Colossians 2:5

Colossians 2:5 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
• New International Version (NIV)For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
• English Standard Version (ESV)For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
• New King James Version (NKJV)For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Context of Colossians 2:5

3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments that sound reasonable. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ. 6Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:5 word by word

εἰ γὰρ καὶ τῇ σαρκὶ ἄπειμι, ἀλλὰ τῷ πνεύματι σὺν ὑμῖν εἰμι, χαίρων καὶ βλέπων ὑμῶν τὴν τάξιν καὶ τὸ στερέωμα τῆς εἰς Χριστὸν πίστεως ὑμῶν.¶Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• ·καίkai · andG2532
• ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• Forγάρgar · forG1063
• thoughεἰei · if: even thoughG1487
• I be absentἄπειμιapeimi · be awayG548
• in the fleshσάρξsarx · fleshG4561
• yetἀλλάalla · butG235
• am Iεἰμίeimi · to beG1510
• withσύνsun · withG4862
• youσύsu · youG4771
• in the spiritπνεῦμαpneuma · spirit/breath: spiritG4151
• joyingχαίρωchairō · to rejoiceG5463
• beholdingβλέπωblepō · to seeG991
• orderτάξιςtaxis · orderG5010
• the stedfastnessστερέωμαstereōma · firmnessG4733
• faithπίστιςpistis · faithG4102
• inεἰςeis · towardG1519
• ChristΧριστόςChristos · ChristG5547

Cross-references for Colossians 2:5

• Colossians 2:1For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face.
• 1 Corinthians 5:3For even though I am absent physically, I am present in spirit. And I have already judged the one who did this, just as though I were present.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:17But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time (in presence, not in affection) we became all the more fervent in our great desire to see you in person.
• 2 Chronicles 29:35There was a large number of burnt sacrifices, as well as fat from the peace offerings and drink offerings that accompanied the burnt sacrifices. So the service of the Lord’s temple was reinstituted.
• 1 Corinthians 11:34If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that when you assemble it does not lead to judgment. I will give directions about other matters when I come.
• 1 Corinthians 14:40And do everything in a decent and orderly manner.
• Ruth 1:18When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped trying to dissuade her.
• Psalms 78:8Then they will not be like their ancestors, who were a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that was not committed and faithful to God.
• Acts 2:42They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
• 1 Corinthians 15:58So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
• 1 Corinthians 16:13Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong.
• 1 Thessalonians 3:8For now we are alive again, if you stand firm in the Lord.
• Hebrews 3:14For we have become partners with Christ, if in fact we hold our initial confidence firm until the end.
• Hebrews 6:19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast, which reaches inside behind the curtain,
• 1 Peter 5:9Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.
• 2 Peter 3:17Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard that you do not get led astray by the error of these unprincipled men and fall from your firm grasp on the truth.

Commentaries on Colossians 2:5

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 5For though I be absent in the flesh - It is hardly possible that such words as these in this verse could have been used to perfect strangers; they argue a considerable knowledge of the people, and a knowledge founded on personal acquaintance. The original is exceedingly soft and musical: - ,<-144 ͅ ̔ ,<-144 ̔ , ... The whole verse shows that this Church was sound in doctrine, and strict in discipline. They had steadfast faith in Christ, and regular order…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 5For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit - That is, I seem to see you; I feel as if I were there, and were looking upon you; and I have the same solicitude as if I were there, and saw all the danger which exists that your beautiful order and harmony should be disturbed by the influence of false philosophy; see the notes at 1 Corinthians 5:3. The word “spirit,” here, does not refer to the Holy Spirit, or to any inspiration by…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1-5Paul wants to build a stronger relationship with the Colossians, even though he has not met them. He also aims to correct false teachings that threaten their Christian community. Laodicea was 10 miles northwest of Colossae.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 55. For--argument against their suffering themselves to be beguiled, drawn from a regard to his personal authority as though he were present. joying and beholding--beholding with joy. order--your good order; answering to "knit together" (Col 2:2) as a well-organized body; the same Greek as that for knit together, is used of the body" of the Church compacted," in Ep 4:16. Compare 1Co 14:33, 40. steadfastness--Greek, "the firm (or 'solid') foundation." As…Read the comment

Topics related to Colossians 2:5

• Character
• Decision
• Love

In the dictionaries

• Christ
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Commentaries on Colossians 2

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings