Colossians 2:5
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.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκὶ
in the flesh
G4561
σαρκὶ
in the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
5 of 26
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
ἀλλὰ
yet
G235
ἀλλὰ
yet
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι
in the spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
in the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
9 of 26
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
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
10 of 26
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
χαίρων
joying
G5463
χαίρων
joying
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
13 of 26
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τάξιν
order
G5010
τάξιν
order
Strong's:
G5010
Word #:
18 of 26
regular arrangement, i.e., (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στερέωμα
the stedfastness
G4733
στερέωμα
the stedfastness
Strong's:
G4733
Word #:
21 of 26
something established, i.e., (abstractly) confirmation (stability)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
23 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:17But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.1 Peter 5:9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.1 Corinthians 16:13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.Hebrews 6:19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.1 Corinthians 14:40Let all things be done decently and in order.Psalms 78:37For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.Psalms 78:8And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.1 Thessalonians 3:8For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
Historical Context
Roman military discipline was legendary, contributing to imperial expansion. Well-ordered legions defeated larger but disorganized forces through superior discipline and cohesion. Paul applies military metaphor to spiritual warfare: churches resisting doctrinal error require order (sound teaching and godly leadership) and steadfastness (unwavering commitment to truth). Spiritual sloppiness invites defeat; disciplined faithfulness ensures victory.
Questions for Reflection
- What evidence of spiritual order and steadfastness exists in your church's response to doctrinal challenges?
- How do you maintain spiritual connection with believers you rarely see physically?
- What would Paul observe if he examined your church's defensive formation against error—solid ranks or confused disarray?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. Despite physical absence, Paul maintains spiritual presence through prayer and concern. "In the spirit" (tō pneumati, τῷ πνεύματι) likely refers to Paul's spirit (human spirit), though possibly the Holy Spirit enabling supernatural awareness. Either reading emphasizes spiritual connection transcending physical separation.
Paul "joys" (chairōn, χαίρων) while "beholding" (blepōn, βλέπων) their taxin (τάξιν, "order") and stereōma (στερέωμα, "steadfastness/firmness"). Both terms carry military connotations: orderly ranks and solid formation. The church stands firm like disciplined troops, not scattered by initial skirmishes with false teaching. This military imagery anticipates spiritual warfare language throughout chapter 2.