Colossians 1:27

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅς

G3739

To whom

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

ἠθέλησεν

G2309

would

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ὁ

G3588

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

θεὸς

G2316

God

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

γνωρίσαι

G1107

make known

to make known; subjectively, to know

τις

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ὅ

G3588

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

πλοῦτος

G4149

is the riches

wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment

τῆς

G3588

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

#10

δόξης·

G1391

of glory

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

#11

τοῦ

G3588

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

#12

μυστηρίου

G3466

mystery

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)

#13

τούτου

G5127

of this

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

#14

ἐν

G1722

among

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

#15

τοῖς

G3588

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

#16

ἔθνεσιν

G1484

the Gentiles

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#17

ὅς

G3739

To whom

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

#18

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#19

Χριστὸς

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#20

ἐν

G1722

among

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

#21

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#22

ἡ

G3588

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

#23

ἐλπὶς

G1680

the hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

#24

τῆς

G3588

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

#25

δόξης·

G1391

of glory

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

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on glory address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?