Colossians 2:7

Authorized King James Version

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐῤῥιζωμένοι
G4492
Rooted
to root (figuratively, become stable)
#2
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#3
ἐποικοδομούμενοι
G2026
built up
to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up
#4
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
αὐτῇ
G846
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#6
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
βεβαιούμενοι
G950
stablished
to stabilitate (figuratively)
#8
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
πίστει
G4102
the faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#11
καθὼς
G2531
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#12
ἐδιδάχθητε
G1321
ye have been taught
to teach (in the same broad application)
#13
περισσεύοντες
G4052
abounding
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
αὐτῇ
G846
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#16
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
εὐχαριστίᾳ
G2169
thanksgiving
gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection