Colossians 2:8

Authorized King James Version

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Word-by-Word Analysis

βλέπετε

G991

Beware

to look at (literally or figuratively)

μή

G3361

lest

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τις

G5100

any man

some or any person or object

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἔσται

G2071

spoil

will be

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συλαγωγῶν

G4812

to lead away as booty, i.e., (figuratively) seduce

διὰ

G1223

through

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

φιλοσοφίας

G5385

philosophy

"philosophy", i.e., (specially), jewish sophistry

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

κενῆς

G2756

vain

empty (literally or figuratively)

#13

ἀπάτης

G539

deceit

delusion

#14

κατὰ

G2596

after

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#15

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

παράδοσιν

G3862

the tradition

transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law

#17

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

ἀνθρώπων

G444

of men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#19

κατὰ

G2596

after

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#20

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

στοιχεῖα

G4747

the rudiments

something orderly in arrangement, i.e., (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)

#22

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

κόσμου

G2889

of the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#25

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#26

κατὰ

G2596

after

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#27

Χριστόν·

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?