Apologetics Bible

Colossians 1:1

Greek

Παῦλος ἀπόστολος ⸂Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ⸃ διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ καὶ Τιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς

Paylos apostolos Christoy Iesoy dia thelematos theoy kai Timotheos o adelphos

KJV: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

AKJV: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

ASV: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

YLT: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Timotheus the brother,

Exposition: Colossians 1:1 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:2

Greek

τοῖς ἐν ⸀Κολοσσαῖς ἁγίοις καὶ πιστοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ· χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ θεοῦ πατρὸς ⸀ἡμῶν.

tois en Kolossais agiois kai pistois adelphois en Christo· charis ymin kai eirene apo theoy patros emon.

KJV: To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

AKJV: To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

ASV: to the saints and faithful brethren in Christthat areat Colossæ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

YLT: to the saints in Colossae, and to the faithful brethren in Christ: Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Exposition: Colossians 1:2 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:3

Greek

Εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ ⸀θεῷ πατρὶ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ πάντοτε ⸀περὶ ὑμῶν προσευχόμενοι,

Eycharistoymen to theo patri toy kyrioy emon Iesoy Christoy pantote peri ymon proseychomenoi,

KJV: We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

AKJV: We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

ASV: We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

YLT: We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying for you,

Exposition: Colossians 1:3 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:4

Greek

ἀκούσαντες τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην ⸂ἣν ἔχετε⸃ εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἁγίους

akoysantes ten pistin ymon en Christo Iesoy kai ten agapen en echete eis pantas toys agioys

KJV: Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

AKJV: Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have to all the saints,

ASV: having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have toward all the saints,

YLT: having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love that is to all the saints,

Exposition: Colossians 1:4 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:5

Greek

διὰ τὴν ἐλπίδα τὴν ἀποκειμένην ὑμῖν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ἣν προηκούσατε ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τῆς ἀληθείας τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

dia ten elpida ten apokeimenen ymin en tois oyranois, en proekoysate en to logo tes aletheias toy eyaggelioy

KJV: For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

AKJV: For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

ASV: because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,

YLT: because of the hope that is laid up for you in the heavens, which ye heard of before in the word of the truth of the good news,

Exposition: Colossians 1:5 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:6

Greek

τοῦ παρόντος εἰς ὑμᾶς, καθὼς καὶ ἐν παντὶ τῷ ⸀κόσμῳ ἐστὶν καρποφορούμενον καὶ αὐξανόμενον καθὼς καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀφʼ ἧς ἡμέρας ἠκούσατε καὶ ἐπέγνωτε τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ·

toy parontos eis ymas, kathos kai en panti to kosmo estin karpophoroymenon kai ayxanomenon kathos kai en ymin, aph es emeras ekoysate kai epegnote ten charin toy theoy en aletheia·

KJV: Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

AKJV: Which is come to you, as it is in all the world; and brings forth fruit, as it does also in you, since the day you heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

ASV: which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the world bearing fruit and increasing, as it doth in you also, since the day ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

YLT: which is present to you, as also in all the world, and is bearing fruit, as also in you, from the day in which ye heard, and knew the grace of God in truth;

Exposition: Colossians 1:6 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:7

Greek

⸀καθὼς ἐμάθετε ἀπὸ Ἐπαφρᾶ τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ συνδούλου ἡμῶν, ὅς ἐστιν πιστὸς ὑπὲρ ⸀ἡμῶν διάκονος τοῦ Χριστοῦ,

kathos emathete apo Epaphra toy agapetoy syndoyloy emon, os estin pistos yper emon diakonos toy Christoy,

KJV: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

AKJV: As you also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

ASV: even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,

YLT: as ye also learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for you a faithful ministrant of the Christ,

Exposition: Colossians 1:7 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:8

Greek

ὁ καὶ δηλώσας ἡμῖν τὴν ὑμῶν ἀγάπην ἐν πνεύματι.

o kai delosas emin ten ymon agapen en pneymati.

KJV: Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

AKJV: Who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

ASV: who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

YLT: who also did declare to us your love in the Spirit.

Exposition: Colossians 1:8 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:9

Greek

Διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ἡμεῖς, ἀφʼ ἧς ἡμέρας ἠκούσαμεν, οὐ παυόμεθα ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν προσευχόμενοι καὶ αἰτούμενοι ἵνα πληρωθῆτε τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ καὶ συνέσει πνευματικῇ,

Dia toyto kai emeis, aph es emeras ekoysamen, oy payometha yper ymon proseychomenoi kai aitoymenoi ina plerothete ten epignosin toy thelematos aytoy en pase sophia kai synesei pneymatike,

KJV: For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

AKJV: For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

ASV: For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

YLT: Because of this, we also, from the day in which we heard, do not cease praying for you, and asking that ye may be filled with the full knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,

Exposition: Colossians 1:9 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:10

Greek

⸀περιπατῆσαι ἀξίως τοῦ κυρίου εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν ἐν παντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ καρποφοροῦντες καὶ αὐξανόμενοι ⸂τῇ ἐπιγνώσει⸃ τοῦ θεοῦ,

peripatesai axios toy kyrioy eis pasan areskeian en panti ergo agatho karpophoroyntes kai ayxanomenoi te epignosei toy theoy,

KJV: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

AKJV: That you might walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

ASV: to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

YLT: to your walking worthily of the Lord to all pleasing, in every good work being fruitful, and increasing to the knowledge of God,

Exposition: Colossians 1:10 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:11

Greek

ἐν πάσῃ δυνάμει δυναμούμενοι κατὰ τὸ κράτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ εἰς πᾶσαν ὑπομονὴν καὶ μακροθυμίαν μετὰ χαρᾶς,

en pase dynamei dynamoymenoi kata to kratos tes doxes aytoy eis pasan ypomonen kai makrothymian meta charas,

KJV: Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

AKJV: Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness;

ASV: strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;

YLT: in all might being made mighty according to the power of His glory, to all endurance and long-suffering with joy.

Exposition: Colossians 1:11 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:12

Greek

εὐχαριστοῦντες τῷ πατρὶ τῷ ἱκανώσαντι ⸀ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν μερίδα τοῦ κλήρου τῶν ἁγίων ἐν τῷ φωτί,

eycharistoyntes to patri to ikanosanti ymas eis ten merida toy kleroy ton agion en to photi,

KJV: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

AKJV: Giving thanks to the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

ASV: giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;

YLT: Giving thanks to the Father who did make us meet for the participation of the inheritance of the saints in the light,

Exposition: Colossians 1:12 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:13

Greek

ὃς ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ σκότους καὶ μετέστησεν εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ υἱοῦ τῆς ἀγάπης αὐτοῦ,

os errysato emas ek tes exoysias toy skotoys kai metestesen eis ten basileian toy yioy tes agapes aytoy,

KJV: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

AKJV: Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

ASV: who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;

YLT: who did rescue us out of the authority of the darkness, and did translate us into the reign of the Son of His love,

Exposition: Colossians 1:13 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:14

Greek

ἐν ᾧ ἔχομεν τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, τὴν ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν·

en o echomen ten apolytrosin, ten aphesin ton amartion·

KJV: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

AKJV: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

ASV: in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins:

YLT: in whom we have the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of the sins,

Exposition: Colossians 1:14 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:15

Greek

ὅς ἐστιν εἰκὼν τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ἀοράτου, πρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως,

os estin eikon toy theoy toy aoratoy, prototokos pases ktiseos,

KJV: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

AKJV: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

ASV: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;

YLT: who is the image of the invisible God, first-born of all creation,

Exposition: Colossians 1:15 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:16

Greek

ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰ ⸀πάντα ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς ⸀καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, τὰ ὁρατὰ καὶ τὰ ἀόρατα, εἴτε θρόνοι εἴτε κυριότητες εἴτε ἀρχαὶ εἴτε ἐξουσίαι· τὰ πάντα διʼ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν ἔκτισται·

oti en ayto ektisthe ta panta en tois oyranois kai epi tes ges, ta orata kai ta aorata, eite thronoi eite kyriotetes eite archai eite exoysiai· ta panta di aytoy kai eis ayton ektistai·

KJV: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

AKJV: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

ASV: for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him;

YLT: because in him were the all things created, those in the heavens, and those upon the earth, those visible, and those invisible, whether thrones, whether lordships, whether principalities, whether authorities; all things through him, and for him, have been created,

Exposition: Colossians 1:16 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:17

Greek

καὶ αὐτός ἐστιν πρὸ πάντων καὶ τὰ πάντα ἐν αὐτῷ συνέστηκεν,

kai aytos estin pro panton kai ta panta en ayto synesteken,

KJV: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

AKJV: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

ASV: and he is before all things, and in him all things consist.

YLT: and himself is before all, and the all things in him have consisted.

Exposition: Colossians 1:17 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:18

Greek

καὶ αὐτός ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ τοῦ σώματος τῆς ἐκκλησίας· ὅς ⸀ἐστιν ἀρχή, πρωτότοκος ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν, ἵνα γένηται ἐν πᾶσιν αὐτὸς πρωτεύων,

kai aytos estin e kephale toy somatos tes ekklesias· os estin arche, prototokos ek ton nekron, ina genetai en pasin aytos proteyon,

KJV: And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

AKJV: And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

ASV: And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

YLT: And himself is the head of the body--the assembly--who is a beginning, a first-born out of the dead, that he might become in all things --himself--first,

Exposition: Colossians 1:18 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:19

Greek

ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ εὐδόκησεν πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα κατοικῆσαι

oti en ayto eydokesen pan to pleroma katoikesai

KJV: For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

AKJV: For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;

ASV: For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fulness dwell;

YLT: because in him it did please all the fulness to tabernacle,

Exposition: Colossians 1:19 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:20

Greek

καὶ διʼ αὐτοῦ ἀποκαταλλάξαι τὰ πάντα εἰς αὐτόν, εἰρηνοποιήσας διὰ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ, ⸂[διʼ αὐτοῦ]⸃ εἴτε τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς εἴτε τὰ ⸀ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς·

kai di aytoy apokatallaxai ta panta eis ayton, eirenopoiesas dia toy aimatos toy stayroy aytoy, di aytoy eite ta epi tes ges eite ta en tois oyranois·

KJV: And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

AKJV: And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things to himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

ASV: and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.

YLT: and through him to reconcile the all things to himself--having made peace through the blood of his cross--through him, whether the things upon the earth, whether the things in the heavens.

Exposition: Colossians 1:20 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:21

Greek

καὶ ὑμᾶς ποτε ὄντας ἀπηλλοτριωμένους καὶ ἐχθροὺς τῇ διανοίᾳ ἐν τοῖς ἔργοις τοῖς πονηροῖς—

kai ymas pote ontas apellotriomenoys kai echthroys te dianoia en tois ergois tois ponerois

KJV: And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

AKJV: And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled

ASV: And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works,

YLT: And you--once being alienated, and enemies in the mind, in the evil works, yet now did he reconcile,

Exposition: Colossians 1:21 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:22

Greek

νυνὶ δὲ ⸀ἀποκατηλλάγητε ἐν τῷ σώματι τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ διὰ τοῦ θανάτου— παραστῆσαι ὑμᾶς ἁγίους καὶ ἀμώμους καὶ ἀνεγκλήτους κατενώπιον αὐτοῦ,

nyni de apokatellagete en to somati tes sarkos aytoy dia toy thanatoy parastesai ymas agioys kai amomoys kai anegkletoys katenopion aytoy,

KJV: In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

AKJV: In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and blameless and unreproveable in his sight:

ASV: yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him:

YLT: in the body of his flesh through the death, to present you holy, and unblemished, and unblameable before himself,

Exposition: Colossians 1:22 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:23

Greek

εἴ γε ἐπιμένετε τῇ πίστει τεθεμελιωμένοι καὶ ἑδραῖοι καὶ μὴ μετακινούμενοι ἀπὸ τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ εὐαγγελίου οὗ ἠκούσατε, τοῦ κηρυχθέντος ἐν ⸀πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν, οὗ ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ Παῦλος διάκονος.

ei ge epimenete te pistei tethemeliomenoi kai edraioi kai me metakinoymenoi apo tes elpidos toy eyaggelioy oy ekoysate, toy kerychthentos en pase ktisei te ypo ton oyranon, oy egenomen ego Paylos diakonos.

KJV: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

AKJV: If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

ASV: if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.

YLT: if also ye remain in the faith, being founded and settled, and not moved away from the hope of the good news, which ye heard, which was preached in all the creation that is under the heaven, of which I became--I Paul--a ministrant.

Exposition: Colossians 1:23 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:24

Greek

Νῦν χαίρω ἐν τοῖς παθήμασιν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, καὶ ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου ὑπὲρ τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἡ ἐκκλησία,

Nyn chairo en tois pathemasin yper ymon, kai antanaplero ta ysteremata ton thlipseon toy Christoy en te sarki moy yper toy somatos aytoy, o estin e ekklesia,

KJV: Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

AKJV: Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

ASV: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church;

YLT: I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and do fill up the things lacking of the tribulations of the Christ in my flesh for his body, which is the assembly,

Exposition: Colossians 1:24 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:25

Greek

ἧς ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ διάκονος κατὰ τὴν οἰκονομίαν τοῦ θεοῦ τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι εἰς ὑμᾶς πληρῶσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ,

es egenomen ego diakonos kata ten oikonomian toy theoy ten dotheisan moi eis ymas plerosai ton logon toy theoy,

KJV: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

AKJV: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;

ASV: whereof I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given me to you-ward, to fulfil the word of God,

YLT: of which I--I did become a ministrant according to the dispensation of God, that was given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God,

Exposition: Colossians 1:25 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:26

Greek

τὸ μυστήριον τὸ ἀποκεκρυμμένον ἀπὸ τῶν αἰώνων καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν γενεῶν,— ⸀νῦν δὲ ἐφανερώθη τοῖς ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ,

to mysterion to apokekrymmenon apo ton aionon kai apo ton geneon, nyn de ephanerothe tois agiois aytoy,

KJV: Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

AKJV: Even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

ASV: even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints,

YLT: the secret that hath been hid from the ages and from the generations, but now was manifested to his saints,

Exposition: Colossians 1:26 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:27

Greek

οἷς ἠθέλησεν ὁ θεὸς γνωρίσαι τί τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης τοῦ μυστηρίου τούτου ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, ⸀ὅ ἐστιν Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν, ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς δόξης·

ois ethelesen o theos gnorisai ti to ploytos tes doxes toy mysterioy toytoy en tois ethnesin, o estin Christos en ymin, e elpis tes doxes·

KJV: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

AKJV: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

ASV: to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

YLT: to whom God did will to make known what is the riches of the glory of this secret among the nations--which is Christ in you, the hope of the glory,

Exposition: Colossians 1:27 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:28

Greek

ὃν ἡμεῖς καταγγέλλομεν νουθετοῦντες πάντα ἄνθρωπον καὶ διδάσκοντες πάντα ἄνθρωπον ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ, ἵνα παραστήσωμεν πάντα ἄνθρωπον τέλειον ἐν ⸀Χριστῷ·

on emeis kataggellomen noythetoyntes panta anthropon kai didaskontes panta anthropon en pase sophia, ina parastesomen panta anthropon teleion en Christo·

KJV: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

AKJV: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

ASV: whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;

YLT: whom we proclaim, warning every man, and teaching every man, in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus,

Exposition: Colossians 1:28 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Colossians 1:29

Greek

εἰς ὃ καὶ κοπιῶ ἀγωνιζόμενος κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν αὐτοῦ τὴν ἐνεργουμένην ἐν ἐμοὶ ἐν δυνάμει.

eis o kai kopio agonizomenos kata ten energeian aytoy ten energoymenen en emoi en dynamei.

KJV: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

AKJV: Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.

ASV: whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

YLT: for which also I labour, striving according to his working that is working in me in power.

Exposition: Colossians 1:29 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Koine Greek Grammar: A close Koine Greek reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.