Colossians 1:28

Authorized King James Version

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὃν
Whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
ἡμεῖς
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#3
καταγγέλλομεν
preach
to proclaim, promulgate
#4
νουθετοῦντες
warning
to put in mind, i.e., (by implication) to caution or reprove gently
#5
πάντα
all
all, any, every, the whole
#6
ἄνθρωπον
man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#7
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
διδάσκοντες
teaching
to teach (in the same broad application)
#9
πάντα
all
all, any, every, the whole
#10
ἄνθρωπον
man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#11
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
πάντα
all
all, any, every, the whole
#13
σοφίᾳ
wisdom
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
#14
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#15
παραστήσωμεν
we may present
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
#16
πάντα
all
all, any, every, the whole
#17
ἄνθρωπον
man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#18
τέλειον
perfect
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness
#19
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
Χριστῷ·
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#21
Ἰησοῦ·
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Colossians. The concept of wisdom reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection