Colossians 1:25

Authorized King James Version

Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἧς

G3739

Whereof

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγενόμην

G1096

am made

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

διάκονος

G1249

a minister

an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)

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)

τοῦ

G3588

which

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

οἰκονομίαν

G3622

the dispensation

administration (of a household or estate); specially, a (religious) "economy"

τοῦ

G3588

which

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

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#10

τοῦ

G3588

which

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

#11

δοθεῖσάν

G1325

is given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#12

μοι

G3427

to me

#13

εἰς

G1519

for

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

#14

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#15

πληρῶσαι

G4137

to fulfil

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

#16

τοῦ

G3588

which

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

#17

λόγον

G3056

the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#18

τοῦ

G3588

which

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

#19

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Colossians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Colossians chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?