Colossians 2:1
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Original Language Analysis
Θέλω
I would
G2309
Θέλω
I would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
1 of 22
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
εἰδέναι
knew
G1492
εἰδέναι
knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
4 of 22
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ἀγῶνα
conflict
G73
ἀγῶνα
conflict
Strong's:
G73
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, a place of assembly (as if led), i.e., (by implication) a contest (held there); figuratively, an effort or anxiety
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἑωράκασιν
have
G3708
ἑωράκασιν
have
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
17 of 22
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 1:29Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.Philippians 1:30Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.Revelation 1:11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.Acts 20:38Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.Colossians 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Historical Context
Laodicea, seven miles from Colossae, was a wealthy banking and textile center, later home to one of the seven churches in Revelation (3:14-22), rebuked for lukewarmness. The Lycus Valley's commercial prosperity and religious diversity created fertile ground for syncretistic teaching blending various spiritual traditions. Paul's warning protected multiple congregations from related errors.
Questions for Reflection
- For whom do you maintain 'great conflict' in prayer, even if you've never met them personally?
- How seriously do you take doctrinal error in churches beyond your immediate community?
- What spiritual struggles consume your prayer life—personal comfort or others' spiritual welfare?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh. Paul reveals his agōna (ἀγῶνα, "conflict/struggle")—the same athletic term from 1:29, depicting intense spiritual warfare through prayer and pastoral concern. Though physically absent from Colossae, Paul engages in fierce intercessory battle for churches facing doctrinal danger, proving that ministry transcends geography through prayer.
The inclusion of "Laodicea" and "as many as have not seen my face" indicates regional crisis. Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis formed a triangle of cities in the Lycus Valley (4:13), all threatened by similar heresy. Paul's conflict extends to believers he'd never met personally, demonstrating apostolic concern for doctrinal purity throughout Christ's church, not merely congregations under direct oversight.