Colossians 2:4
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μη
G3361
μη
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.Mark 13:22For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.Matthew 24:4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.2 John 1:7For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.Revelation 20:8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.Acts 20:30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.2 Timothy 3:13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.2 Timothy 2:16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
Historical Context
First-century Greco-Roman culture highly valued rhetoric and philosophical argumentation. Sophists made careers crafting persuasive speeches regardless of truth content. Mystery religions used elaborate ritual and mysterious symbolism to appear profound. Against such cultural backdrop, simple gospel proclamation seemed unsophisticated. Paul anticipates that Colossian believers might be tempted by more 'advanced' teaching clothed in intellectual respectability.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you evaluate teaching—by how persuasive and impressive it sounds, or by Scripture conformity?
- What contemporary teachings use sophisticated language to make error sound respectable?
- Have you been swayed by enticing words that contradicted Scripture but sounded intellectually credible?
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Analysis & Commentary
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. Paul transitions from positive declaration (Christ's sufficiency) to negative warning (heretical danger). "Beguile" (paralogizetai, παραλογίζηται) means deceive through false reasoning, using logic that appears sound but rests on faulty premises. "Enticing words" (pithanologia, πιθανολογίᾳ) refers to persuasive rhetoric, convincing speech that appeals to human reason and emotion.
False teachers don't appear obviously evil; they sound reasonable, sophisticated, even spiritual. Their appeal lies precisely in appearing more advanced than simple gospel preaching. Paul warns that persuasive presentation doesn't validate content—eloquence and logic can package error attractively. Believers must evaluate teaching by conformity to apostolic truth, not rhetorical skill or philosophical sophistication.