Colossians 3:15

Authorized King James Version

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
εἰρήνη
G1515
the peace
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
#4
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
Θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#6
βραβευέτω
G1018
let
to arbitrate, i.e., (genitive case) to govern (figuratively, prevail)
#7
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
καρδίαις
G2588
hearts
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#10
ὑμῶν
G5216
your
of (from or concerning) you
#11
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#12
ἣν
G3739
the which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἐκλήθητε
G2564
ye are called
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
#15
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#16
ἑνὶ
G1520
one
one
#17
σώματι·
G4983
body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#18
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
εὐχάριστοι
G2170
thankful
well favored, i.e., (by implication) grateful
#20
γίνεσθε
G1096
be ye
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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

Questions for Reflection