Colossians 2:3
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
whom
G3739
ᾧ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θησαυροὶ
the treasures
G2344
θησαυροὶ
the treasures
Strong's:
G2344
Word #:
6 of 12
a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.Romans 11:33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:Colossians 1:9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;Revelation 2:17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Job 28:21Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.Ephesians 1:8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;Matthew 10:26Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.Colossians 1:19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
Historical Context
Greek philosophy divided into rival schools (Stoicism, Epicureanism, Platonism) claiming superior wisdom. Jewish mysticism explored Merkabah visions and angelic mediators. The Colossian syncretism apparently combined elements from both, promising wisdom beyond simple faith in Christ. Paul's absolute claim—ALL wisdom in Christ—eliminates any basis for supplementing the gospel with philosophical or mystical additions.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you seek wisdom and knowledge beyond Christ and Scripture—psychology, philosophy, self-help, mysticism?
- What would change if you truly believed all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ?
- How do you respond when teachers claim 'deeper' truths beyond apostolic teaching about Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. This devastating rejoinder to Colossian heresy declares that all treasures of wisdom (sophia, σοφία) and knowledge (gnōsis, γνῶσις) are hidden in Christ. Apokryphoi (ἀπόκρυφοι, "hidden") doesn't mean concealed from believers but stored up in Christ as in a treasure house. Believers access this unlimited wealth through Christ alone, requiring no mystical techniques or secret initiations.
"All treasures" (pantes hoi thēsauroi, πάντες οἱ θησαυροί) admits no exceptions. Nothing worth knowing lies outside Christ; no valid wisdom or knowledge exists independently of Him. This confronts Greek philosophy claiming autonomous wisdom and Jewish mysticism claiming secret knowledge. Christ contains comprehensive truth—about God, humanity, salvation, morality, meaning, and purpose. Seeking wisdom elsewhere wastes effort pursuing fool's gold when genuine treasure waits in Christ.