Colossians 2:18

Authorized King James Version

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μηδεὶς
G3367
no man
not even one (man, woman, thing)
#2
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#3
καταβραβευέτω
G2603
Let
to award the price against, i.e., (figuratively) to defraud (of salvation)
#4
θέλων
G2309
a voluntary
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#5
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
ταπεινοφροσύνῃ
G5012
humility
humiliation of mind, i.e., modesty
#7
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
θρησκείᾳ
G2356
worshipping
ceremonial observance
#9
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἀγγέλων
G32
of angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#11
ἃ
G3739
those things which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#13
ἑώρακεν
G3708
he hath
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
#14
ἐμβατεύων
G1687
intruding into
equivalent to g1684; to intrude on (figuratively)
#15
εἰκῇ
G1500
vainly
idly, i.e., without reason (or effect)
#16
φυσιούμενος
G5448
puffed up
to inflate, i.e., (figuratively) make proud (haughty)
#17
ὑπὸ
G5259
by
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#18
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
νοὸς
G3563
mind
the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning
#20
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
σαρκὸς
G4561
fleshly
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
#22
αὐτοῦ
G846
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

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection