Colossians 2:1

Authorized King James Version

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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)
ὑμᾶς that ye G5209
ὑμᾶς that ye
Strong's: G5209
Word #: 3 of 22
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
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
ἡλίκον what great G2245
ἡλίκον what great
Strong's: G2245
Word #: 5 of 22
as big as, i.e., (interjectively) how much
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
ὑμῶν you G5216
ὑμῶν you
Strong's: G5216
Word #: 9 of 22
of (from or concerning) you
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)
ἐν for them at G1722
ἐν for them at
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 12 of 22
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
Λαοδικείᾳ Laodicea G2993
Λαοδικείᾳ Laodicea
Strong's: G2993
Word #: 13 of 22
laodicia, a place in asia minor
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
ὅσοι for as many as G3745
ὅσοι for as many as
Strong's: G3745
Word #: 15 of 22
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
οὐχ not G3756
οὐχ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 16 of 22
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
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)
πρόσωπόν face G4383
πρόσωπόν face
Strong's: G4383
Word #: 19 of 22
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
μου my G3450
μου my
Strong's: G3450
Word #: 20 of 22
of me
ἐν for them at G1722
ἐν for them at
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 21 of 22
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
σαρκί the flesh G4561
σαρκί the flesh
Strong's: G4561
Word #: 22 of 22
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

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 asserts the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ against false teaching. This verse contributes to Paul's overall purpose in Colossians: Assert supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. The key themes of supremacy of Christ, fullness in Christ, false teaching are evident in this passage.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: Colossians was written around 60-62 CE from Roman imprisonment to Church threatened by false teaching.

Occasion: Combating early Gnostic-like heresy. Paul wrote these 'Prison Epistles' during Roman imprisonment, likely around 60-62 CE. Despite chains, his focus remained on Christ's supremacy and the church's mission.

First-century believers lived in a pluralistic, pagan society with many parallels to today. Social structures, economic pressures, and religious confusion all challenged Christian witness. Paul's instructions addressed both timeless theological truths and specific cultural situations.

Questions for Reflection

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