Colossians 2:13

Authorized King James Version

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

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

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

νεκροὺς

G3498

dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ὄντας

G5607

being

ἐν

G1722

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

τοῖς

G3588

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

παραπτώματα

G3900

trespasses

a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression

καὶ

G2532

And

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

τῇ

G3588

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

#10

ἀκροβυστίᾳ

G203

the uncircumcision

the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person

#11

τῆς

G3588

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

#12

σαρκὸς

G4561

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

#13

ὑμῶν

G5216

of your

of (from or concerning) you

#14

συνεζωποίησεν

G4806

hath he quickened together

to reanimate conjointly with (figuratively)

#15

σὺν

G4862

with

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

#16

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

#17

χαρισάμενος

G5483

having forgiven

to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue

#18

ὑμᾶς

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#19

πάντα

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#20

τὰ

G3588

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

#21

παραπτώματα

G3900

trespasses

a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Colossians chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?