Colossians 2:11

Authorized King James Version

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
G1722
In
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
ᾧ
G3739
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#3
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
περιετμήθητε
G4059
ye are circumcised
to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise
#5
περιτομῇ
G4061
the circumcision
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
#6
ἀχειροποιήτῳ
G886
made without hands
unmanufactured, i.e., inartificial
#7
ἐν
G1722
In
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀπεκδύσει
G555
putting off
divestment
#10
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
σώματος
G4983
the body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#12
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἁμαρτιῶν
G266
of the sins
a sin (properly abstract)
#14
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
σαρκός
G4561
of the flesh
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
#16
ἐν
G1722
In
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
περιτομῇ
G4061
the circumcision
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
#19
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
Χριστοῦ
G5547
of Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

Within the broader context of Colossians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Colossians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection