Colossians 2:19
And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κρατῶν
holding
G2902
κρατῶν
holding
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
3 of 23
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεφαλήν
the Head
G2776
κεφαλήν
the Head
Strong's:
G2776
Word #:
5 of 23
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
ἐξ
from
G1537
ἐξ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οὗ
which
G3739
οὗ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα
the body
G4983
σῶμα
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
10 of 23
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνδέσμων
bands
G4886
συνδέσμων
bands
Strong's:
G4886
Word #:
15 of 23
a joint tie, i.e., ligament, (figuratively) uniting principle, control
ἐπιχορηγούμενον
having nourishment ministered
G2023
ἐπιχορηγούμενον
having nourishment ministered
Strong's:
G2023
Word #:
16 of 23
to furnish besides, i.e., fully supply, (figuratively) aid or contribute
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συμβιβαζόμενον
knit together
G4822
συμβιβαζόμενον
knit together
Strong's:
G4822
Word #:
18 of 23
causative (by reduplication) of the base of g0939); to drive together, i.e., unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach
αὔξει
increaseth
G837
αὔξει
increaseth
Strong's:
G837
Word #:
19 of 23
to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.1 Peter 3:8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:Colossians 2:2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;1 Thessalonians 4:10And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;1 Thessalonians 3:12And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
Historical Context
Ancient medical understanding recognized body systems' dependence on nervous system and circulatory system originating in the head. Paul applies physiological knowledge spiritually: as physical body depends on head for life and function, the church depends on Christ. Any spirituality severed from Christ, regardless of sophistication, is dead—motion without life, religious activity without divine power. True spiritual growth flows only from vital connection to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What evidence exists that you're maintaining vital connection with Christ as Head versus religious activity disconnected from Him?
- How do you nourish your connection to Christ daily—through Scripture, prayer, worship, obedience?
- Where might your spiritual practices be impressive but disconnected from living relationship with Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. The fundamental error: "not holding the Head" (ou kratōn tēn kephalēn, οὐ κρατῶν τὴν κεφαλήν)—failing to maintain connection with Christ. All body systems depend on head-connection for direction, nourishment, and coordination. Severing this connection causes death, regardless of how impressive other religious practices appear.
"From which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together" describes organic unity. Haphōn kai syndesmōn (ἁφῶν καὶ συνδέσμων, "joints and ligaments") connects members to Head and each other. Christ supplies nourishment (epichorēgoumenon, ἐπιχορηγούμενον) enabling growth. The body "increaseth with the increase of God" (auxei tēn auxēsin tou theou, αὔξει τὴν αὔξησιν τοῦ θεοῦ)—growth is divine work, not human achievement.