Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Original Language Analysis
ὅς
To whom
G3739
ὅς
To whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἠθέλησεν
would
G2309
ἠθέλησεν
would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
2 of 25
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τις
what
G5101
τις
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
6 of 25
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὅ
G3588
ὅ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλοῦτος
is the riches
G4149
πλοῦτος
is the riches
Strong's:
G4149
Word #:
8 of 25
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξης·
of glory
G1391
δόξης·
of glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
10 of 25
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μυστηρίου
mystery
G3466
μυστηρίου
mystery
Strong's:
G3466
Word #:
12 of 25
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνεσιν
the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνεσιν
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
16 of 25
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ὅς
To whom
G3739
ὅς
To whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλπὶς
the hope
G1680
ἐλπὶς
the hope
Strong's:
G1680
Word #:
23 of 25
expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence
Cross References
Romans 8:10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.John 14:20At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.1 Corinthians 3:16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?Revelation 3:20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.John 14:17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.Galatians 4:19My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,Colossians 2:3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Historical Context
Jewish expectation anticipated Messiah blessing Israel while Gentiles served subordinately or were judged. The scandal of Paul's gospel was equal standing: Gentiles receive identical spiritual status without circumcision or law-keeping, united to Jews in one body through faith alone. This wasn't merely tolerating Gentiles but celebrating their full inclusion as God's deliberate purpose, not afterthought.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's indwelling presence function as daily reality versus theoretical doctrine in your experience?
- What does it mean that Christ within is your hope of glory—how does present possession guarantee future transformation?
- How should the mystery of Gentile inclusion shape your view of God's grace and your approach to those unlike you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Paul reveals the mystery's content: "Christ in you" (Christos en hymin, Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν). The "you" is plural, addressing Gentiles corporately. The mystery isn't merely that Gentiles can be saved but that they're fully incorporated into Christ, indwelt by Him equally with Jewish believers, without becoming Jewish. This demolished ethnic privileging in God's people.
"The riches of the glory of this mystery" piles up superlatives. Ploutos (πλοῦτος, "riches"), doxa (δόξα, "glory"), and mystērion (μυστήριον, "mystery") emphasize the revelation's incomprehensible value. God chose to disclose infinite treasure—Christ Himself—to Gentiles previously excluded from covenant promises. This generous inclusion displays divine grace's magnitude.
"The hope of glory" (hē elpis tēs doxēs, ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς δόξης) identifies Christ as both present reality (in you now) and future hope (glory to come). Believers possess Christ currently through the Spirit's indwelling, guaranteeing future glorification. This present-future tension characterizes Christian existence: already possessing Christ, not yet experiencing complete transformation. Christ within is glory's guarantee.