Colossians 1:11

Authorized King James Version

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐν

G1722

with

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πᾶσαν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

δυνάμει

G1411

might

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

δυναμούμενοι

G1412

Strengthened

to enable

κατὰ

G2596

according to

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κράτος

G2904

power

vigor ("great") (literally or figuratively)

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δόξης

G1391

glorious

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

#10

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#11

εἰς

G1519

unto

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#12

πᾶσαν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#13

ὑπομονὴν

G5281

patience

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

μακροθυμίαν

G3115

longsuffering

longanimity, i.e., (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude

#16

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#17

χαρᾶς

G5479

joyfulness

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

Analysis

Within the broader context of Colossians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Colossians's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Colossians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?