Colossians 2:5

Authorized King James Version

For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
σαρκὶ
G4561
in the 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
#6
ἄπειμι
G548
I be absent
to be away
#7
ἀλλὰ
G235
yet
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#8
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
πνεύματι
G4151
in the spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#10
σὺν
G4862
with
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
#11
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#12
εἰμι
G1510
am I
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#13
χαίρων
G5463
joying
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
βλέπων
G991
beholding
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#16
ὑμῶν
G5216
of your
of (from or concerning) you
#17
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
τάξιν
G5010
order
regular arrangement, i.e., (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity
#19
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
στερέωμα
G4733
the stedfastness
something established, i.e., (abstractly) confirmation (stability)
#22
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#24
Χριστὸν
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#25
πίστεως
G4102
faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#26
ὑμῶν
G5216
of your
of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Colossians. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection