Colossians 1:19
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
the Father that
G3754
ὅτι
the Father that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 8
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 8
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
εὐδόκησεν
For it pleased
G2106
εὐδόκησεν
For it pleased
Strong's:
G2106
Word #:
4 of 8
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 2:9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.John 1:16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.Ephesians 1:23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.Colossians 2:3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Ephesians 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:John 3:34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.Ephesians 4:10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)Ephesians 1:5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,Luke 10:21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
Historical Context
Gnostic systems proliferating in the first century taught complex spiritual hierarchies of intermediate beings (aeons) emanating from the ultimate God, each possessing partial divine attributes. Salvation required navigating this hierarchy through secret knowledge. Paul demolishes such speculation: all divine fullness resides in Christ, accessible directly through faith, requiring no esoteric knowledge or mystical techniques. This democratizes salvation while maintaining infinite profundity.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically that all fullness dwells in Christ—what implications does this have for spiritual seeking?
- Where do you tend to look for spiritual resources beyond Christ—experiences, techniques, teachers, or traditions?
- How does Christ's complete fullness satisfy your deepest spiritual hunger and intellectual curiosity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. This verse delivers the theological knockout to Colossian heresy. "All fulness" (pan to plērōma, πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα) likely responds to Gnostic terminology. Gnostics taught that divine plērōma (fullness) was distributed across many aeons or emanations, with Christ as merely one among many. Paul counters decisively: all fullness—nothing excluded—dwells in Christ alone.
"Dwell" (katoikēsai, κατοικῆσαι) means permanent residence, not temporary visit. The fullness of deity permanently inhabits Christ, not partially or occasionally but completely and perpetually. This echoes 2:9: "In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." No supplementary knowledge, experience, or mediation can add to what is already complete in Christ.
"It pleased the Father" (eudokēsen, εὐδόκησεν) emphasizes divine initiative and satisfaction. God chose to concentrate all divine fullness in Christ, making Him the exclusive meeting point between God and humanity. This wasn't arbitrary but reflects eternal purpose: the Father delights to glorify the Son and save humanity through Him alone.