Colossians 1:22

Authorized King James Version

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐν

G1722

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

τῷ

G3588

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

σώματι

G4983

the body

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

τῆς

G3588

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

σαρκὸς

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

διὰ

G1223

through

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ

G3588

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

θανάτου

G2288

death

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

#10

παραστῆσαι

G3936

to present

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

#11

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#12

ἁγίους

G40

holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

ἀμώμους

G299

unblameable

unblemished (literally or figuratively)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

ἀνεγκλήτους

G410

unreproveable

unaccused, i.e., (by implication) irreproachable

#17

κατενώπιον

G2714

sight

directly in front of

#18

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Colossians chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?