τὴν αὔξησιν τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul here speaks of growth that is from God to show that the church’s growth is given by God and fits with what God desires. If your language would not use this form to express that idea, you could express the idea with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “with the growth that God gives” or “with the growth that God enables” (See: Possession)

Colossians 2:20

εἰ ἀπεθάνετε σὺν Χριστῷ

Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, then you could translate the clause as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since you died with Christ” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

ἀπεθάνετε σὺν Χριστῷ

Paul now returns to a metaphor he has used earlier: believers have died and “been buried with” Christ (2:12). This means that, in their union with Christ, believers share in his death so that they too have died. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use the language of analogy, or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you participated in the Messiah’s death” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπεθάνετε σὺν Χριστῷ ἀπὸ

To “die from” something does not identify what caused the death, but rather it indicates what the death separated the person from. Here, then, the Colossians were separated from the elemental principles by participating in Christ’s death. If “dying” from something would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “you died with Christ, which separated you from” (See: Idiom)

τῶν στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου

As in 2:8, the word elemental principles could refer to (1) the spiritual powers of this world. Alternate translation: “the powerful spiritual beings in this world” (2) basic human opinions about how the world works. Alternate translation: “the basic things that humans teach about the world” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τί ὡς ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ δογματίζεσθε

If this structure would be difficult to understand in your language, you could move the phrase as living in the world to the end of the sentence. Alternate translation: “why are you being subjected to the world’s decrees as living in the world” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-infostructure/01.md)

ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ

Paul uses the verb living to describe the Colossian’s way of life. They are indeed physically alive and in the world, but he wants them to behave in ways that do not match what people in the world normally do. If living in the world would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a verbal phrase such as “belonging to” or “conforming to.” Alternate translation: “belonging to the world” or “conforming to the world” (See: Metaphor)

ὡς ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ

In this context, the word as introduces something that is not true: the Colossians do not actually live in the world. If as would be misunderstood your language, you could clarify that living in the world is not true of the Colossians, using a phrase such as “as if.” Alternate translation: “as if living in the world” (See: Connect — Contrary to Fact Conditions)

τί ὡς ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ δογματίζεσθε

Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. Here, there is no answer to the question, since that is exactly Paul’s point. There is no reason for them to be subjected to its decrees. If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea as an imperative or a “should” statement. Alternate translation: “do not, as living in the world, be subjected to its decrees” or “you should not, as living in the world, be subjected to its decrees” (See: Rhetorical Question)

δογματίζεσθε

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in its active form, perhaps by using a similar verb. Alternate translation: “do you submit to its decrees” or “do you subject yourselves to its decrees” (See: Active or Passive)

δογματίζεσθε

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind decrees, you could express the idea with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “are you being subjected to what people require” or “are you being subjected to what it commands” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 2:21

This verse gives three commands that are not from Paul, but rather they are examples of the “decrees” from 2:20. If these commands would be misunderstood in your language, you could introduce these commands with a phrase, such as “for example,” that shows that they connect to the “decrees” in the previous verse.

ἅψῃ…γεύσῃ…θίγῃς

These commands are addressed to You in the singular. Most likely, Paul refers to specific commands given to one person in a specific situation. However, he does intend these to be taken as examples of commands that might be given to any person among the Colossians. If your language can use a command in the singular as a generic example, you can do so here. If this does not make sense in your language, you could use plural commands here. Alternate translation: “You all may … handle … taste … touch” (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

μὴ ἅψῃ! μηδὲ γεύσῃ! μηδὲ θίγῃς!

Paul does not express what these commands say not to handle, taste, or touch, but it is clear that only certain things would be included, not all things. If your language would make this information explicit, you could add a generic phrase such as “certain things” or use words that match each command. Alternate translation: “You may not handle certain objects, nor taste certain foods and drinks, nor touch certain people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Colossians 2:22

ἅ

This pronoun refers to the commands in the previous verse, especially focusing on the implied objects of the rules. If which would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a noun or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “The things that these commands regulate” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐστιν πάντα εἰς φθορὰν τῇ ἀποχρήσει

This phrase means that all the objects that the commands in the previous verse are about end up being destroyed when they are used. In other words, food and drink are destroyed when they are eaten, and tools eventually break when they are used. By describing the objects in this way, Paul shows that the rules about these objects are not very important. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express the idea more clearly, such as with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “all end up in destruction because of their use” (See: Idiom)

εἰς φθορὰν τῇ ἀποχρήσει

If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind destruction and use, you could express the idea by using verbs. Alternate translation: “destroyed when they are used” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὰ ἐντάλματα καὶ διδασκαλίας τῶν ἀνθρώπων

Paul here uses the possessive form to describe commands and teachings that come from men. If your language does not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could clarify that these teachings “come from” men. Alternate translation: “the commands and teachings that come from men” (See: Possession)

τὰ ἐντάλματα καὶ διδασκαλίας τῶν ἀνθρώπων

If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind commands and teachings, you could express the idea by using verbs. Alternate translation: “what men command and teach” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῶν ἀνθρώπων

Although the word men is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether men or women. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “of men and women” or “of humans” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Colossians 2:23

λόγον μὲν ἔχοντα σοφίας

Commands that have a word of wisdom are commands that come from wise thinking or require wise behavior. If this having indeed a word of wisdom would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate this idiom with a comparable expression, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “are indeed characterized by wisdom” (See: Idiom)

λόγον

Here, word figuratively represents a message that is made up of words. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “a message” or “a lesson” (See: Metonymy)

ἅτινά…λόγον μὲν ἔχοντα σοφίας ἐν ἐθελοθρησκείᾳ καὶ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ, ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος

While there is no grammatical marker for a condition here, the word in functionally introduces a condition: these commands have a word of wisdom “if” one values self-made religion and false humility and severity of the body. It is only if one values these things that the commands have wisdom. If Paul’s explanation of how these commands could have wisdom would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea by using a conditional expression, or use the word “seem.” Alternate translation: “which, having indeed a word of wisdom if one values self-made religion and false humility and severity of the body” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

λόγον μὲν ἔχοντα σοφίας ἐν ἐθελοθρησκείᾳ καὶ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ, ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος,

If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind wisdom, religion, humility, and severity, you could rephrase this part of the verse so that you can express these ideas with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “having indeed a word that seems wise according to people who serve God in their own way, who humble themselves for gain, and who act severely to their bodies” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐθελοθρησκείᾳ

The phrase self-made religion could describe (1) people who worship God however they want to. Alternate translation: “invented religion” (2) people who pretend to worship God but do not. Alternate translation: “mock worship” or “false worship” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος

The phrase severity of the body refers to treating one’s body harshly as part of one’s religious practice. This could include beating oneself, not eating enough, or other ascetic practices. If severity of the body would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an expression that refers to religious practice or translate the idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “and wounding one’s body” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐστιν…οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι

If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea behind value, you could combine it with the verbal phrase are not to create a new phrase. Alternate translation: “do nothing” or “are ineffective” (See: Abstract Nouns)

πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός

Paul uses the possessive form to speak of indulgence one gives to the flesh. If your language would not use the possessive form to express this idea, you could translate indulgence with a verb such as “indulging.” Alternate translation: “indulging the flesh.” (See: Possession)

πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός

If one “indulges” the flesh, this means that one has behaved in ways that match what one’s weak and sinful parts wish. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word for “sin.” Alternate translation: “sin” or “giving in to sin” (See: Translate Unknowns)

πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός

If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea behind indulgence, you could use a verb, such as “indulge.” Alternate translation: “indulging the flesh” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 3

Colossians 3 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

4:1 belongs to the section that begins in 3:18, even though it is in the next chapter.

1. Exhortation Section
   • Seek the Things Above (3:1–4)
   • Take off Vices, Put on Virtues (3:5–17)
   • Commands for the Household (3:18–4:1)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Old and new “man”

Paul refers to the old and new “man” in 3:9–10. These terms refer to the person before (“old”) and after (“new”) dying and rising with Christ. With these key words, Paul makes a similar claim to what he argued in 2:11–13: believers are not who they used to be; rather, they have received new life in Christ and are new people. Your translation should reflect the idea that Paul tells the Colossians that they are new people in their union with Christ.

The wrath of God

In 3:6, Paul speaks of the “wrath of God,” which is “coming.” God’s “wrath” is not primarily an emotion, but rather, it is his act of judgment on those who do not believe and who disobey. It is “coming” because God will act in judgment soon. In your translation, emphasize God’s act over his emotion.

No Greek and Jew …

In 3:11, Paul refers to multiple different ways to categorize people in his world. See the notes on that verse for details. Paul says that none of these categories exist in the “new man.” By this, he means that these categories are not relevant for those who have died and risen with Christ. It is one’s status as a “new” person that is relevant and important.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Christ, your life

In 3:4, Paul identifies Christ as the Colossians’ “life.” This metaphor comes from the previous verse, where Paul says that the Colossians’ life is “hidden with Christ.” Since their life is in Christ, Christ can be called their life. To say this a different way, the Colossians only have life in Christ, so their life and Christ’s life are bound together.

Avoiding vices, pursuing virtues

In his exhortation to the Colossians to avoid vices and pursue virtues, Paul uses a number of metaphors. For avoiding vices, he uses the language of “putting to death” (3:5), “laying aside” (3:8), and “taking off” (3:9). All these metaphors require separation from vices, whether that is pictured as putting to death parts of the body that pursue vices or as taking off evil desires as if they were clothing. For pursuing virtues, he opposes “taking off” with “putting on” (3:10; 3:12). Just as the Colossians should “take off” the desire to pursue vices, they should “put on” the desire to pursue virtues. These metaphors are all intended to help the Colossians pursue virtue instead of vice.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Vice and virtue lists

In 3:5 and 3:8, Paul gives lists of vices. These lists are not meant to provide a complete catalog of immoral and evil behaviors. Instead, they provide some examples that are meant to show the Colossians the kinds of behaviors that Paul has in mind. In 3:12, he provides a corresponding list of virtues. The same thinking applies here: this is not a complete catalog of correct or good behavior but instead gives examples of the kinds of things that Paul wants the Colossians to do. You could introduce these lists as examples if it would help your readers understand.

The “household code”

In 3:18–4:1, Paul uses a form that was well-known in his culture. It is often called a “household code,” and it consists of a list of instructions to different members of the household, including parents, children, slaves, and others. Paul uses this form and gives his own specific instructions to members of the household. Of course, he is not addressing a household but a church. He gives his instructions to whomever in the audience was a parent or a child or a slave.

Colossians 3:1

οὖν

The word therefore introduces an exhortation based on what Paul has already said about being “raised with Christ” in 2:12. Use a word or phrase that introduces an inference or concluding command based on what has already been said. Alternate translation: “then” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

εἰ…συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ

Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since … you were raised with Christ” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ

Paul again states that believers have been raised from the dead with Christ. By this, he means that believers are united to Christ in his resurrection and thus receive new life. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate this idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in union with the Messiah in his resurrection you received new life” (See: Metaphor)

συνηγέρθητε

Paul uses the word raised to refer to someone who had died coming back to life. If this word does not refer to coming back to life in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “you were restored to life with” (See: Idiom)

συνηγέρθητε

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God the Father raised you with” (See: Active or Passive)

τὰ ἄνω ζητεῖτε

Here Paul speaks as if he wants the Colossians to look for or try to find things above. By using the word seek, Paul wants to tell the Colossians to focus on the things above as if they were something valuable that the Colossians had lost and needed to find. If seek the things above would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “direct your attention to the things above” or “focus on the things above” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ ἄνω

The things above is another term for heavenly things, which Paul makes clear in the next phrase. If the things above would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that the phrase refers specifically to things in heaven. Alternate translation: “the heavenly things” (See: Idiom)

ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Θεοῦ καθήμενος

This phrase implies two things. First, what Christ sits on is the divine throne in heaven. Second, sitting on this throne means that Christ has assumed a position of authority over the universe with God the Father. If sitting at the right hand of God would be misunderstood in your language, you could make either or both of these points explicit. Alternate translation: “sitting on the throne at the right hand of God” or “ruling at the right hand of God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Colossians 3:2

φρονεῖτε

The phrase think about refers not just to reasoning but also to focus and desire. Alternate translation: “Focus on”

τὰ ἄνω

Just as in 3:1, the things above is another term for heavenly things. If the things above would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that the phrase refers specifically to things in heaven. Alternate translation: “the heavenly things” (See: Idiom)

τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς

The things on the earth describes those things in this world that are not connected to Christ, which are not the things above. Not thinking about the things on the earth does not mean that the Colossians are supposed to abandon all care for earthly things. Instead, Paul is urging them to focus on Christ and what he has promised for them, not on whatever they could gain on earth. If the meaning of the things on the earth would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify this contrast by further describing the things on the earth. Alternate translation: “the things that matter in this world” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Colossians 3:3

γάρ

The word for introduces the reason why the Colossians should think about the things above (3:1–2): it is because they have died. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the transition more explicitly. Alternate translation: “You should think about the things above because” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀπεθάνετε

Here Paul expresses in slightly different form the idea he already stated in 2:20: the Colossians have been united to Christ in his death. As Christ actually died, so God counts the Colossian believers as having died with Christ. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate this idea as you did in 2:20, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you died in union with the Messiah” or “you participated in the Messiah’s death” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν κέκρυπται σὺν τῷ Χριστῷ ἐν τῷ Θεῷ

Here Paul speaks as if the Colossians’ lives were objects that could be hidden where Christ is, and as if the place they were hidden was God. By using this metaphor, Paul wants the Colossians to know that they are safe (with Christ in God) but also that their new life is not yet fully revealed (hidden). If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “God is protecting your new life with Christ and will reveal it when the time comes” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν κέκρυπται σὺν τῷ Χριστῷ ἐν τῷ Θεῷ

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “God has hidden your life with Christ in himself” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν κέκρυπται

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind life, you could rephrase the sentence so that you can use a verb for “living.” Alternate translation: “you live in a hidden way” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 3:4

ὁ Χριστὸς φανερωθῇ, ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν

If your language does not use this passive form, you could translate the idea in active form with: (1) Christ as the subject. Alternate translation: “Christ, your life, reveals himself” or “Christ, your life, appears” (2) God the Father as the subject. Alternate translation: “God the Father reveals Christ, your life,” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν

Continuing the theme of the Colossians’ life being hidden with Christ, Paul now identifies Christ as the Colossians’ life. In other words, if the Colossians’ life is hidden with Christ, then Christ can be called their life. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a comparable metaphor, or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “who holds your life” or “with whom you have life” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind life, you could express the idea with a verb for “living.” Alternate translation: “in whom you live” (See: Abstract Nouns)

φανερωθῇ…σὺν αὐτῷ φανερωθήσεσθε

Paul uses the word is revealed to refer to Christ’s second coming, when he is revealed to everyone as who he truly is. Paul uses the phrase will be revealed with him to refer to how the Colossians will participate with Christ in that second coming and also be revealed as who they truly are. If the meaning of revealed would be misunderstood in your language, you could use words such as “coming” or “returning” instead of “revealing.” Alternate translation: “comes again … will come with him” or “returns … will return with him” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ὅταν…τότε

The word when indicates a moment in time, and the word translated then refers back to that same time. Therefore, the events described in two parts of this sentence occur at the same time. Use a construction that indicates simultaneous time in your language. Alternate translation: “When … at the same time” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

ἐν δόξῃ

As a previous note pointed out, the “revealing” language suggests that something will be revealed about Christ and the Colossians. Here, Paul describes it as glory. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that this is one thing that is revealed about Christ and the Colossians: they are glorious. Alternate translation: “as glorious” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐν δόξῃ

If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea behind glory, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “as very great” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 3:5

οὖν

Here, the word therefore introduces an exhortation based on previous statements. In this case, Paul bases his exhortation on what he has said about the Colossians’ union with Christ and its end goal: being revealed with him in glory. If the meaning of therefore would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable connecting word or express the idea with a phrase that refers back to what Paul has already said. Alternate translation: “because of your union with Christ” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

νεκρώσατε οὖν

If your language would normally put a transition word like therefore at the beginning of the sentence, you could move it there in your translation. Alternate translation: “Therefore, put to death” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-infostructure/01.md)

νεκρώσατε…τὰ μέλη τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς

Here Paul speaks of the members as if they were people that one could kill or put to death. By using this metaphor, he wants to show the Colossians that the evil desires he lists should be treated as enemies and dealt with as harshly as possible. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Eliminate … the members that are on the earth” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ μέλη τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς

Paul here speaks of sins as if they were members or limbs of the body that are part of the person on the earth. What this metaphor means is that these sins can be so much a part of a person while they are living on earth that getting rid of them is like cutting off an arm or leg. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the sins that have become part of you while you live on earth” (See: Metaphor)

πορνείαν, ἀκαθαρσίαν, πάθος, ἐπιθυμίαν κακήν, καὶ τὴν πλεονεξίαν, ἥτις ἐστὶν εἰδωλολατρία;

If your language would not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind immorality, uncleanness, passion, desire, envy, and idolatry, you could rephrase this sentence and use adjectives or verbs to express the idea. Alternate translation: “behaving in ways that are sexually immoral, unclean, wrongly emotional, lustful, and envious, which is idolatrous” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀκαθαρσίαν

The word uncleanness describes morally dirty or impure behavior. This is a general term that covers many sins that would make one unclean, that is, that would make other people avoid one. If you have a comparable expression in your language, you could use it here, or you could express the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “unclean behavior” or “disgusting acts” (See: Translate Unknowns)

πάθος

The word passion refers to negative emotions that are triggered by outside events. Examples would include forms of anger and jealousy. If passion would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that these are improper emotions, since Paul is not saying that all emotions are wrong. Alternate translation: “improper emotions” or “evil passions” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐπιθυμίαν κακήν

The word desire refers to longing after something, often in a sexual context. If evil desire would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable word or express the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “evil lust” or “evil longing” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὴν πλεονεξίαν

Here Paul uses the word envy to refer to wanting more than one needs, especially wanting more than what others have. If you have a comparable term, you could use if here, or you could express the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “desiring to have more than what others have” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἥτις

Here, which refers back to envy only, not to other items in the list. If what which refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that it refers to envy. Alternate translation: “and envy” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Colossians 3:6

ἔρχεται

Many ancient manuscripts include “on the sons of disobedience” after is coming. Several early and reliable manuscripts do not include it, however. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to include these words if that translation includes them. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the example of the ULT and not include these words. The phrase “sons of disobedience” is an idiom that refers to people who disobey. Alternate translation: “is coming against people who disobey” (See: Textual Variants)

δι’ ἃ

With this phrase, Paul identifies the sins listed in the previous verse as the reason why God’s “wrath” is coming. If what the pronoun which refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify this idea by including a word such as “sins” in the phrase. Alternate translation: “because of which sins” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἔρχεται ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here Paul speaks of the wrath of God as if it were a person or package that can arrive somewhere. By this, he means that God has not yet acted upon his wrath but that he will act soon. The Colossians can expect the wrath to come soon, just like a package that is arriving soon. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “God will act upon his wrath soon” or “the wrath of God will be enacted soon” (See: Metaphor)

ἔρχεται ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ,

When the wrath of God “comes,” it must arrive somewhere and be against certain people. If you would explicitly state these things in your language, you could clarify that the wrath of God comes on earth and against those who do the sins listed in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the wrath of God is coming on earth against those who do these things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ,

The wrath of God does not refer simply to an emotion. Rather, this phrase primarily refers to God acting against the sin he hates (examples of which appear in the previous verse). If wrath would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates action and not just emotion. Alternate translation: “punishment from God” (See: Metonymy)

Colossians 3:7

ἐν οἷς

The word which refers again back to the list of sins in 3:5. If what which refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could include the word “sins” to clarify this reference. Alternate translation: “in which sins” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐν οἷς καὶ ὑμεῖς περιεπατήσατέ ποτε

Paul speaks of behavior that is characteristic of one’s life as if it were something that one could “walk in.” By this, he means that the sinful behaviors were things that they normally did. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “which formerly characterized your lives too” (See: Metaphor)

περιεπατήσατέ ποτε

The word formerly is used to refer to some indefinite time in the past. Here Paul uses it to refer to the time before the Colossians believed in Jesus. If formerly would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify the specific time reference. Alternate translation: “walked before you believed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅτε

The word when introduces a clause that occurs simultaneously with the main clause. Here, the Colossians “lived” in them at the same time as they were “walking” in them. Use an expression that indicates simultaneous time in your language. Alternate translation: “at the time when” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

ἐζῆτε ἐν τούτοις

The phrase living in something could mean (1) that the Colossians practiced these sins in addition to having lives characterized by them (“walking in them”). Alternate translation: “you were doing these things” (2) that the Colossians were living among people who did these things. Alternate translation: “you were living among people who did these things” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν οἷς καὶ ὑμεῖς περιεπατήσατέ ποτε ὅτε ἐζῆτε ἐν τούτοις.

If which and them both refer to the sins mentioned in 3:5, then “walking” and living in them mean very similar things. Paul uses the repetition to emphasize how thoroughly the Colossians’ lives were characterized by sins. If your language does not use repetition in this way or has only one phrase for this concept, you can use just one of these phrases. Alternate translation: “in which you also formerly walked” or “in which you used to live” (See: Doublet)

Colossians 3:8

νυνὶ δὲ

The phrase but now introduces a contrast with the previous verse, a contrast that focuses on time. The word translated now refers to the time after the Colossians believed. It introduces how they should behave now in contrast to how they behaved “formerly” (3:7). If this contrast would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify what now refers to. Alternate translation: “But now that you believe in Jesus,” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀπόθεσθε

Here Paul exhorts the Colossians to lay aside sins as if the sins were garments that they could take off or objects they could set down and stop using. By talking this way, Paul encourages the Colossians to no longer use or be associated with sins that are not part of who they are in their union with Christ, just as clothes and objects are not part of the person but can be removed. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “must … separate yourselves from” or “must … no longer do” (See: Metaphor)

ὀργήν, θυμόν, κακίαν, βλασφημίαν, αἰσχρολογίαν ἐκ τοῦ στόματος ὑμῶν

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind these words, you could express the ideas by using verbs or adjectives. Alternate translation: “wrathful, angry, and lustful behavior, and slanderous and obscene words” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὀργήν, θυμόν

The words wrath and anger are almost synonymous, with wrath emphasizing angry actions and anger emphasizing angry emotions. If your language does not have two words for “anger” that work here, you could express the idea with one word. Alternate translation: “anger” (See: Doublet)

κακίαν

The phrase evil desire is a broad term that means “vice,” the opposite of “virtue.” If your language has a general term for “vice,” you could use it here. Alternate translation: “vice” (See: Translate Unknowns)

αἰσχρολογίαν

The phrase obscene speech refers to “shameful words,” words that are not spoken in polite company. If your language has a word or phrase for these kinds of words, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “and obscenities” or “and cursing” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐκ τοῦ στόματος ὑμῶν

Here, from your mouth is an idiom that refers to speaking, since speech comes out of the mouth. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea with a word such as “talk.” Alternate translation: “in your talk” (See: Idiom)

Colossians 3:9

ἀπεκδυσάμενοι

The clause that begins with having taken off could: (1) give the reason why the Colossians should not lie to each other (and should put off the sins listed in the previous verse). Alternate translation: “because you have taken off” (2) give another command. Alternate translation: “and take off” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀπεκδυσάμενοι τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον

Here Paul uses a metaphor that is similar to one he used in 2:11, where he speaks of the “circumcision of Christ” that “puts off” the body of flesh. Here, he speaks of the old man as if it were a piece of clothing that the Colossians could “take off.” This does not mean that their true selves are found underneath the old man, since the next verse has them putting on the new man. Instead, Paul uses the metaphor to illustrate how they have changed identity from old to “new.” If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “having forsaken your old identity” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον

Paul uses the phrase the old man as part of his language about dying and rising with Christ. The old man is thus the person who died with Christ. It does not refer to a part of the person, but rather, it refers to what the whole person used to be before dying with Christ. This is why the ULT uses the neuter pronoun its to refer to old man later in the verse. If the old man would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a term that refers to the whole person and who he or she used to be. Alternate translation: “the old ‘you’” or “your old identity” (See: Idiom)

ἄνθρωπον

While the word man is grammatically masculine, it does not refer primarily to male people but to humans in general. If you have a general word for humans in your language, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “human” or “human being” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

σὺν ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτοῦ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind practices, you could express the idea by using a relative clause that refers to what the old man “normally does.” Alternate translation: “along with what it does” or “with how it acts” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 3:10

ἐνδυσάμενοι

The clause that begins with having put on is parallel to the clause beginning with “having taken off” in the previous verse (3:9). Translate this clause with the same structure you used in the previous verse. This clause could (1) give the reason why the Colossians should not lie to each other (and should put off the sins listed in the 3:8). Alternate translation: “because you have put on” (2) give another command. Alternate translation: “put on” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐνδυσάμενοι τὸν νέον

Here, Paul continues the metaphor of changing clothing, which he began in 3:9. Once the Colossians have “taken off” the “old man,” they put on the new man. Translate this expression as an appropriate opposite to your translation of “take off” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “having stepped into your new identity” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν νέον

As in the previous verse (3:9), the phrase new man does not refer to a male person but to what one has become when one is raised with Christ. It does not refer to a part of the person but rather to what the whole person has become after being raised with Christ. If new man would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a term that refers to the whole person and who they are. Alternate translation: “the new ‘you’” or “your new identity” (See: Idiom)

τὸν ἀνακαινούμενον

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “whom God is renewing” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν,

The first thing Paul says about the “renewing” is its purpose, which is knowledge. If in knowledge would not be understood as a purpose statement in your language, you could use an expression that indicates that gaining knowledge is one purpose of being renewed. Alternate translation: “to gain knowledge” or “so as to know more” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἐπίγνωσιν

While Paul does not say here what this knowledge concerns, it probably refers to knowing both God (as in 1:10) and God’s will (as in 1:9). If knowledge without any description would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify what this knowledge concerns. Alternate translation: “the knowledge of God and his will” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπίγνωσιν

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind knowledge, you could express the idea in a different way, such as with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “what you know” (See: Abstract Nouns)

κατ’ εἰκόνα τοῦ κτίσαντος αὐτόν

The second thing Paul says about the “renewing” is the standard or pattern by which God renews his people: the image of the one who created it. Use a word or phrase in your language that indicates the standard or pattern according to which something is accomplished. Alternate translation: “so that it matches the image of the one who created it” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

εἰκόνα

The word image could refer to (1) the way humans show or reflect God’s glory, just like he created them to do. Alternate translation: “the reflection of the glory” (2) Christ, who is the image of God, the way humans can see the invisible God. Alternate translation: “Christ, the image” (See: Translate Unknowns)

κατ’ εἰκόνα τοῦ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind image, you could express the idea in a different way, such as with a relative clause. Make sure your translation fits with what image refers to, as discussed in the previous note. Alternate translation: “according to how you reflect the one” or “according to Christ, who reflects the one” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦ κτίσαντος

The one who created it refers to God. If the one who created it would be misunderstood, you could clarify that God is the one. Alternate translation: “of God, who created” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

αὐτόν

The pronoun it refers to “the new man.” If your readers would misunderstand what it refers to, you could translate it with a phrase that more clearly refers back to “the new man.” Alternate translation: “this new man” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Colossians 3:11

ὅπου

Here Paul refers to the “new man” from the previous verse as if it were a place one could be in. This means that the word where refers to the new situation of those who have put on this “new man.” If where would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea by identifying those who have put on the “new man” as the ones addressed by this verse. Alternate translation: (start a new sentence) “For those who have put on the new man,” (See: Metaphor)

οὐκ ἔνι

Here, Paul speaks as if none of the kinds of people he mentions exist in this new situation. The Colossians would have understood this as a way to emphasize how little the differences between all these kinds of people matter once they have died and risen with Christ. They all fit into the category of the “new man” now. If there is no would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea without the hyperbole by emphasizing the new unity of people from all these categories. Alternate translation: “all people are the same,” (See: Hyperbole)

οὐκ ἔνι Ἕλλην καὶ Ἰουδαῖος, περιτομὴ καὶ ἀκροβυστία, βάρβαρος, Σκύθης, δοῦλος, ἐλεύθερος

All these terms are nouns that refer to groups of people that are characterized by the trait that the noun names. These words do not refer to just one person. If your language has a way to categorize people by characteristics, you could use that form here. Alternate translation: “there are no Greek and Jewish people, circumcised and uncircumcised people, barbaric people, Scythian people, enslaved people, free people” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

βάρβαρος

The word barbarian was used by people who spoke Greek to describe anyone who did not speak Greek. If barbarian would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a word such as “foreign.” Alternate translation: “alien” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Σκύθης

The word Scythian was used to describe a nomadic group of people who were fierce warriors. It was also used to describe those who behaved in similar ways, who were often considered rough or rude. If Scythian would be misunderstood in your language, you could add an adjective before Scythian to clarify its connotation, or you could use a comparable label. Alternate translation: “uncivilized Scythian” or “rough Scythian” (See: Translate Unknowns)

πάντα καὶ…Χριστός

Here Paul speaks of Christ as being all things. By this, he means that none of the categories he just listed matter because Christ is the only person who matters. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a verb such as “matters” or a noun such as “importance.” Alternate translation: “Christ is all that matters, and he is” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν πᾶσιν

Again, Paul speaks of those who have died and risen with Christ. Here, instead of speaking of the Colossians being “in Christ,” he reverses the form, just as he did in 1:27: Christ is in all of those who believe in him. If possible, translate this expression the same way you translated “Christ in you” in 1:27. Alternate translation: “is united to all of you” (See: Metaphor)

Colossians 3:12

οὖν

Here the word Therefore introduces an exhortation based on what Paul has already told the Colossians in 3:9–11 about putting off the old man, putting on the new man, and the effects of this. Use a word or phrase in your language that introduces an exhortation based on what has already been said, and you could refer back to what Paul has already said. Alternate translation: “Because you have put off the old man and put on the new man” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἐνδύσασθε

The phrase put on uses the same words Paul used in 3:10 for “having put on” the new man. Here, he uses the same clothing metaphor to show the Colossians that “putting on” the new man means that they also must put on the character traits he lists here. This means that they must consistently behave in ways that show mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, {and} patience. If possible, translate put on as you did in 3:10. Alternate translation: “step into new virtues, including” (See: Metaphor)

ὡς

Paul uses the word as to introduce his description of who the Colossians are. He describes them in ways that will give them a reason to “put on” the virtues he lists. If as would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea by using a word or phrase that gives a reason or basis for a command. Alternate translation: “because you are” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul here uses the possessive form to indicate that the Colossians are chosen ones because God chose them. If your language would not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could express the idea by translating chosen with a verb such as “chose,” with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “ones whom God has chosen” (See: Possession)

σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, χρηστότητα, ταπεινοφροσύνην, πραΰτητα, μακροθυμίαν;

If your language would not use abstract nouns to express these ideas, you could (1) translate the abstract nouns as verbs. Alternate translation: “the character traits of showing care to others, treating them nicely, not thinking highly of yourselves, considering others more important than yourselves, and not being easily annoyed” (2) translate the abstract nouns as adjectives. Alternate translation: “the merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient new man” (See: Abstract Nouns)

σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ

Greek speakers could refer to the inner parts as the location of emotions, especially emotions related to love or empathy for another person. The inner parts of mercy, then, refers to having mercy where one experiences emotions. In this sentence, inner parts is connected with an of only to mercy, not to any of the other character traits. If inner parts of mercy would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an alternate metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “a heart of mercy” or “a merciful heart” (See: Idiom)

χρηστότητα

The word kindness refers to the character trait of being good, kind, or helpful to others. If kindness would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable word or express the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “a generous attitude toward others” (See: Translate Unknowns)

πραΰτητα

The word gentleness describes the character trait of being considerate of and gentle with others. If gentleness would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable word or express the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “a considerate attitude” (See: Translate Unknowns)

μακροθυμίαν

In this context, the word patience refers to the ability to remain calm and even-tempered even when others do things that provoke one to anger. If patience would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable word or express the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “and forbearance” or “and the ability to remain calm” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Colossians 3:13

ἀνεχόμενοι ἀλλήλων καὶ χαριζόμενοι ἑαυτοῖς, ἐάν τις πρός τινα ἔχῃ μομφήν

If your language would put the conditional statement first, you could move the if clause to the beginning, starting a new sentence. Alternate translation: “If someone may have a complaint against someone else, bear with one another and be gracious to each other” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-infostructure/01.md)

ἀνεχόμενοι ἀλλήλων

In Paul’s culture, the phrase bearing with one another refers to being patient with others, even when they do things that are annoying or strange. If bearing with one another would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “putting up with one another” or “being patient with one another” (See: Idiom)

ἐάν

Paul uses if to introduce a hypothetical situation that he thinks will happen among the Colossians at times. It is in this kind of situation that he wants them to “bear with one another and be gracious to each other.” If your language would not use if to express that idea, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that refers to any time something happens. Alternate translation: “whenever” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

τις πρός τινα ἔχῃ μομφήν

This phrase indicates a situation in which one person feels offended or hurt by another person. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or an expression that indicates that one party has been offended or hurt by another. Alternate translation: “a person has been offended by another person” (See: Idiom)

πρός…ἔχῃ μομφήν

If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea behind complaint, you could express the idea by translating the abstract noun as a verb. Alternate translation: “may complain against” (See: Abstract Nouns)

καθὼς καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἐχαρίσατο ὑμῖν, οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς

If your language would put the comparison after the command, you could switch them in your translation, including “forgive” in the new first clause. Alternate translation: “you should forgive others, just as the Lord forgave you” (See: Information Structure)

καθὼς καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἐχαρίσατο ὑμῖν

Here Paul draws a comparison between how he wants the Colossians to forgive and how Jesus has forgiven them. Use a word or phrase that would normally be used for comparing things that are similar. Alternate translation: “in the same way that the Lord forgave you” (See: Simile)

οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς

Paul leaves out words that could be needed in some languages to make a complete statement. If your language needs these words, you could supply words such as “forgive one another.” Alternate translation: “so also you should forgive each other” (See: Ellipsis)

Colossians 3:14

ἐπὶ πᾶσιν δὲ τούτοις, τὴν ἀγάπην

Here Paul speaks as if love is higher than, or above, all the things he has said. By this, he means that love is more important than all these things. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively with a word such as “important” or “essential.” Alternate translation: “But what is most essential is love” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν ἀγάπην

Here Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a complete thought. If your language would include more words, you could insert the words that Paul implies, which can be found in 3:12: “put on.” Alternate translation: “put on love” (See: Ellipsis)

τὴν ἀγάπην

If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea behind love, you could express the idea by using a verb. If your language requires you to specify who the Colossians are supposed to “love,” you could clarify that Paul has other believers in mind first, but he is also thinking of God. Alternate translation: “love one another” or “love each other and God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὅ ἐστιν σύνδεσμος τῆς τελειότητος

Here, the bond of perfection is a metaphor for something that brings people together in perfect unity. This could refer to (1) the perfect unity in community that Paul wishes for believers. Alternate translation: “which brings you together in perfect unity” (2) the perfect unity that love brings to all Christian virtues. Alternate translation: “which brings all these virtues together to perfection” (See: Metaphor)

σύνδεσμος τῆς τελειότητος

Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe: (1) the bond that leads to perfection. Alternate translation: “the bond that brings perfection” (2) the bond that has perfection. Alternate translation: “the perfect bond” (See: Possession)

σύνδεσμος τῆς τελειότητος

If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea behind perfection, you could express the idea by an adjective such as “perfect” or a verb such as “complete.” Alternate translation: “the perfect bond” or “the bond that completes” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 3:15

ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Χριστοῦ βραβευέτω ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

Here Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could translate this imperative in the second person, with the Colossians as the subject of a verb such as “obey” and the peace of Christ as the object. Alternate translation: “in your hearts obey the peace of Christ” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Χριστοῦ βραβευέτω ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

Paul speaks of the peace of Christ as if it should be the “ruler” in the Colossians’ hearts. The word rule is closely related to the word translated “deprive of your prize” that Paul uses in 2:18: both are used of a judge or an umpire making a decision, although in 2:18, the judge or umpire decides against the Colossians. Here, the idea is that the peace of Christ acts as the judge or umpire in the hearts of the Colossians, which means that this peace helps them decide what to feel and do. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “let the peace of Christ make your decisions in your hearts” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

In Paul’s culture, hearts are the places where humans think and plan. If that meaning of hearts would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to the place where humans think in your culture or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in your minds” or “your thinking” (See: Metonymy)

ἣν

The pronoun which refers to “the peace of Christ.” If what which refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “which peace” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

καὶ ἐκλήθητε

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God called you also” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι

Paul speaks of the Colossians as if they were in, or part of, one body. With this metaphor, he clarifies the situation in which they have been called to peace: in the one body, which is the church. Just as the parts of a body are at “peace” with each other (when the body is working properly), so also the Colossians are to be at peace with each other in the church. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “as you together make up the church” (See: Metaphor)

εὐχάριστοι γίνεσθε

Alternate translation: “become thankful people” or “be thankful”

Colossians 3:16

ὁ λόγος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐνοικείτω ἐν ὑμῖν πλουσίως

Here Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express Paul’s command in the second person with the Colossians as the subject of a verb such as “welcome.” Alternate translation: “Welcome the word of Christ richly into your lives” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ὁ λόγος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐνοικείτω ἐν ὑμῖν

Here Paul speaks as if the word of Christ were a person who could dwell or live in a location, which is the group of believers in Colossae. This metaphor emphasizes how the word of Christ should be a consistent and constant part of the Colossians’ lives as surely as if it were somebody permanently living with them. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Let the word of Christ be a part of your lives consistently and” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ λόγος τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here Paul uses the possessive form to relate the word to Christ. This could mean: (1) that the word is about Christ. Alternate translation: “the word concerning the Messiah” (2) that the word is spoken by Christ. Alternate translation: “the word from Christ” (See: Possession)

ὁ λόγος

Here, word figuratively represents a message that is made up of words. If word would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the message” (See: Metonymy)

πλουσίως

Here Paul speaks as if the “word” were wealthy and could do something richly. He uses this metaphor to command that the word should dwell in the Colossians completely and with all the blessings that come from it. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in every way and with every blessing” or “fully” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind wisdom, you could express the idea another way. Alternate translation: “in all wise ways” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ, διδάσκοντες καὶ νουθετοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς…ᾄδοντες

Paul uses the words teaching, admonishing, and singing to show the Colossians some ways in which they can “let the word of Christ dwell” in them. Therefore, teaching, admonishing, and singing happen at the same time as the word of Christ dwelling in them. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could directly state it. Alternate translation: (start a new sentence) “You can do this by teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom … and by singing” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

διδάσκοντες καὶ νουθετοῦντες

These two verbs have only slightly different meanings. The word teaching refers positively to giving someone information, skills, or concepts. The word admonishing refers negatively to warning someone against something. If you have words that fit these two ideas, you can use them here. If you do not have words that make these distinctions, you could translate both of them with a single verb such as “instruct.” Alternate translation: “instructing” (See: Doublet)

ψαλμοῖς, ὕμνοις, ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς

These three terms name different kinds of songs. The word psalms refers to songs from the book of Psalms in the Bible. The word hymns refers to songs sung in praise, usually to a deity. Finally, the word songs refers to vocal music that celebrates someone or something, usually in poem form. If you have words that roughly match these categories in your language, you could use them here. If you do not have words that match these categories, you could express the idea with only one or two words or use adjectives to describe the different types of songs. Alternate translation: “psalms and spiritual songs” or “biblical songs, praise songs, and celebratory spiritual songs” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς

The word spiritual could refer to (1) the Holy Spirit as the origin or inspiration of the songs. Alternate translation: “and songs from the Spirit” (2) songs that are sung by or in the power of the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “and songs empowered by the Spirit” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐν τῇ χάριτι,

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind thankfulness, you could express the idea by using an adverb such as “thankfully” or an adjective such as “thankful.” Alternate translation: “in thankful ways” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

Here the Colossians would have understood the phrase in your hearts to describe something that people do that they fully believe in. It means that the singing should be done with sincerity and the full approval of one’s own mind. If this idiom would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable idiom or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “wholeheartedly” or “with genuineness” (See: Idiom)

ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

In Paul’s culture, hearts are the places where humans think and desire. If that meaning of hearts would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to the place where humans think in your culture or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in your minds” (See: Metonymy)

Colossians 3:17

πᾶν, ὅ τι ἐὰν ποιῆτε ἐν λόγῳ ἢ ἐν ἔργῳ, πάντα ἐν

The word all refers back to everything, whatever you might do in word or in deed. If your language would not write the object (everything, whatever you might do in word or in deed) first, you could put it where all is, after the verb. Or, you could change the object into a relative clause. Alternate translation: “do everything, whatever you might do in word or in deed, in” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-infostructure/01.md)

πᾶν, ὅ τι ἐὰν ποιῆτε

In Paul’s culture, this is a natural way to refer to anything someone might do, including all possibilities. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a customary way to refer to all possible actions. Alternate translation: “anything you do” (See: Idiom)

ἐν λόγῳ ἢ ἐν ἔργῳ

If your language does not use abstract nouns to express the ideas behind word and deed, you could express the idea with verbs such as “speak” and “act.” Alternate translation: “in speaking or in acting” or “when you speak or act” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

Acting in the name of a person means representing that person. Representatives, those who do anything in the name of someone else, should act so as to help others think well of and honor the people they represent. If in the name of would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom for representing someone or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “as representatives of the Lord Jesus” or “in a way that leads to honor for the Lord Jesus” (See: Idiom)

δι’ αὐτοῦ

The phrase through him does not mean that the prayers of thanks are mediated to God the Father by God the Son. Rather, it is through the Son that the Colossians are able to give thanks. This means that they can give thanks because of what the Son has done for them. If that meaning of through him would not be understood in your language, you could express the idea with a preposition such as “because” or clarify that it is through the “work” of the Son. Alternate translation: “because of what he has done” or “through his work” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Colossians 3:18

αἱ γυναῖκες

Here Paul directly addresses the wives in the audience. Use a form in your language that indicates that the speaker is singling out a specific group of people as the intended audience of the following words. Alternate translation: “You wives”

ὑποτάσσεσθε τοῖς ἀνδράσιν

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with a verb such as “obey” or “submit.” Alternate translation: “obey your husbands” or “submit to your husbands” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῖς ἀνδράσιν

Here Paul does not explicitly state that wives must be subjected to “their own” husbands. However, Paul writes this sentence in such a way that the Colossians would have understood him to mean this. The ULT includes {your} because this is an essential part of what Paul is saying. Use a form in your language that specifies that Paul has each wife’s husband in mind. Alternate translation: “to {your own} husbands” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὡς

Here, the word as functions to introduce the reason why “wives” should “be subjected to” their husbands. If as does not indicate a reason in your language, you could express this idea using a causal word such as “since” or “because.” Alternate translation: “because this” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀνῆκεν

The phrase is fitting refers to what or to whom something properly belongs. If is fitting would be misunderstood your language, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that identifies proper behavior in specific circumstances. Alternate translation: “is suitable” or “suits your position” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐν Κυρίῳ

Paul uses the spatial metaphor in the Lord to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being in the Lord or united to the Lord is the standard for how to behave. Alternate translation: “in your union with the Lord” (See: Metaphor)

Colossians 3:19

οἱ ἄνδρες

Here Paul directly addresses the husbands in the audience. Use a form in your language that indicates that the speaker is singling out a specific group of people as the intended audience of the following words. Alternate translation: “You husbands”

τὰς γυναῖκας

Here Paul does not explicitly state that husbands must love “their own” wives. However, Paul writes this sentence in such a way that the Colossians would have understood him to mean this. The ULT includes {your} because this is an essential part of what Paul is saying. Use a form in your language that specifies that Paul has each husband’s wife in mind. Alternate translation: “{your own} wives” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μὴ πικραίνεσθε πρὸς

The phrase be embittered could refer to (1) the husband doing or saying things that cause his wife to be bitter or upset with him. Alternate translation: “do not do what makes them bitter against you” (2) the husband becoming bitter or upside with his wife for doing or saying certain things. Alternate translation: “do not become bitter against them” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Colossians 3:20

τὰ τέκνα

Here Paul directly addresses the Children in the audience. Use a form in your language that indicates that the speaker is singling out a specific group of people as the intended audience of the following words. Alternate translation: “You children”

τοῖς γονεῦσιν

Here Paul does not explicitly state that children must obey “their own” parents. However, Paul writes this sentence in such a way that the Colossians would have understood him to mean this. The ULT includes {your} because this is an essential part of what Paul is saying. Use a form in your language that specifies that Paul has each child’s parents in mind. Alternate translation: “{your own} parents” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κατὰ πάντα

The phrase in all things is an idiom that indicates that children should obey “everything their parents command” or “in every situation.” If in all things would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or indicate what the things are. Alternate translation: “in everything they tell you to do” (See: Idiom)

γὰρ

The word for introduces the basis or reason for somethin; here it is Paul’s command to children. Use a word that indicates the reason for a command in your language. Alternate translation: “since” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

εὐάρεστόν ἐστιν

If something is pleasing, that means that the person it “pleases” finds that thing acceptable, agreeable, or pleasant. If is pleasing would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that emphasizes that obedience to parents is something that is acceptable to God. Alternate translation: “is acceptable” (See: Translate Unknowns)

εὐάρεστόν

Paul does not state to whom obedience to parents is pleasing, but it is clear that it pleases God. If your language would state who is pleased, you could expressly state that it is God. Alternate translation: “pleasing to God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν Κυρίῳ

Just as in 3:18, Paul uses the spatial metaphor in the Lord to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being in the Lord, or united to the Lord, identifies specifically that those who are united to the Lord are to behave in this way. Alternate translation: “in your union with the Lord” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)

Colossians 3:21

οἱ πατέρες

Here Paul directly addresses the Fathers in the audience. Use a form in your language that indicates that the speaker is singling out a specific group of people as the intended audience of the following words. Alternate translation: “You fathers”

μὴ ἐρεθίζετε τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν

The word provoke in this context refers to irritating someone or making them angry. If provoke would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “do not irritate your children” or “do not provoke your children to anger” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἵνα μὴ ἀθυμῶσιν

This clause indicates the goal or purpose of the previous command, but this purpose is in the negative. If your language has a customary way to indicate a negative purpose, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “lest they be discouraged” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

μὴ ἀθυμῶσιν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can express the idea in active form with the Fathers as the subject. Alternate translation: “you may not discourage them” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀθυμῶσιν

The phrase they may … be discouraged describes the feeling of despair or hopelessness. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that expresses this idea. Alternate translation: “they may … despair” or “they may … lose heart” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Colossians 3:22

οἱ δοῦλοι

Here Paul directly addresses the Slaves in the audience. Use a form in your language that indicates that the speaker is singling out a specific group of people as the intended audience of the following words. Alternate translation: “You slaves”

τοῖς κατὰ σάρκα κυρίοις

The phrase according to the flesh describes the masters as humans on this earth. Paul uses this phrase to describe these masters because he is already setting up a contrast with the “Master” over these masters: Jesus (see 4:1). If according to the flesh would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea with an adjective such as “human” or “earthly.” Alternate translation: “your earthly masters” or “your human masters” (See: Idiom)

τοῖς…κυρίοις

Here Paul does not explicitly state that slaves must obey “their own” masters. However, Paul writes this sentence in such a way that the Colossians would have understood him to mean this. The ULT includes {your} because this is an essential part of what Paul is saying. Use a form in your language that specifies that Paul has each slave’s master in mind. Alternate translation: “{your own} masters” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κατὰ πάντα

Just as in 3:20, the phrase in all things is an idiom that indicates that slaves should obey “everything their masters command” or “in every situation.” If in all things would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or indicate what the things are. Alternate translation: “in everything they tell you to do” (See: Idiom)

μὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοδουλεία

The word eyeservice describes how people sometimes behave to look good more than to do the right thing. If eyeservice would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or a short phrase such as “wanting to look impressive.” Alternate translation: “not focusing on how you appear to others” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ὡς ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι

The phrase people pleasers describes the kind of people who care about “eyeservice.” Here, people pleasers are those who focus on impressing humans rather than doing what God desires. If these words would be misunderstood in your language, you could emphasize that people pleasers want to please humans only, not God. Alternate translation: “as people who want to please humans rather than God” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐν ἁπλότητι καρδίας

Paul here uses the possessive form to describe a heart that is characterized by its sincerity. If your language would not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could express the idea by translating sincerity with an adjective such as “sincere.” Alternate translation: “with a sincere heart” (See: Possession)

ἐν ἁπλότητι καρδίας

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind sincerity, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “sincere” or and adverb such as “sincerely.” Alternate translation: “sincerely in your heart” or “with a sincere heart” (See: Abstract Nouns)

καρδίας

In Paul’s culture, the heart is the place where a person thinks and desires. If that meaning of heart would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to the place where humans think in your culture or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “of mind” or “of desire” (See: Metonymy)

φοβούμενοι τὸν Κύριον

The phrase fearing the Lord could describe: (1) the reason why the slaves should obey their masters. Alternate translation: “because you fear the Lord” (2) the way or manner in which the slaves should obey their masters. Alternate translation: “showing fear for the Lord” or “in a way that shows that you fear the Lord” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Colossians 3:23

ὃ ἐὰν ποιῆτε

In Paul’s culture, this is a natural way to refer to anything someone might do, including all possibilities. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a customary way of referring to all possible actions. Alternate translation: “In anything you do” (See: Idiom)

ἐκ ψυχῆς

Working from the soul is comparable to the English idiom working “with all one’s heart,” which refers to doing something with diligence, without holding anything back. If from the soul would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable idiom or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “with all your heart” or “with all your strength” (See: Idiom)

ὡς τῷ Κυρίῳ καὶ οὐκ ἀνθρώποις

This contrast indicates that, even though they serve men, they should consider their work to be directed to or in service of the Lord. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a contrast phrase such as “even as.” Alternate translation: “to serve the Lord, even as you are serving men” (See: Idiom)

ἀνθρώποις

The word men does not refer to only male people but to humans in general. If men would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that refers to people or humans in general. Alternate translation: “to humans” or “to people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Colossians 3:24

εἰδότες

The word knowing introduces a reason why the slaves should obey as Paul commands them to in 3:22–23. If knowing would not introduce a reason in your language, you could clarify this by using a word such as “because.” Alternate translation: “since you know” or “for you know” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τὴν ἀνταπόδοσιν τῆς κληρονομίας

Here Paul uses the possessive form to identify the reward as the inheritance. If your language does not use the possessive form in this way, you could clarify that these two words name the same thing by using a phrase such as “that is.” Alternate translation: “the reward, that is, the inheritance” or “the reward, which is your inheritance” (See: Possession)

τὴν ἀνταπόδοσιν τῆς κληρονομίας

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind reward and inheritance, you could express those ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “what he has promised to hand down to you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῷ Κυρίῳ Χριστῷ δουλεύετε

Here Paul uses a simple statement as (1) a reminder that states for whom they actually work. Alternate translation: “Keep in mind that you are serving the Lord Christ” (2) a command about whom they should serve. Alternate translation: “Serve the Lord Christ” or “You should serve the Lord Christ” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

Colossians 3:25

γὰρ

The word for introduces support for what has already been said. Here Paul uses it to introduce a negative reason for obedience (he already gave a positive reason in 3:24). If for would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that it introduces another reason for obedience. Alternate translation: “Do these things because” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ὁ…ἀδικῶν…ἠδίκησεν

Here Paul speaks in general of anyone who does unrighteousness. However, he directs this general statement to the slaves he has been addressing (not the masters, since he does not address them until 4:1). If this generic form would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a customary form for generic statements or include the slaves as the ones being addressed. Alternate translation: “any of you who do unrighteousness … you did unrighteously” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

ἀδικῶν

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind unrighteousness, you could express the idea differently, such as with an adverb. Alternate translation: “acting unrighteously” or “doing unrighteous things” (See: Abstract Nouns)

κομιεῖται ὃ ἠδίκησεν

In this context, the phrase will receive refers to getting something in payment or in return for something else. Paul, then, speaks as if the one doing unrighteousness will receive as payment or recompense exactly what he did unrighteously. By this, Paul means that God will punish those who do unrighteousness in a way that fits with what they did. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “will receive a punishment that fits the crime” (See: Metaphor)

οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολημψία

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind favoritism, you could express the idea with a verb such as “favor” or with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “God does not favor anyone” or “God judges everyone by the same standard” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 4

Colossians 4 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

4:1 belongs to the section that begins in 3:18, even though it is in this chapter.

1. Exhortation Section

2. Prayer Request and Behavior towards Outsiders (4:2–6)

3. Letter Closing (4:7–18)

4. The Messengers (4:7–9)
5. Greetings from Friends (4:10–14)
6. Greetings and Instructions from Paul (4:15–17)
7. Greeting in Paul’s Own Hand (4:18)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Letter writing and sending

In this culture, someone who wanted to send a letter often spoke what they wanted to say, and a scribe would write it down for them. Then, they would send the letter with a messenger, who would read the letter to the person or people to whom it was addressed. In this chapter, Paul mentions the messengers with whom he is sending his letter: Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7–9). They also are able to communicate more about Paul’s situation than he says in the letter. Additionally, Paul mentions that he writes the final greeting “by my own hand” (4:18). This is because the rest of the letter was written by a scribe, who wrote down what Paul dictated. Paul writes the last greeting as a personal touch and to prove that he was indeed the author.

Greetings

In this culture, it was common for those who sent letters to include greetings to and from others in their letter. In this way, many people could greet each other but only send one letter. In 4:10–15 Paul includes greetings to and from many people whom he and the Colossians know.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Paul’s chains

Paul refers to his imprisonment in this chapter by using the language of “chains” and “binding.” He says that he has “been bound” in 4:3, and he mentions his “chains” in 4:18. The language of binding and chains emphasizes how Paul is restricted in his movements and activities by being imprisoned.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

A “master in heaven”

In 4:1, Paul refers to a “master in heaven.” The word translated “master” and “masters” in this verse is the same word that is translated as “Lord” throughout Colossians. It is translated “master” in this verse to illustrate Paul’s point: those who are “masters” on earth also have a “master,” their Lord in heaven. If possible, make this wordplay clear in your translation.

Colossians 4:1

οἱ κύριοι

Here Paul directly addresses the Masters in the audience. Use a form in your language that indicates that the speaker is singling out a specific group of people as the intended audience of the following words. Alternate translation: “You masters”

τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα τοῖς δούλοις παρέχεσθε

Here Paul speaks of how masters treat their slaves as if the master were “giving” the treatment of their slaves. By this, he means that the thing given (what is right and fair) is what characterizes the master’s dealing with the slave. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea by using adverbs such as “rightly” and “fairly” with a verb such as “treat.” Alternate translation: “act rightly and fairly towards your slaves” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα

The word right describes someone or something that properly follows laws, principles, and expectations. The word translated fair describes someone or something that is impartial and does not pick sides. If you have words in your language that roughly represent these ideas, you could them here. If you do not have words that make these distinctions, you could express the idea with one word that indicates that something is fair, legal, and proper. Alternate translation: “what is just and impartial” or “what is right” (See: Doublet)

εἰδότες

Paul uses the word knowing to introduce a reason why the masters should treat their slaves as he commands them to. If knowing would not introduce a reason in your language, you could make this explicit with a word such as “because” or “since.” Alternate translation: “since you know” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Κύριον ἐν οὐρανῷ

The words Masters and master are usually translated “lords” and “Lord” elsewhere. However, here they are translated Masters and master because the relationship between slaves and their masters, or “lords,” is in view. Paul wishes the Masters to treat their slaves justly because they also serve a “Master,” the Lord Jesus. If the person to whom master refers would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea by identifying that the master is the Lord Jesus. Alternate translation: “a master in heaven, the Lord Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Colossians 4:2

τῇ προσευχῇ προσκαρτερεῖτε

Alternate translation: “Keep praying faithfully” or “Pray consistently”

γρηγοροῦντες

The word staying alert expresses what Paul wants the Colossians to do as they pray. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a customary expression that indicates that staying alert happens at the same time as they “continue steadfastly in prayer.” Alternate translation: “and stay alert” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

ἐν αὐτῇ

Alternate translation: “during your time of prayer”

ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind thanksgiving, you could express the idea by using a verbal phrase such as “and giving thanks” or an adverb such as “thankfully.” Alternate translation: “thankfully” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 4:3

ἅμα

In this context, the word together does not refer to people being together but rather, it refers to actions happening together or at the same time. If together would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that the Colossians should pray for Paul at the same time they pray about other things (the things mentioned in 4:2). Alternate translation: “at the same time” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

ἡμῶν…ἡμῖν

In this verse, the word us refers to Paul and Timothy but not to the Colossians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἵνα

The phrase so that could introduce: (1) the content of what they should pray. Alternate translation: “that” or “asking that” (2) the purpose for which the Colossians should pray for Paul. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ὁ Θεὸς ἀνοίξῃ ἡμῖν θύραν τοῦ λόγου

Here Paul speaks of God providing opportunities for Paul and Timothy to preach the gospel as if God were “opening” a door to them for the word. The image is of God opening a door so that Paul and Timothy can go in and preach the message about Christ. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “God may give us opportunities to preach the word” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ λόγου, λαλῆσαι

Here, for the word and to speak mean almost the same thing. If your language would not use both of phrases here, you could combine them into one. Alternate translation: “to speak” (See: Doublet)

τοῦ λόγου

Here, word figuratively represents a message that is made up of words. If word would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “for the message” or “for what we say” (See: Metonymy)

λαλῆσαι

The phrase to speak indicates the purpose for which the “door” is opened. If to speak would not indicate purpose in your language, you could use a word or phrase that does indicate purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that we might speak” or “so that we can speak” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

τὸ μυστήριον

Paul speaks of his message as the mystery of Christ. This does not mean that the message is hard to understand, but rather that it had not previously been revealed. Now, however, Paul does “make it clear” (as 4:4 says). If a mystery that is revealed or spoken would be misunderstood in your language, you could replace mystery with a short descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “the concealed message” or “the previously hidden message” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md)

τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here Paul uses the possessive form to speak of a mystery whose content is a message about Christ. If your language does not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could express the idea with a preposition such as “about” or a relative clause such as “that concerns.” Alternate translation: “the mystery that concerns Christ” (See: Possession)

δι’ ὃ

The pronoun which refers back to the “mystery of Christ.” If your readers would misunderstand what which refers to, you could state this more clearly by adding a word such as “mystery.” Alternate translation: “on account of which mystery” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

δέδεμαι

Here Paul uses the phase I have been bound to refer to how he is in prison. If I have been bound would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable word or phrase that stands for being in prison or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I am imprisoned” or “I am incarcerated” (See: Metonymy)

δέδεμαι

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “they have bound me” or “the authorities have bound me” (See: Active or Passive)

Colossians 4:4

ἵνα

The phrase in order that could introduce: (1) another thing for which the Colossians should pray (in addition to what is said in 4:3). Alternate translation: “and that” or “and asking that” (2) another purpose for which the Colossians should pray for Paul (in addition to what is said in 4:3). Alternate translation: “and so that” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

φανερώσω αὐτὸ

Alternate translation: “I may reveal it” or “I may express it clearly”

ὡς

Here, the word as functions to introduce a reason why Paul must preach his message clearly. If your readers would misunderstand the meaning of as, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for an action. Alternate translation: “because this is how” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

δεῖ με λαλῆσαι

If your language would state who requires Paul to speak in these ways, you could include “God” as the one that role. Alternate translation: “God has commanded me to speak” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Colossians 4:5

περιπατεῖτε πρὸς

Here Paul uses the word walk to refer to consistent, habitual behavior (like putting one foot in front of the other). In this image, walking toward someone refers to consistent behavior in relationship with that person. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Act … with” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν σοφίᾳ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind wisdom, you could express the idea with an adverb such as “wisely” or an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “in wise ways” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοὺς ἔξω

The phrase those outside is a way to identify people who do not belong to one’s group. Here, those outside would be anyone who does not believe in Jesus. If those outside would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable word or phrase for people who are not in one’s group. Alternate translation: “outsiders” (See: Idiom)

ἐξαγοραζόμενοι

The word redeeming introduces an example of how to “walk in wisdom toward those outside.” If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a customary way to indicate that the redeeming happens at the same time as “walking in wisdom” and gives an example of how it might look. Alternate translation: “which includes redeeming” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

τὸν καιρὸν ἐξαγοραζόμενοι

Here Paul speaks of time as something that one could be redeeming. The picture is of a person buying time from someone. Paul uses this picture to refer to making the most of (redeeming) one’s opportunities (the time). If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a comparable metaphor or express it non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “making the most of every chance you have” (See: Metaphor)

Colossians 4:6

This verse provides one way in which Paul wants the Colossians to “walk in wisdom toward those outside” (4:5). They are to speak with words that are compelling and carefully chosen to fit the situation.

ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν πάντοτε ἐν χάριτι

Paul has not included a verb for “speaking” in this phrase, because it was not necessary in his language. If your language would require a verb of speaking here, you could include it. Alternate translation: “speaking your words always with grace” or “your words always spoken with grace” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐν χάριτι

If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea behind grace, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “gracious” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος

In Paul’s culture, when food was seasoned with salt, it would taste good and be nourishing. Paul thus speaks of seasoning one’s “words” with salt to say that the words should be interesting (like food that tastes good) and helpful (like food that is nourishing). If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable idiom or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “both compelling and helpful” (See: Metaphor)

εἰδέναι

Here Paul uses the phrase to know to introduce the result of speaking words with grace and seasoned with salt. If to know does not introduce a result in your language, you could use a word or phrase that more clearly expresses that Paul is speaking about a result. Alternate translation: “with the result that you will know” or “ so that you might know” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς…ἀποκρίνεσθαι

Alternate translation: “how to best answer” or “the right answer to give to”

ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ

The phrase each one refers to individuals who would be considered part of “those outside” (4:5). If what each one refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could explicitly refer back to how you translated “those outside.” Alternate translation: “each outsider” or “each one who does not believe in the Messiah” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Colossians 4:7

τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ πάντα γνωρίσει ὑμῖν Τυχικὸς, ὁ ἀγαπητὸς ἀδελφὸς, καὶ πιστὸς διάκονος, καὶ σύνδουλος ἐν Κυρίῳ

If your readers would misunderstand this sentence because of the order, you could rearrange this verse so that (1) what Tychicus will make known to them comes after to you, and (2) the words that describe Tychicus come after his name. You may need to make one or both of these changes to make the verse clear in your language. Alternate translation: “Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow slave in the Lord, will make known to you all the things concerning me” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-infostructure/01.md)

τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ πάντα

When Paul speaks of All the things concerning me, he refers to details about his life such as where he is living, his health, how his work is progressing, and other similar details. If your language has a customary way to refer to this kind of information, you could use it here, or you could express the idea with a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “All the news about me” or “All the details about how I am doing” (See: Idiom)

Τυχικὸς

Tychicus is the name of a man. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/translate-names/01.md)

πιστὸς διάκονος

If your language would state whom Tychicus serves, you could make this explicit. He could be a servant to: (1) Paul. Alternate translation: “my faithful servant” (2) the Lord, and thus the Lord’s church as well. Alternate translation: “faithful servant of the Lord and his church” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

σύνδουλος

If fellow slave would be misunderstood in your language, you could make it explicit that Tychicus is a slave of Christ, along with Paul. Alternate translation: “fellow slave of Christ” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν Κυρίῳ

Paul uses the spatial metaphor in the Lord to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being in the Lord, or united to the Lord, identifies Paul and Tychicus as “slaves” of the Lord because of their union with him. Alternate translation: “in union with the Lord” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)

Colossians 4:8

ἔπεμψα

Here Paul uses the past tense form sent to describe something he has not yet done when he is dictating this letter. He uses the past tense because, when the letter is read to the Colossians, his sending of Tychicus will be in the past. If your language would not use the past tense here, you could use whatever tense would customarily be used in this situation in your language. Alternate translation: “whom I send” or “whom I have sent” (See: Predictive Past)

ὑμᾶς εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο, ἵνα

It may seem that the phrase for this very reason contains redundant information in your language, since Paul also includes so that. If both of these phrases would be redundant in your language, you could use a single purpose phrase, such as so that. Alternate translation: “you so that” or “you in order that” (See: Doublet)

ἵνα γνῶτε τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν

While many manuscripts have so that you might know the things concerning us, some say “so that he might know the things concerning you.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the phrase it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the example of the ULT. (See: Textual Variants)

ἵνα…καὶ

The words so that and and that introduce two of Paul’s purposes in sending Tychicus to the Colossians. If so that and and that would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a customary way to introduce a goal or purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that … and in order that” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν

Just like the phrase “all the things concerning me” in 4:7, the phrase the things concerning us refers to details about life such as where people are living, their health, how their work is progressing, and other similar details. If your language has a customary way to refer to this kind of information, you could use it here, or you could express the idea with a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “the news about us” or “the details about how we are doing” (See: Idiom)

ἡμῶν

The word us does not include the Colossians. Instead, Paul is referring to himself and those who are with him, including Timothy. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν

Here when Paul refers to your hearts, the Colossians would have understood him to mean the entire person. Paul uses hearts because his culture identified hearts as the body part where people experienced encouragement. If that meaning of your hearts would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that identifies the location where people experience encouragement in your culture, or you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “your souls” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md)

Colossians 4:9

σὺν Ὀνησίμῳ

Paul uses this phrase to tell the Colossians that he is sending Onesimus along with Tychicus to the city of Colossae. If this implication would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this explicit by adding a verb such as “sending.” Alternate translation: “With him I send Onesimus” (start a new sentence with “they will make”) (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ὀνησίμῳ

Onesimus is the name of a man. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/translate-names/01.md)

ἐστιν ἐξ ὑμῶν

The phrase from among you means that Onesimus used to live with the Colossians and was part of the group to whom Paul is writing the letter. To express this idea, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that a person belongs to a specific group of people. Alternate translation: “is from your town” or “used to live with you” (See: Idiom)

γνωρίσουσιν

The pronoun they refers back to Onesimus and Tychicus. If what they refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this explicit by using their names or referring to “two” of them. Alternate translation: “the two of them will make known” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

πάντα…τὰ ὧδε

Just like the phrases “all the things concerning me” in 4:7 and “the things concerning us” in 4:8, the phrase all the things here refers to details about life such as where people are living, their health, how their work is progressing, and other similar details. If your language has a customary way to refer to this kind of information, you could use it here, or you could express the idea with a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “all the news about us” or “all the details about what is happening here” (See: Idiom)

Colossians 4:10

Ἀρίσταρχος…Μᾶρκος…Βαρναβᾶ

These are all names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀσπάζεται

As was customary in this culture, Paul concludes the letter by extending greetings from people who are with him and who know the people to whom he is writing. Your language may have a particular way of sharing greetings in a letter. If so, you can use that form here. Alternate translation: “asks to be remembered to” or “says hello to”

ὁ συναιχμάλωτός μου

The phrase my fellow prisoner identifies Aristarchus as someone who is in prison along with Paul. If fellow prisoner would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this with a short phrase instead. Alternate translation: “who has been imprisoned with me” (See: Translate Unknowns)

καὶ Μᾶρκος, ὁ ἀνεψιὸς Βαρναβᾶ

Paul has not included the verb “greet” in this clause because it was unnecessary in his language. If it is necessary in your language, you could include it here. Alternate translation: “and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, also greets you” (See: Ellipsis)

ὁ ἀνεψιὸς Βαρναβᾶ

The word cousin refers to the son of the brother or sister of one’s mother or father. If possible, use a word in your language that makes this relationship clear, or you could describe the relationship. Alternate translation: “the son of Barnabas’ aunt or uncle” (See: Kinship)

οὗ…ἔλθῃ…αὐτόν

The words whom, he, and him refer back to Mark, not Barnabas. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could make it explicit. Alternate translation: “Mark … he may come … him” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

περὶ οὗ ἐλάβετε ἐντολάς

Paul does not clarify who sent these orders to the Colossians, and it was probably not him. If it is possible in your language, leave the person who sent these orders unexpressed. If you must clarify who sent the orders, you could use an indefinite expression. Alternate translation: “about whom someone sent you orders” (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

ἐὰν ἔλθῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς

Here Paul indicates a hypothetical situation. It may be that Mark does visit the Colossians, but Paul is not sure if he will or not. Use a form that indicates a true possibility in your language. Alternate translation: “he may or may not come to you, but if he does,” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

δέξασθε αὐτόν

To receive someone means welcoming that person into one’s group and extending hospitality to him or her. If receive would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression that indicates this kind of hospitality or express the idea with a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “show him hospitality and accept him into your group” (See: Idiom)

Colossians 4:11

Ἰησοῦς…Ἰοῦστος

Jesus and Justus are two names for the same man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὁ λεγόμενος Ἰοῦστος

Here Paul gives further information about “Jesus.” This information identifies which “Jesus” this is (the one also known as Justus), distinguishing him from other men who might be named “Jesus.” If this way of introducing a second name would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a form in your language that expresses this idea. Alternate translation: “, the one called Justus” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

ὁ λεγόμενος

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form, with an indefinite or vague subject. Alternate translation: “whom some people call” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ Ἰησοῦς, ὁ λεγόμενος Ἰοῦστος

Paul has not included the verb “greet” in this clause because it was unnecessary in his language. If it is necessary in your language, you could include it here. Alternate translation: “and Jesus who is called Justus also greets you” (See: Ellipsis)

οὗτοι

The word These refers back to the three men mentioned in this verse and the previous verse: Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus. If what These refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could restate their names or indicate the reference in another way. Alternate translation: “These three are” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

οἱ ὄντες ἐκ περιτομῆς οὗτοι, μόνοι συνεργοὶ εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, οἵτινες ἐγενήθησάν μοι παρηγορία.

Paul here describes the three men in two ways. First, he identifies them as the only ones among his fellow workers who are Jewish (from the circumcision). In other words, Paul distinguishes them from all the other people who work with him, because these three men are the only ones who are circumcised Jews. Second, he describes them as ones who have been a comfort to him. Here, he is not distinguishing them from other fellow workers; instead, he just wishes to say that they have been a comfort to him. If these descriptions would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate the two descriptions differently so that it is clear that the first distinguishes the three men while the second describes the three men. Alternate translation: “Out of all my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, these are the only ones being from the circumcision, and they have been a comfort to me” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

ὄντες ἐκ περιτομῆς

Paul uses the label from the circumcision to identify the men as Jews who had received circumcision. If from the circumcision would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea non-figuratively by using a term such as “Jewish.” Alternate translation: “who are Jewish” (See: Metonymy)

οἵτινες ἐγενήθησάν μοι παρηγορία

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind comfort, you could express the idea with a verb such as “comfort.” Alternate translation: “who have comforted me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 4:12

Ἐπαφρᾶς

Epaphras is the name of a man. He was the one who first preached the good news to the people in Colossae (see Colossians 1:7). (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀσπάζεται

As was customary in this culture, Paul concludes the letter by extending greetings from people who are with him and who know the people to whom he is writing. Your language may have a particular way of sharing greetings in a letter. If so, you can use that form here. Alternate translation: “asks to be remembered to” or “says hello to”

ὁ ἐξ ὑμῶν

The phrase from among you means that Epaphras used to live with the Colossians and was part of the group to whom Paul is writing the letter. To express this idea, you could use a word or phrase that indicates in your language that a person belongs to a specific group of people. Alternate translation: “He is from your town” or “He used to live with you” (See: Idiom)

πάντοτε

Here, always is an exaggeration that the Colossians would have understood to mean that Epaphras prays for them very often. If always would be misunderstood in your language, you can use a word that indicates frequency. Alternate translation: “consistently” or “frequently” (See: Hyperbole)

ἀγωνιζόμενος ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς

The word striving is usually used for attempting to win a contest, whether that is athletic, military, or legal. While Epaphras is not actually participating in an athletic or military contest, Paul uses the metaphor to explain how earnestly Epaphras prays for the Colossians. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “praying zealously for you” or “spending much effort on his prayers for you” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)

ἵνα

The phrase so that could introduce: (1) the content of Epaphras’ prayers. Alternate translation: “asking that” (2) the purpose or goal of Epaphras’ prayers. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

σταθῆτε τέλειοι καὶ πεπληροφορημένοι ἐν παντὶ θελήματι τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here Paul speaks as if the Colossians can stand complete and fully assured in all the will of God. By this, he means that they should consistently do God’s will, just as if God’s will served as a foundation underneath them. The words complete and fully assured explain the way in which they are supposed to stand or continue to obey. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you may be complete and fully assured as you consistently do all the will of God” (See: Metaphor)

τέλειοι

The word complete in this context means that a person is what he or she is supposed to be and is able to do what he or she is called to do. If complete would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that has this meaning, such as “perfect” or “excellent,” or translate complete with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “fit for what God has called you to be” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md)

πεπληροφορημένοι

The phrase fully assured describes people who are confident or sure of what they believe and do. If fully assured would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “convinced about what you know” or “without doubts” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐν παντὶ θελήματι τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind will, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “wants” or “desires.” Alternate translation: “in whatever God desires” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Colossians 4:13

γὰρ

The word For introduces further support for Paul’s statements about Epaphras in the previous verse. In 4:12, Paul says that Epaphras is “always striving” for them, and he supports that claim here by giving his own testimony about how hard Epaphras has worked for the Colossians and for other believers who live near them. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces support for a previous statement, or you could refer back to what Paul is supporting. Alternate translation: “You can be sure that he does this, because” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἔχει πολὺν πόνον

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind labor, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “labor.” Alternate translation: “he labors diligently” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῶν ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ, καὶ τῶν ἐν Ἱεραπόλει

Here Paul leaves out to whom the pronoun those refers, since in his language it was clear that those refers to people who live in the cities he mentions. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that those refers to believers who live in these two towns. Alternate translation: “of believers who live in Laodicea, and of believers who live in Hierapolis” or “of believers who live in Laodicea and Hierapolis” (See: Ellipsis)

Λαοδικίᾳ…Ἱεραπόλει

Laodicea and Hierapolis were towns near Colossae. In fact, they were all in the same valley. If it would be helpful to your readers to clarify that these are nearby towns, you could include this information. Alternate translation: “nearby Laodicea … nearby Hierapolis” or “Laodicea … Hierapolis, churches near you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Colossians 4:14

ἀσπάζεται

As was customary in this culture, Paul concludes the letter by extending greetings from people who are with him and who know the people to whom he is writing. Your language may have a particular way of sharing greetings in a letter. If so, you can use that form here. Alternate translation: “asks to be remembered to” or “says hello to”

Λουκᾶς…Δημᾶς

Luke and Demas are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Λουκᾶς, ὁ ἰατρὸς ὁ ἀγαπητὸς, καὶ Δημᾶς.

Paul has not included the verb “greet” with and also Demas, because it was unnecessary in his language. If including “greet” is necessary in your language, you could (1) move and also Demas before greets you. Alternate translation: “Luke the beloved physician and also Demas greet you” (2) include it with the phrase and also Demas. Alternate translation: “Luke the beloved physician greets you, and also Demas greets you” (See: Ellipsis)

Colossians 4:15

ἀσπάσασθε

As was customary in this culture, Paul not only extends greetings from people who are with him and who know the people to whom he is writing (as he has done in 4:10–14). He also asks the Colossians to extend greetings for him to other people that both he and the Colossians know. Your language may have a particular way of sharing greetings in a letter. If so, you can use that form here. Alternate translation: “Remember me to” or “Say hello for me to”

τοὺς…ἀδελφοὺς

The word brothers does not refer to only male people. Instead, it refers to both men and women who are part of the group of believers. If brothers would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a word that does not refer to natural gender or you could use both male and female genders. Alternate translation: “the brothers and sisters” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Νύμφαν

Nympha is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

κατ’ οἶκον αὐτῆς

The phrase in her house is a way to indicate that the church used Nympha’s house as their meeting place. If in her house would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “that gathers in her house” (See: Idiom)

Colossians 4:16

ἀναγνωσθῇ…ἀναγνωσθῇ…ἀναγνῶτε

In this culture, letters sent to a group were normally read out loud by one person to everyone else in the group. The words that are translated by read in this verse refer to this practice. If you have a way to refer to this practice, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “has been heard … it is heard … hear” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀναγνωσθῇ παρ’ ὑμῖν ἡ ἐπιστολή…ἀναγνωσθῇ

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active forms by supplying an indefinite subject such as “person” or by expressing the idea with a different verb such as “hear.” Alternate translation: “you have heard this letter … they hear it” (See: Active or Passive)

ποιήσατε ἵνα καὶ ἐν τῇ Λαοδικαίων ἐκκλησίᾳ ἀναγνωσθῇ, καὶ τὴν ἐκ Λαοδικίας ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀναγνῶτε

With these commands, Paul is asking the churches to exchange letters. He wants the Colossians to hear the letter he sent to Laodicea, and he wants the Laodiceans to hear the letter he sent to the Colossians. If you have a specific form to refer to sending and receiving letters, you could use it hear. Alternate translation: “send it off to Laodicea to be read in the church there, and request the letter I sent to them so that you can read it too” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὴν ἐκ Λαοδικίας

The phrase the one from Laodicea refers to a letter that Paul has already sent or is about to send to the church in Laodicea. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an expression that clarifies that this is a letter from Paul, not one written to Paul. Alternate translation: “the letter I addressed to Laodicea” (See: Idiom)

Colossians 4:17

καὶ εἴπατε

In addition to asking the Colossians to greet others for him (4:15), Paul also asks them to say something to Archippus. If you have a specific form in your language for instructions on relaying a message, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “And relay this message”

Ἀρχίππῳ

Archippus is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

βλέπε τὴν διακονίαν ἣν παρέλαβες ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἵνα αὐτὴν πληροῖς

The instruction from Paul to Archippus is written as a direct quote. If your language does not use this form, you could write it as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “that he must look to the ministry that he has received in the Lord, so that he may fulfill it” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

εἴπατε Ἀρχίππῳ, βλέπε τὴν διακονίαν ἣν παρέλαβες ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἵνα αὐτὴν πληροῖς.

The words Look, you have received, and you may fulfill all refer to Archippus alone and are singular. However, the word say refers to the Colossians and is plural. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

βλέπε τὴν διακονίαν

Here Paul speaks as if Archippus’ ministry were something he can look to. By this, he means that he wants Archippus to focus on carrying out his ministry just as if it were something he could stare at. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Focus on the ministry” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν διακονίαν…παρέλαβες

Paul does not clarify or even hint at what the ministry is or from whom Archippus received it. If it is possible, leave this information unclear in your translation. If you must include some extra information, you could clarify that “God” gave him the ministry of serving the church. Alternate translation: “the task of serving the church … God gave you” (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

ἐν Κυρίῳ

Paul uses the spatial metaphor in the Lord to describe the union of Archippus with Christ. In this case, being in the Lord or united to the Lord identifies the situation in which he received his ministry. He received this ministry when he was united to the Lord. Alternate translation: “in union with the Lord” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα

The phrase so that introduces a goal or purpose. Here, it is the purpose for which Archippus should look to or stay focused on his ministry. Use a word or phrase that introduces the goal or purpose of a previous statement. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Colossians 4:18

ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ

Paul concludes his letter by writing a final greeting to the Colossians. Your language may have a particular way of sharing greetings in a letter. If so, you can use that form here. Alternate translation: “I ask to be remembered by my own hand” or “I say hello by my own hand”

τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ

In this culture, it was normal for a scribe to write down what the author of the letter was saying. Paul here indicates that he himself is writing these last words. The phrase by my own hand means that it was his own hand that took up the pen and wrote. If your readers would misunderstand by my own hand, you could express the idea by using a comparable expression or include any extra information needed to make it clear. Alternate translation: “is in my handwriting” or “I write myself” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Παύλου

Here Paul speaks of himself in the third person. He does this to sign his name to the letter, which shows that the letter is from Paul himself and carries his authority. If your language has a specific form for signing letters or documents, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “I am Paul” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

μου τῶν δεσμῶν

Paul speaks of his chains, by which he means his imprisonment. If chains would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “that I am in jail” or “remember my imprisonment” (See: Metonymy)

ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν

As was customary in his culture, Paul closes his letter with a blessing for the Colossians. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May you experience kindness within you” or “I pray that you will have grace” (See: Blessings)

ἡ χάρις μεθ’

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind Grace, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May God be gracious to” (See: Abstract Nouns)