Colossians 1:5

Authorized King James Version

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
διὰ
G1223
For
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#2
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἐλπίδα
G1680
the hope
expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence
#4
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀποκειμένην
G606
is laid up
to be reserved; figuratively, to await
#6
ὑμῖν
G5213
for you
to (with or by) you
#7
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
οὐρανοῖς
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#10
ἣν
G3739
whereof
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#11
προηκούσατε
G4257
ye heard before
to hear already,i.e., anticipate
#12
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
λόγῳ
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
#15
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἀληθείας
G225
of the truth
truth
#17
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
εὐαγγελίου
G2098
of the gospel
a good message, i.e., the gospel

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Colossians. The concept of truth 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

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

Questions for Reflection