Colossians 2:10

Authorized King James Version

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐστὲ

G2075

ye are

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πεπληρωμένοι

G4137

complete

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

ὅς

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεφαλὴ

G2776

the head

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

#10

πάσης

G3956

of all

all, any, every, the whole

#11

ἀρχῆς

G746

principality

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

ἐξουσίας

G1849

power

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

Analysis

Within the broader context of Colossians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Colossians.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Colossians chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?