Colossians 1:4

Authorized King James Version

Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀκούσαντες
G191
Since we heard
to hear (in various senses)
#2
τοὺς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πίστιν
G4102
faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#4
ὑμῶν
G5216
of your
of (from or concerning) you
#5
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
Χριστῷ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#7
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#8
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
τοὺς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἀγάπην
G26
of the love
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
#11
τοὺς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
εἰς
G1519
ye have to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
πάντας
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#14
τοὺς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἁγίους
G40
the saints
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Colossians. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection