Saint Paul's letter to the Colossians

COL (Saint Paul's letter to the Colossians)

COL.1

[COL.1.1] Paul, apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God, and Timothy, the brother. [§] Paulos apostolos Christou Iesou dia thelematos theou kai Timotheos ho adelphos This verse introduces Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God, and Timothy, his brother. Each word is transliterated phonetically into English. "Paulos" is a proper name, transliterated as "Paulos". "Apostolos" means 'one sent forth', here used as 'apostle'. "Christou Iesou" is the genitive case of Christ Jesus, meaning 'of Christ Jesus'. "Dia" means 'through' or 'by'. "Thelematos" means 'will'. "Theou" means 'of God'. "Kai" means 'and'. "Timotheos" is a proper name, transliterated as "Timotheos". "Ho" is a definite article, meaning 'the'. "Adelphos" means 'brother'. [COL.1.2] To the holy ones and faithful brothers in Colossae, in Christ, grace to you and peace from God our Father. [§] tois en Kolossais hagiois kai pistois adelphois en Christoi, charis humin kai eirene apo theou patros hemon. This verse is a greeting from Paul to the saints and faithful brothers in Colossae. It offers grace and peace from God our Father. "tois" is a dative plural article meaning "to". "en Kolossais" means "in Colossae". "hagiois" means "saints" or "holy ones". "kai pistois" means "and faithful". "adelphois" means "brothers". "en Christoi" means "in Christ". "charis" means "grace". "humin" means "to you". "kai eirene" means "and peace". "apo theou patros hemon" means "from God our Father". [COL.1.3] We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying about you. [§] eukharistoomen to theo patri tou kurioou hemoon Iesou Khristou pantote peri humoon proseukhomenoi This verse is from the New Testament, specifically a greeting in a letter. It expresses thanksgiving to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and mentions constant prayer for the recipients. The original is in Koine Greek. We will be translating each component literally based on its original meaning. 'Theo' is 'God', 'patri' is 'father', 'kurioou' is 'Lord', 'hemoon' is 'our', 'Iesou' is 'Jesus', 'Khristou' is 'Christ', 'pantote' is 'always', 'peri' is 'about', 'humoon' is 'you', and 'proseukhomenoi' is 'praying'. [COL.1.4] Having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the holy people. [§] akousantes ten pistin humon en Christo Iesou kai ten agapen he echete eis pantas tous hagiou This verse, originally from the New Testament, speaks of hearing about the faith of believers in Christ Jesus, and the love they have for all the holy ones. The words are not directly from the original languages of the Bible (which would be Aramaic/Hebrew for the Old Testament and Koine Greek for the New Testament). This verse is Greek. It's important to note the grammatical structure of Koine Greek differs from English, requiring adjustments for natural English phrasing. [COL.1.5] Because of the hope stored up for you in the heavens, which you previously heard in the message of the truth of the good news. [§] dee-ah teen el-pee-dah teen ah-po-kei-men-een hoo-meen en tois oo-rah-nois, hee pro-ay-koo-sah-teh en toh lo-go toh ah-lee-thee-as toh eu-ahng-ge-lee-on This verse discusses hope that is stored up for you in the heavens, which you heard in the message of the truth of the good news. The original text uses common terms for 'hope', 'heavens', 'message', 'truth' and 'good news' without specific divine names. It is a statement about belief and a call to remember what has been taught. [COL.1.6] This is happening to you, just as it is bearing fruit and increasing throughout the whole world, and also among you, from the day you heard and understood the grace of God in truth. [§] too par-on-tos eis hoo-mas, kah-hos kai en pan-tee to ko-smo es-teen kar-po-for-oo-men-on kai auk-san-om-en-on kah-hos kai en hoo-meen, aph' hes he-me-ras ee-koo-sa-te kai ep-eg-no-te teen ha-reen too the-oo en a-lee-thei-a This verse describes something happening to the recipients and throughout the whole world: bearing fruit and increasing. This began from the day they heard and understood the grace of God in truth. The original text uses 'God' in a general sense, not as a specific name. [COL.1.7] As you learned from Epaphras, the beloved fellow servant of ours, who is faithful as a minister for you of the Christ. [§] kathos emathete apo Epaphra tou agapetou syndoulou hemon, hos estin pistos hyper hymon diakonos tou Christou This verse originates from a New Testament letter, specifically from Paul to the Colossians (1:7). It speaks of Epaphras, a faithful minister of Christ. The original language is Koine Greek. We are tasked with a literal translation of the names and titles within the verse, rather than focusing on the whole verse. [COL.1.8] And this has shown to us your love in spirit. [§] ho kai delosas hemin ten humon agapen en pneumati This verse is from the New Testament, specifically 1 John 3:16. It describes God demonstrating His love for humanity. 'Ho' is the definite article 'the'. 'Kai' means 'and'. 'Delosas' is a form of 'deloo', meaning 'to show', 'to make manifest', or 'to reveal'. 'Hemin' means 'to us'. 'Ten humon' means 'your' (plural) and indicates possession. 'Agapen' is a form of 'agape', often translated as 'love'. 'En pneumati' means 'in spirit'. [COL.1.9] Therefore, we also, from the day we heard, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. [§] Dia touto kai hemeis, aph' hes hemeras ekousamen, ou pauomenoi hyper hymon proseuchomenoi kai aitoumenoi, hina plerothete ten epignosin tou thelematos autou en pasai sophia kai sunesei pneumatikai. This verse, originally from a letter written in Koine Greek, speaks of continuous prayer for others. It expresses a desire for the recipients to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, accompanied by wisdom and spiritual understanding. 'Dia touto' means 'for this reason'. 'Kai hemeis' means 'and we'. 'Aph' hes hemeras' means 'from the day'. 'Ekousamen' means 'we heard'. 'Ou pauomenoi' means 'not ceasing'. 'Hyper hymon' means 'on behalf of you'. 'Proseuchomenoi kai aitoumenoi' means 'praying and asking'. 'Hina plerothete' means 'that you may be filled'. 'Ten epignosin' means 'the knowledge'. 'Tou thelematos autou' means 'of His will'. 'En pasai sophia kai sunesei pneumatikai' means 'in all wisdom and spiritual understanding'. [COL.1.10] That you may walk worthily of the Lord, in all pleasing things, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. [§] per-ee-pah-tay-sai ax-ee-os too koo-ree-oo eis pah-san ah-res-kei-ahn, en pan-tee er-gon ah-gah-thon kar-po-fo-roon-tes kai au-xa-no-me-noi tee ep-ee-gno-sei too the-oo This verse comes from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 1:10. It speaks about walking in a manner worthy of the Lord, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. The original language is Koine Greek. 'περιπατῆσαι' means 'to walk'. 'ἀξίως' means 'worthily'. 'τοῦ κυρίου' means 'of the Lord'. 'εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν' means 'in all pleasing'. 'ἐν παντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ' means 'in every good work'. 'καρποφοροῦντες' means 'bearing fruit'. 'αὐξανόμενοι' means 'increasing'. 'τῇ ἐπιγνώσει τοῦ θεοῦ' means 'in the knowledge of God'. [COL.1.11] Being empowered in all power, according to the strength of the glory of Him, for all endurance and patience. With joy. [§] en pasei dunamei dynamoumenoi kata to kratos tes doxes autou eis pasan hypomonen kai makrothymian. Meta charas This verse, originally from Colossians 1:11, describes being strengthened by God's glorious power for all endurance and patience, with joy. The original language is Koine Greek. 'Dunamis' refers to power, 'kratos' to strength or dominion, 'doxa' to glory, 'hypomone' to endurance, 'makrothymia' to patience, and 'chara' to joy. The verse emphasizes divine empowerment for steadfastness and rejoicing. [COL.1.12] Giving thanks to the God, the Father, who has made you all sufficient for the portion of the inheritance of the holy ones in the light. [§] eukharistountes to patri to hikanosanti humas eis ten merida tou klerou ton hagiwn en to photi This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 1:12. It expresses thanksgiving to the Father who has qualified believers for their inheritance among the saints in the light. It uses words like 'thanking,' 'father,' 'making sufficient,' 'you all,' 'portion,' 'lot,' 'inheritance,' 'the holy ones,' and 'in the light'. The Greek uses a participial construction and complex prepositional phrases which will be translated into clear English. [COL.1.13] The one who rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the son of his love. [§] hos erru-sa-to he-mas ek tes ex-ou-si-as tou sko-tos kai me-te-ste-sen eis ten ba-si-lei-an tou hui-ou tes a-ga-pes au-tou This verse speaks of someone who rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the son of his love. The verse uses pronouns and prepositions to establish relationships between the actors and objects. 'Hos' is a relative pronoun, meaning 'who' or 'which'. The verse indicates a past action – a rescue and a transfer. The 'son of his love' implies a close, familial relationship between the rescuer and the son. [COL.1.14] In which we have the redemption, the forgiveness of the sins. [§] en hoo echomen ten apolutrosin ten aphesin ton hamartion This verse is from the Greek New Testament. "en hoo" means "in which". "echomen" means "we have". "ten apolutrosin" refers to redemption. "ten aphesin" refers to forgiveness. "ton hamartion" refers to sins. The verse speaks of possessing redemption and forgiveness of sins through something. [COL.1.15] This one is the image of God the unseen, the firstborn of all creation. [§] hos estin eikon tou theou tou aoratu, prototokos pasēs ktiseōs This verse describes someone as the image of the unseen God, and the firstborn of all creation. 'Hos' is a relative pronoun meaning 'who' or 'which'. 'Estin' is a form of 'to be', meaning 'is'. 'Eikon' means 'image'. 'Tou theou' means 'of God'. 'Tou aoratu' means 'of the unseen'. 'Prototokos' means 'firstborn'. 'Pasēs ktiseōs' means 'of all creation'. [COL.1.16] Because in him all things were created, both in the heavens and on the earth, the things that are seen and the things that are unseen, whether thrones, whether lordships, whether principalities, or whether powers. All things are through him, and all things were created for him. [§] hoti en auto ektisthe ta panta en tois ouranois kai epi tes ges, ta horata kai ta aorata, eite thronoi eite kuriotetes eite archai eite exousiai: ta panta di' autou kai eis auton ektistai. This verse states that everything was created through and for a specific entity, encompassing all things visible and invisible, including hierarchies of power. The original text uses terms implying a powerful being responsible for all creation. We will translate the references to this entity literally, acknowledging the original's potential for a plural or complex understanding of divinity. [COL.1.17] And he himself is before all things, and all things are sustained in him. [§] kai autos estin pro panton kai ta panta en auto synesteken This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 1:17. It describes the preeminence and sustaining power of the one called 'the Son'. 'Kai' means 'and'. 'Autos' means 'he/himself'. 'Estin' means 'is'. 'Pro panton' means 'before all things'. 'Ta panta' means 'all things'. 'En auto' means 'in him'. 'Synesteken' means 'were sustained/held together'. The verse is stating that he exists before all creation and that all of creation is held together by him. [COL.1.18] And he is the head of the body of the church; who is the beginning, firstborn from among the dead, so that he may become foremost in all things. [§] kai autós estin hé kephalé tou sómatos tés ekklésias; hós estin arché, protótocos ek tón nekrón, hína génetai en pâsin autós protéuon This verse speaks of someone being the head of the body of the church, being the beginning, firstborn from the dead, so that he might become first in everything. The verse uses descriptive titles and functions rather than proper names. Therefore, there are no names of God to translate in this verse. [COL.1.19] That in him the Gods were pleased for all the fullness to dwell. [§] hoti en auto eudokesen pan to pleroma katoikesai This verse is from Colossians 1:19. 'Hoti' means 'that' or 'because'. 'En' means 'in'. 'Auto' is a pronoun referring to 'him'. 'Eudokesen' means 'was pleased' or 'willed'. 'Pan' means 'all'. 'To pleroma' means 'the fullness'. 'Katoikesai' means 'to dwell' or 'to reside'. The verse discusses where all fullness was pleased to dwell. [COL.1.20] And through him, to restore all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross, [through him], whether those things on the earth or those things in the heavens. [§] kai di’ autou apokatallaxai ta panta eis auton, eireno poie sas dia tou aimatos tou staurou autou, [di’ autou] eite ta epi tes ges eite ta en tois ouranois. This verse, from Colossians 1:20, speaks of reconciliation through the agency of 'him' (understood to be the Son in context). 'Apokatallaxai' means to reconcile or restore. 'Eireno poie sas' means to make peace. The verse states that all things – both on earth and in heaven – are reconciled to 'him' through the blood of 'his' cross. The verse uses the preposition 'dia' multiple times, meaning 'through' or 'by means of'. [COL.1.21] And you, at one time being alienated and enemies in your mind in the evil deeds. [§] kai humas pote ontas apellotriomenous kai echthrous te diaanoia en tois ergis tois ponerois This verse describes a past state of being alienated and hostile. "Kai" means 'and'. "Humas" means 'you'. "Pote" means 'at one time' or 'formerly'. "Ontas" is the participle of 'to be', meaning 'being'. "Apellotriomenous" means 'alienated' or 'estranged'. "Kai" again means 'and'. "Echthrous" means 'hostile' or 'enemies'. "Te" is a particle indicating 'also'. "Diaanoia" refers to the mind or intellect. "En" means 'in'. "Tois ergis" refers to 'the works' or 'deeds'. "Tois ponerois" means 'the evil ones' or 'evil deeds'. [COL.1.22] Now, however, God has reconciled you in the body of his flesh through death, in order to present you holy and blameless and without reproach before him. [§] nu-nee deh a-po-ka-tee-lax-en en to so-ma-tee tees sar-kos au-too dee-a too tha-na-toos pa-ra-stee-sai hu-mas ha-gee-os kai a-mo-mos kai a-neg-klee-toos ka-te-no-pee-on au-too This verse discusses how God has reconciled us to himself through the death of his body. 'Nu-nee deh' signifies 'now'. 'A-po-ka-tee-lax-en' means 'has reconciled'. 'En to so-ma-tee tees sar-kos au-too' refers to 'in the body of his flesh'. 'Dee-a too tha-na-toos' indicates 'through the death'. 'Pa-ra-stee-sai hu-mas' signifies 'to present you'. 'Ha-gee-os kai a-mo-mos kai a-neg-klee-toos' describes being 'holy and blameless and without reproach'. 'Ka-te-no-pee-on au-too' means 'before him'. [COL.1.23] If, indeed, you continue in the faith, having been founded and being stable and not being moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, the one proclaimed in all creation under the heaven, of which I, Paul, became a servant. [§] ei ge epimeneete tei pistei tethemeliomenoi kai hedraioi kai mee metakinoumenoi apo tees elpidos tou euaggeliou hou eekousate, tou keereechethentos en pasei ktisei tee hupon ton ouranon, hou egenomēn ego Paulos diakonos. This verse speaks of remaining steadfast in the faith and hope of the gospel. The speaker, Paul, identifies himself as a servant of this gospel which has been proclaimed to all creation under heaven. The original Greek employs complex sentence structure, heavily reliant on participles. A literal translation will require careful reconstruction for clarity in English. [COL.1.24] Now, I rejoice in the sufferings on behalf of you, and I fill up the deficiencies of the afflictions of the Christ in my flesh on behalf of the body of him, which is the church. [§] Noon khay-ro en toys pa-thee-ma-seen hoop-er hoo-mon kai an-tan-ap-lee-ro tay hoos-te-ray-ma-ta ton thlee-pseon too Khree-stoo en tee sar-kee moo hoop-er too so-ma-tos au-too, ho es-teen hee ek-klee-see-a. This verse, from Colossians 1:24, speaks of Paul rejoicing in his sufferings for the sake of others and completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of the body, which is the church. The original is in Koine Greek. Given the instructions, I will attempt a literal translation, focusing on the direct meaning of the words rather than theological nuance or traditional phrasing. The goal is to represent the words as directly as possible in English, which involves breaking away from established translations. Note that translating the names of God isn't relevant here, as this verse doesn't mention any. [COL.1.25] That I became a servant according to the plan of God, which was given to me to fulfill the word of God to you. [§] hos egenomēn egō diakonos kata tēn oikonomian tou theou tēn dotheisan moi eis humas plērōsai ton logon tou theou This verse discusses a role of service related to a plan from God, given to someone to fulfill God's message to others. 'Hos' is a relative pronoun meaning 'which' or 'that'. 'Egenomēn' means 'I became'. 'Diakonos' means 'servant' or 'minister'. 'Kata' means 'according to'. 'Oikonomian' means 'stewardship' or 'administration' or 'plan'. 'Theou' means 'of God'. 'Dotheisan' means 'having been given'. 'Eis humas' means 'to you'. 'Plērōsai' means 'to fulfill'. 'Ton logon' means 'the word'. [COL.1.26] The mystery which was hidden from the ages and from the generations, now however has been revealed to the holy ones of him. [§] the mystery which was hidden from the ages and from the generations – now however was revealed to the holy ones of him This verse speaks of a mystery that was concealed throughout time, but has now been made known to those set apart by God. The original Greek uses terms that reflect a divine unveiling. The translation focuses on literal rendering while maintaining understandable English grammar. [COL.1.27] To those whom God willed to make known what is the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. [§] hois ethelesen ho theos gnorisai ti to ploutos tes doxes tou mysterion toutou en tois ethnesin, ho estin Christos en humin, he elpis tes doxes. This verse describes God's desire to reveal the richness of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in them, the hope of glory. "Theos" is simply "God". "Christos" is retained as "Christ". "Ethnesin" refers to nations. "Humin" means "in you". [COL.1.28] We proclaim, advising every person and teaching every person in all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ. [§] hon hemeis katangellomen nouthetountes panta anthropon kai didaskontes panta anthropon en pase sophia, hina parastesōmen panta anthropon teleion en Christō This verse describes a process of proclaiming, advising, and teaching all people with all wisdom, with the goal of presenting every person complete in Christ. It speaks of a deliberate effort to mature believers. [COL.1.29] Into which also I labor, striving according to the activity of the Gods, the activity being worked within me in power. [§] eis ho kai kopiō agonizomenos kata tēn energeian autou tēn energoumenēn en emoi en dunamei. This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 1:29. It describes Paul's striving and laboring for the sake of the divine power working within him. The verse references ‘the Gods’ (plural), and ‘power’. It’s important to note that ‘energeia’ and ‘energoumenēn’ relate to energy, activity, or operation.

COL.2

[COL.2.1] I want you all to understand the extent of my struggle for your sake and for those who are in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh. [§] I desire for you to know how much struggle I have on behalf of you and those in Laodicea and however many have not seen my face in flesh. This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 2:1. It expresses the Apostle Paul's concern for the believers in Colossae and Laodicea and his personal investment in their spiritual well-being. The original Greek uses terms indicating a significant effort and concern on Paul's behalf. The verse focuses on the Apostle's efforts for those he hasn't met in person. [COL.2.2] That the hearts of them may be encouraged, having been bound together in love, and toward every wealth of the fullness of the understanding, toward a knowing of the mystery of God, Christ. [§] hina paraklithosin hai kardiai autōn symbivasthentes en agapē kai eis pan ploutos tēs plērophorias tēs syneseōs, eis epignōsin tou mysterion tou theou, Christou. This verse comes from Colossians 2:2. It discusses the purpose of Paul's ministry: to encourage the hearts of believers, uniting them in love, and granting them a full understanding of God's mystery as revealed in Christ. The original Greek uses several complex grammatical constructions. ‘Paraklithosin’ signifies exhortation or encouragement. ‘Symbivasthentes’ speaks of being bound together. ‘Ploutos’ denotes riches or abundance. ‘Plērophoria’ describes fullness of knowledge. ‘Syneseōs’ relates to understanding or insight. ‘Epignōsis’ implies a deeper, experiential knowledge. [COL.2.3] In which are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. [§] en ho eisun pantes hoi thesauroi tes sophia kai gnoseos apokruphoi This verse discusses where all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. 'En' means 'in'. 'Hoi' is the definite article 'the' used with plural nouns. 'Thesauroi' means 'treasures'. 'Tes' is a genitive article indicating possession ('of'). 'Sophia' means 'wisdom'. 'Kai' means 'and'. 'Gnoseos' means 'knowledge'. 'Apokruphoi' means 'hidden'. The structure indicates these treasures reside 'in' something. [COL.2.4] This I say, that no one might deceive you with persuasive speech. [§] Too-toh leh-go, hee-nah meh-dees hoo-mas pa-rah-loh-gee-zheh-tie en pee-than-oh-loh-gee-ah. This verse is from the Greek New Testament. "Too-toh" means "this". "Leh-go" means "I say". "Hee-nah" means "that". "Meh-dees" means "no one". "Hoo-mas" means "you (plural)". "Pa-rah-loh-gee-zheh-tie" means "to deceive". "En" means "in". "Pee-than-oh-loh-gee-ah" means "persuasive speech, plausible arguments". Essentially, the verse warns against being deceived by clever arguments. [COL.2.5] For even if in the flesh I depart, but in spirit I am with you, rejoicing and observing your order and the steadfastness of your faith towards Christ. [§] ei gar kai te sarki apeimi, alla to pneumati sun humin eimi, chairon kai blepon humon ten taxin kai to stereoma tes eis Christon pisteos humon. This verse discusses the speaker's potential physical absence but continued spiritual presence with the recipients. It emphasizes joy and observation of their order and steadfastness in faith towards Christ. The original text is Greek, but I will translate based on the semantic meaning of the words. [COL.2.6] As you therefore received Christ Jesus, the Lord, in him you walk. [§] hos oun parelabete ton Christon Iesoun ton kurion, en auto peripateite This verse, taken from the New Testament, instructs believers on how to live after receiving Christ Jesus as Lord. 'Hos oun' means 'as therefore.' 'Parelabete' means 'you received.' 'Christon Iesoun' is 'Christ Jesus.' 'Ton kurion' is 'the Lord.' 'En auto' means 'in him.' 'Peripateite' means 'you walk.' The verse essentially says 'as you therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, in him you walk.' [COL.2.7] Being rooted and being built up in the One, and being established in the faith as you were taught, overflowing in thankfulness. [§] errizomenoi kai epoidomoumenoi en auto kai bebaiomenoi te pistei kathos edidachthe, perisseuontes en eucharistia. This verse speaks of being rooted and built up *in* someone, being established *in* faith, and overflowing *in* thankfulness. The 'someone' referenced is understood to be God, based on the context of the surrounding verses. 'Errizomenoi' means being rooted. 'Epoidomoumenoi' means being built up. 'Bebaiomenoi' means being established or confirmed. 'Pistei' is faith. 'Eucharistia' is thankfulness or gratitude. [COL.2.8] Behold, lest anyone become to you one who leads astray through the love of wisdom and empty deception, according to the tradition of humans, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to the Anointed One. [§] Behold, lest anyone become to you the leading away through the love of wisdom and empty deceit according to the handing down of the humans, according to the elements of the world and not according to the Anointed One. This verse warns against being misled by philosophical arguments and empty deception that originate from human tradition and worldly principles, rather than from the teachings of the Anointed One. I have opted for a direct, literal translation prioritizing accuracy over stylistic elegance. The term "Anointed One" is used in place of "Christ" to avoid theological implications and maintain a purely literal approach. I have also opted for a more verbose and clear structure to convey the original meaning, given the complexities of the original sentence. I am translating directly from the Greek text, and I have maintained as much of the original structure as possible to allow for a more direct comparison with the original text. [COL.2.9] That in him dwells all the fullness of the Gods in a bodily way. [§] hoti en auto katoikei pan to pleroma tes theotetos somatikos This verse speaks of the fullness of God dwelling within someone. 'Hoti' means 'that' or 'because'. 'En' means 'in'. 'Auto' is a pronoun referring to 'him'. 'Katoikei' means 'dwells' or 'resides'. 'Pan' means 'all'. 'To pleroma' means 'the fullness'. 'Tes theotetos' means 'of the Godhead'. 'Somatikos' means 'bodily' or 'in a bodily way'. [COL.2.10] And you are in him filled, who is the head of all rule and authority. [§] kai este en auto pepleromenoi hos estin he kephale pasēs archēs kai exousias This verse originates from the Greek New Testament, specifically Colossians 2:10. It speaks of being filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority. Breaking down the key terms: "kai" means "and"; "este" means "you are"; "en" means "in"; "auto" means "him"; "pepleromenoi" means "filled"; "hos" means "who"; "estin" means "is"; "he" means "the"; "kephale" means "head"; "pasēs" means "of all"; "archēs" means "rule"; "kai" means "and"; "exousias" means "authority". [COL.2.11] In whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made by hands, in the stripping away of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of the Christ. [§] En hoo kai perietmethete peritomei acheiropoietoi en tee apekdeusei too somatos tees sarkos, en tee peritomei too Christou. This verse comes from Colossians 2:11. It speaks of being circumcised with a circumcision not made by hands, referring to the spiritual circumcision in Christ. The original Greek uses terms relating to physical circumcision to illustrate a spiritual concept. The verse stresses the spiritual nature of the new covenant in Christ over the physical requirements of the old covenant. [COL.2.12] Having been buried with him in the baptism, in which also you were raised through the faith of the working of God, the one raising him from the dead. [§] suntaphentes auto en to baptismo, en ho kai sunēgerthete dia tēs pisteōs tēs energeias tou theou tou egeirantos auton ek nekron This verse describes being buried with him in baptism, and being raised with him through the faith of the working of God who raised him from the dead. 'συνταφέντες' (suntaphentes) means 'having been buried with'. 'αὐτῷ' (auto) means 'with him'. 'ἐν τῷ βαπτισμῷ' (en to baptismo) means 'in the baptism'. 'ἐν ᾧ' (en ho) means 'in which'. 'συνηγέρθητε' (sunēgerthete) means 'you were raised'. 'διὰ' (dia) means 'through'. 'τῆς πίστεως' (tēs pisteōs) means 'the faith'. 'τῆς ἐνεργείας' (tēs energeias) means 'the working'. 'τοῦ θεοῦ' (tou theou) means 'of God'. 'τοῦ ἐγείραντος' (tou egeirantos) means 'the one raising'. 'αὐτὸν' (auton) means 'him'. 'ἐκ νεκρῶν' (ek nekron) means 'from the dead'. [COL.2.13] And you, being dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God has made alive together with Himself, having forgiven us all transgressions. [§] kai humas nekrous ontas [en] tois paraptōmasin kai tē akrobustiā tēs sarkos humōn, sunezōopoiēsen humās sun autō, charisamenos hēmin panta ta paraptōmata. This verse discusses the state of believers before and after God's intervention. It states that believers were once dead in their transgressions and the uncircumcision of their flesh, but God has made them alive together with Himself, forgiving all their transgressions. The word 'kai' means 'and'. 'hymas' means 'you' (plural). 'nekrous' means 'dead'. 'ontas' is a participle meaning 'being'. '[en]' is a preposition meaning 'in'. 'tois' is the definite article 'the' (plural). 'paraptōmasin' means 'transgressions'. 'tē' is the definite article 'the'. 'akrobustiā' means 'uncircumcision'. 'tēs' means 'of the'. 'sarkos' means 'flesh'. 'hymōn' means 'your'. 'sunezoopoiēsen' means 'made alive together'. 'sun' means 'with'. 'autō' means 'Him'. 'charisamenos' means 'having forgiven'. 'hēmin' means 'us'. 'panta' means 'all'. 'ta' is the definite article 'the'. [COL.2.14] Having blotted out the handwritten document with the decrees that opposed us, God also took it away from the middle, having nailed it to the cross. [§] exaleipsas to kath' hemon cheirographon tois dogmasin ho en hupenantion hemin, kai auto erken ek tou mesou proselosas auto to stauro This verse describes the cancellation of a handwritten document detailing accusations against us. This document, which opposed us, has been taken away, nailed to a cross. The verse uses language suggestive of legal cancellation or debt forgiveness. 'Exaleipsas' means 'having blotted out' or 'cancelled'. 'Cheirographon' refers to a handwritten note, often a bond or acknowledgement of debt. 'Dogmasin' refers to decrees or ordinances. 'Hupenantion' signifies something standing against, or opposing. 'Proselosas' means 'having nailed' or 'fastened'. [COL.2.15] Having stripped off the principalities and the powers, he displayed them openly, having triumphed over them in himself. [§] ap-ek-du-sa-men-os ta-s ar-has kai ta-s ex-ou-si-as ed-ei-gma-ti-sen en par-re-si-a, thri-am-feu-sas au-tous en au-to This verse is from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. It describes a triumph over principalities and powers. 'ἀπεκδυσάμενος' means 'having stripped off'. 'ἀρχὰς' refers to 'principalities', 'ἐξουσίας' means 'powers', 'ἐδειγμάτισεν' translates to 'he displayed', 'ἐν παρρησίᾳ' is 'openly', 'θριαμβεύσας' means 'having triumphed over', and 'αὐτοὺς' means 'them'. The 'αὐτῷ' at the end refers back to the subject. [COL.2.16] Therefore, let no one judge you concerning eating and drinking or a portion of a festival or new moons or sabbaths. [§] May ohn tis humas krineto en brosei kai en posei ethe merei heortes ethe neomenias ethe sabbaton This verse cautions against allowing others to judge you based on dietary choices, observance of festivals, or new moons, or sabbaths. The verse implies these are matters of personal conviction and not grounds for judgment by others. The original language is Koine Greek, and this translation reflects a literal rendering of the words and their grammatical structure into English. [COL.2.17] That is a shadow of the things to come, and the body of the Christ. [§] ha estin skia ton mellonton, to de soma tou Christou. This verse comes from the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament). It describes a shadow of things to come, and the body of the Christ. "ha" means 'the'. "estin" means 'is'. "skia" means 'shadow'. "ton" is a masculine plural article meaning 'of the'. "mellonton" means 'things to come'. "de" means 'and'. "soma" means 'body'. "tou" is a masculine singular article meaning 'of the'. "Christou" means 'of the Christ'. [COL.2.18] Let no one deceive you, desiring in humility and religious practice of the angels, which they have seen intruding, being puffed up by the mind of their own flesh. [§] mēdeis humas katabrabueutō thelōn en tapeinophrosunē kai thrēskeia tōn angelōn, ha heoraken embateuōn, eikei phusioumenos hypo tou noos tēs sarkos autou. This verse discusses avoiding falsely appearing religious or spiritual. It warns against inflating one's own importance through self-imposed religious practices, such as visions or angelic encounters, which are simply the product of one's own imagination and bodily desires. 'Katabrabueutō' implies someone trying to deceive or falsely represent themselves as more devout than they are. 'Tapeinophrosunē' suggests humility, and 'thrēskeia' means religious practice. The verse describes individuals who claim to have seen angelic beings while intruding (embateuōn) into spiritual realms, but whose experiences are actually baseless fantasies (eikei phusioumenos). 'Noos tēs sarkos' refers to the mind of the flesh, meaning worldly desires and ambitions. [COL.2.19] And not controlling the head, from which all the body, through the joints and ligaments being supplied and growing together, increases the increase of God. [§] kai ou kraton ten kephalen, ex hou pan to soma dia ton aphōn kai syndesmon epichoregoumenon kai symbivazomenon auxei ten auxēsin tou theou. This verse discusses the head as the source of growth for the body, supported by joints and ligaments. "Kratos" means power or strength, and in this context, it refers to the head having authority. The verse describes how the body grows through the provision and joining together of its parts. "Theou" refers to God. [COL.2.20] If you died with the Anointed One from the fundamental principles of the world, why, as those living in the world, do you establish decrees? [§] If you died with the Anointed One from the elements of the world, why, as living in the world, do you establish decrees? This verse uses the term 'Anointed One' for Christ, a direct translation of the root meaning. 'Elements of the world' is used to convey the idea of the fundamental principles or powers governing the world. 'Dogmatizesthe' is translated as 'establish decrees' to capture the sense of imposing rules or standards. [COL.2.21] Do not touch, nor taste, nor handle. [§] may hahp-say may-deh geh-oo-say may-deh thee-gays This verse is a command not to touch, taste, or handle something. Each verb is negated with 'may' (μη), and each verb is in the present active subjunctive mood. The verbs are: 'hapsomai' (to touch), 'geusomai' (to taste), and 'thigomai' (to handle). The verse consists of a series of prohibitions. [COL.2.22] The all things are for destruction by the misuse, according to the commands and teachings of the humans. [§] ha estin panta eis phtoran tei apochresei kata ta entalmata kai didaskalias ton anthropon This verse discusses everything being for destruction due to the misuse, according to the commands and teachings of humans. Each word is broken down as follows: 'ha' (the), 'estin' (is), 'panta' (all things), 'eis phtoran' (into destruction), 'tei apochresei' (by the misuse), 'kata' (according to), 'ta entalmata' (the commands), 'kai' (and), 'didaskalias' (teachings), 'ton anthropon' (of the humans). [COL.2.23] These are those having a word of wisdom in willing-worship and lowliness [and] a spending of the body, not in any honor toward a filling of the flesh. [§] hati-na es-teen lo-gon men ech-on-ta so-phi-as en eth-el-o-thres-ki-a kai ta-pei-no-fro-su-ne [kai] a-fei-di-a so-ma-tos, ouk en ti-me ti-ni pros ples-mon-een tes sar-kos. This verse describes individuals who possess wisdom, piety, humility, and self-control. It emphasizes a life not lived in pursuit of bodily gratification or honor. The original language is Koine Greek. The translation aims for a literal rendering, prioritizing the direct meaning of each word over traditional theological interpretations. Words are translated with their most direct English equivalents.

COL.3

[COL.3.1] If, therefore, you have been raised with the Messiah, seek those things which are above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God. [§] If therefore you were raised with the Messiah, seek the things above, where the Messiah is at the right hand of God sitting. This verse discusses being 'raised with the Messiah', meaning spiritually resurrected with him, and encourages believers to focus on heavenly things rather than earthly ones. It states that the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God, a position of honor and authority. [COL.3.2] Be mindful of the things above, not the things on the earth. [§] ta ano phroneite, me ta epi tes ges This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 3:2. It instructs believers to focus on things above, rather than earthly things. The original verse is in Koine Greek. We will translate the names of God literally if they appear. Since this verse does not reference any names of God, we will simply focus on providing a literal translation of the Greek. [COL.3.3] For you died, and your life is hidden with the Christ in the God. [§] apethanete gar kai he zoe humon kekryptai sun to Christo en to Theo This verse originates from the Greek New Testament. ‘apethanete’ means ‘you died’. ‘gar’ means ‘for’. ‘kai’ means ‘and’. ‘he zoe humon’ means ‘your life’. ‘kekryptai’ means ‘has been hidden’. ‘sun to Christo’ means ‘with the Christ’. ‘en to Theo’ means ‘in the God’. [COL.3.4] When the Anointed One is revealed, your life, then also you with Him will be revealed in glory. [§] hotan ho Christos phanerothee, hee zoee humoon, tote kai humeis sun auto phanerotheesethe en doxee. This verse speaks of the revealing of Christ and the subsequent revealing of believers with Him in glory. "Christos" is a title, not a name. "Zoe" means life. "Doxa" means glory. The grammar employs conditional clauses and future tense. [COL.3.5] Therefore, put to death the members that are on the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, passionate desire, evil craving, and greed, which is idolatry. [§] nekrosate oun ta mele ta epi tes ges, porneian akatharsian pathos epithymian kaken, kai ten pleonexian, he tis estin eidololatria This verse instructs to 'put to death' the parts of yourselves that are on earth. These parts are identified as sexual immorality, impurity, lustful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is equated with idolatry. The original Greek uses strong language to describe eliminating these behaviors as if they were living parts of a person needing to be killed off. [COL.3.6] Through which comes the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. [§] dee ha erkh-et-ai ha org-ay tou the-ou [ep-ee tous hy-ees toos ape-ee-the-ee-as]. This verse describes the coming of the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. 'dee ha' is a construction meaning 'through which'. 'erkh-et-ai' is the verb 'to come'. 'org-ay' means 'wrath'. 'tou the-ou' means 'of God'. 'ep-ee' means 'upon'. 'tous hy-ees' means 'the sons'. 'ape-ee-the-ee-as' means 'of disobedience'. [COL.3.7] In which you also once walked about, when you were living in these things. [§] en hois kai humeis periepatēsate pote, hote ezēte en toutois This verse comes from Ephesians 2:3. It describes a past way of life lived by the recipients of the letter. 'En hois' means 'in which'. 'Kai humeis' means 'and you'. 'Periepatēsate' means 'you walked about'. 'Pote' means 'at one time' or 'formerly'. 'Hote' means 'when'. 'Ezēte' means 'you lived'. 'En toutois' means 'in these things'. The verse speaks of a time when the recipients lived according to certain patterns of behavior. [COL.3.8] Now therefore, put away from yourselves all things: wrath, anger, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouths. [§] nu-nee deh a-po-thes-the kai hu-meis ta pan-ta, or-gehn, thu-mon, kak-i-ahn, blas-phe-mi-ahn, ai-schro-lo-gi-ahn ek tou sto-ma-tos hu-mon. This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Ephesians 4:31. It instructs believers to put away certain negative behaviors. 'νυνὶ δὲ' means 'now therefore'. 'ἀπόθεσθε' means 'put away'. 'καὶ ὑμεῖς' means 'and you'. 'τὰ πάντα' means 'all things'. 'ὀργήν, θυμόν, κακίαν, βλασφημίαν, αἰσχρολογίαν' lists specific negative behaviors: wrath, anger, malice, slander, and filthy language. 'ἐκ τοῦ στόματος ὑμῶν' means 'from the mouth of you'. [COL.3.9] Do not lie to one another, having stripped off the old person with their deeds. [§] may psoo-des-theh eis al-lay-loo-thos, ah-pek-du-sa-men-oy ton pa-lay-on an-throp-on soon tais prax-eis au-too This verse is from Ephesians 4:22-24. The core instruction is to not lie to one another. It's connected to a broader call to renewal, described as stripping off the 'old man' – a metaphor for the former way of life characterized by deceitfulness – and putting on the 'new man'. The verse describes a shedding of past behaviors. [COL.3.10] And having clothed yourselves with the new, the being renewed into knowledge according to the image of the one creating yourselves. [§] kai endusamenoi ton neon ton anakainoumenon eis epignosin kat’ eikona tou ktisantos auton This verse discusses being clothed with the new self, renewed in knowledge, according to the image of the one who created it. It uses the conjunction 'and', a participle meaning 'having clothed', 'the new', 'the being renewed', 'into knowledge', 'according to the image', 'the one creating it', and a pronoun meaning 'him'. [COL.3.11] There is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free, but all are in Christ, and Christ is in all. [§] hoo poo ouk eni Hellen kai Ioudaios, peritome kai akrobystia, barbaros, Skythes, doulos, eleutheros, alla [ta] panta kai en pasin Christos. This verse speaks of a situation where distinctions between people cease to matter. The original text lists various contrasting pairs—Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free—to emphasize that in a particular context, these differences are irrelevant. The verse concludes by stating that all things are in Christ, and Christ is in all things. Because the verse is listing examples, it's important to retain that structure in the English translation. [COL.3.12] Therefore, clothe yourselves, as chosen ones of God, holy ones and beloved. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. [§] en-doo-sas-theh oon, hose ek-lek-toi too the-oo hah-gee-oi kai eh-ah-gah-peh-meh-noi, splang-hna oy-kee-tir-moo khrest-o-ta tap-ei-no-fro-su-nehn prau-teh-ta mak-ro-thu-mee-ahn This verse, originating from Colossians 3:12, uses imagery of clothing oneself with virtues. "Ἐνδύσασθε" means 'put on' or 'clothe yourselves'. "ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ θεοῦ" means 'chosen of God'. "ἅγιοι" means 'holy ones'. "ἠγαπημένοι" means 'beloved'. The rest of the verse lists virtues – compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. The original phrasing directly lists these qualities as things to 'put on' as part of one's character. [COL.3.13] Bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against anyone; as also my Lord forgave you, so also you. [§] anechomenoi allelon kai charizomenoi heautois ean tis pros tina echei momphen, kathos kai ho kurios echarisato humin, houtos kai humeis This verse speaks of forbearance and forgiveness. The Greek word 'anechomenoi' means 'bearing with' or 'forbearing'. 'Charizomenoi' means 'forgiving'. 'Momphen' signifies 'a cause for complaint' or 'a fault'. 'Kurios' means 'Lord'. The verse calls for mutual forgiveness, mirroring the Lord's forgiveness of them. [COL.3.14] And over all these things, put on the love, which is the bond of completeness. [§] epi pasi de touto ten agapen, ho estin syndesmos tes teleiotetos This verse, from Colossians 3:14, speaks of love being a binding force that completes all other virtues. 'epi' means 'upon' or 'over'. 'pasi' means 'all things'. 'de' is a connecting particle meaning 'and' or 'but'. 'touto' means 'these things'. 'ten agapen' means 'the love'. 'ho estin' means 'which is'. 'syndesmos' means 'bond' or 'binding force'. 'tes teleiotetos' means 'of completeness' or 'of perfection'. [COL.3.15] And let the peace of the Anointed One rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. [§] kai hee eyree-nay too khree-stoo bra-byoo-eh-toe en tais kar-dee-ais hy-moon, eis heen kai ek-lay-thee-te en heni so-ma-tee, kai eu-khá-ris-toi yí-nes-the. This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 3:15. It speaks of the peace of the Anointed One ruling in the hearts of believers, and calls for gratitude. The original text is in Koine Greek. Since the request is for a literal translation of God's names and a grammatically proper English translation, the terms will be rendered as closely to the original meaning as possible, avoiding theological interpretations. “Christ” derives from “Christos”, which is the Greek equivalent of “the Anointed One”. [COL.3.16] May the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing yourselves with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the God. [§] Ho logos tou Christou enoikeito en humin plousios, en pasai sophia didaskontes kai nouthetountes heautous, psalmois hymnois oidais pneumatikais en [te] chariti aidontes en tais kardiais humon to theo. This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 3:16. It speaks of allowing the word of Christ to dwell richly within believers, and of teaching and admonishing one another through spiritual songs and hymns with gratitude in their hearts to God. 'Ho logos' means 'the word'. 'Christou' refers to 'of Christ'. 'Enoikeito' means 'may dwell'. 'En humin' means 'in you'. 'Plousios' means 'richly'. 'En pasai sophia' means 'in all wisdom'. 'Didaskontes' means 'teaching'. 'Nouthetountes' means 'admonishing'. 'Heautous' means 'yourselves'. 'Psalmois hymnois oidais pneumatikais' means 'with psalms hymns songs spiritual'. 'En [te] chariti' means 'with grace'. 'Aidontes' means 'singing'. 'En tais kardiais humon' means 'in the hearts of you'. 'To theo' means 'to the God'. [COL.3.17] And all whatever you may do in word or in work, let everything be in the name of my Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. [§] kai pan ho ti ean poiete en logo e en ergo, panta en onomati kurios Iesous, eucharistoumen toi theoi patri di’ autou. This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 3:17. It instructs believers to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. The original text uses 'kurios' which we will translate as 'my Lord', and 'theos' as 'God'. [COL.3.18] The women, submit yourselves to the men as is proper in Yahveh. [§] Hai gunaikes, hupotasseshte tois andrasin hos aneken en kurio This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Ephesians 5:22. It instructs women to submit to their husbands, stating it is fitting within the context of the Lord. The word 'kurio' is a common title for Yahveh. [COL.3.19] Men, love women and do not be bitter toward them. [§] The men, love the women and not be bitter toward them. This is a fairly direct translation of the original Greek. "The men" is a straightforward subject. "Love the women" is a verb and direct object. "And not be bitter" is a negative imperative. "Toward them" specifies the object of the bitterness. [COL.3.20] The children will listen to the parents in every matter, because this is pleasing to my Lord. [§] ha-banim, yishme'u le-horim be-chol davar, ki zeh ratzuy le-Adonai. This verse comes from the New Testament, originally written in Koine Greek. The original Greek uses the word 'kurios' which is a common title meaning 'Lord'. The equivalent in the Old Testament would be 'Adonai'. I am translating based on the literal meaning of the words, not traditional theological interpretations. 'ha-banim' translates to 'the children', 'yishme'u' translates to 'will listen', 'le-horim' translates to 'to the parents', 'be-chol davar' translates to 'in every matter', 'ki zeh' translates to 'because this', 'ratzuy' translates to 'is pleasing', and 'le-Adonai' translates to 'to my Lord'. [COL.3.21] The fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they might not become disheartened. [§] hoi pateres, me erethizete ta tekna humon, hina me athumosin. This verse comes from the New Testament, specifically Ephesians 6:4. It is a command to fathers regarding how they should interact with their children. "hoi pateres" means "the fathers". "me erethizete" means "do not provoke". "ta tekna humon" means "your children". "hina me athumosin" means "so that they might not be disheartened". [COL.3.22] Slaves, obey in all things those who are masters in the flesh, not with eyeservice as those who seek to please men, but with simplicity of heart, fearing Yahveh. [§] hoi douloi, hypakouete kata panta tois kata sarka kuriois, me en ophthalmoudoulia hos anthropareskoi, all’ en haploteeti kardias phoboumenoi ton kurion. This verse addresses slaves, instructing them to obey their masters in all things. It cautions against obedience motivated by a desire to please people, but rather to obey with sincerity of heart, fearing 'the Lord'. The word 'kurios' is used for both 'masters' and 'the Lord', creating a parallel. [COL.3.23] Whatever you do, work from the soul as to my Lord and not to people. [§] hos ean poiete, ek psuches ergazesthe hos to kurio kai ouk anthropois This verse originates from the Greek translation of the Old Testament, specifically Colossians 3:23. It instructs believers to work with sincerity of heart, as if working for the Lord and not for people. "hos ean" means "whatever". "poiete" means "you do". "ek psuches" means "from the soul". "ergazesthe" means "you work". "hos to kurio" means "as to the Lord". "ouk anthropois" means "not to people". [COL.3.24] Knowing that you will receive the reward of the inheritance from my Lord, serve the Lord Christ. [§] ei-do-tes ho-ti a-po ku-ri-ou a-po-le-mp-se-sthe ten an-ta-po-do-sin tes kle-ro-no-mi-as. to ku-ri-ou Khri-sto do-leu-e-te. This verse discusses knowing that the reward for inheritance will be received from the Lord, and that service should be given to the Lord Christ. The word 'kurios' appears twice and means 'Lord'. 'Antapodosis' refers to a reward or recompense, and 'kleronomia' refers to inheritance. 'Douleuate' is the verb 'to serve'. [COL.3.25] For the one doing wrong will carry what he wronged, and there is no partiality. [§] gar ho adikōn komiseta ho ēdikēsen, kai ouk estin prosōpolempsia. This verse comes from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures. 'gar' means 'for'. 'ho adikōn' means 'the one doing wrong'. 'komiseta' means 'will carry, will receive'. 'ho ēdikēsen' means 'the one he wronged'. 'kai' means 'and'. 'ouk estin' means 'is not'. 'prosōpolempsia' means 'acceptance of faces', or partiality.

COL.4

[COL.4.1] The lords, provide justice and fairness to the slaves, knowing that you also have a lord in heaven. [§] hoi kurioi, to dikaion kai tin isoteta tois doulois parechesthe, eidotes hoti kai humeis echiete kurion en ourano This verse addresses 'lords' (plural), instructing them to provide justice and fairness to slaves, reminding them that they too have a Lord in heaven. 'Kurioi' is the plural of 'kurios', meaning 'lord'. 'Dikaion' means 'justice' or 'righteousness'. 'Isoteta' means 'equality' or 'fairness'. 'Doulois' is the dative plural of 'doulos', meaning 'slaves'. 'Parechesthe' is the second person plural present indicative of 'parecho', meaning 'to provide'. 'Eidotes' is the present participle of 'eido', meaning 'to know'. 'Humeis' is the second person plural pronoun 'you'. 'Kurion' is 'lord'. 'En ourano' means 'in heaven'. [COL.4.2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. [§] pros-oo-khay pros-kar-ter-ay-tee, gray-gor-oon-tes en auto en ef-khah-ris-tee-ah This verse comes from the original Greek text. 'Proseuche' means 'prayer'. 'Proskartereo' means 'to continue steadfastly'. 'Gregoreo' means 'to be watchful'. 'En' means 'in'. 'Efcharistia' means 'thanksgiving'. The verse is an instruction to persevere in prayer, being watchful within it with thanksgiving. [COL.4.3] Praying also concerning us, that the God will open for us a door of speech, to proclaim the mystery of the Christ, for which I am also bound. [§] proseuchomenoi hama kai peri hemon, hina ho theos anoixei hemin thyran tou logou lalesai to mysterion tou Christou, di’ ho kai dedemai This verse describes praying together for the speaker and the recipients, that God will open a door to speak the mystery of Christ, for which the speaker is also imprisoned. 'Theos' is a standard word for 'God'. [COL.4.4] That I may reveal it as it is necessary for me to speak. [§] hina phaneroso auto hos dei me lalesai This verse is from the Greek text. "hina" means "that" or "in order that". "phaneroso" means "I may reveal". "auto" means "it" or "him". "hos" means "as" or "how". "dei" means "it is necessary". "me" means "me". "lalesai" means "to speak". Thus, the verse is about revealing something as it is necessary to speak. [COL.4.5] In wisdom walk toward those outside, redeeming the time. [§] En sophia peripateite pros tous exo ton kairos exagoreazomenoi. This verse is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5, verse 16. The verse urges believers to walk with wisdom, redeeming the time. 'En' is a preposition meaning 'in'. 'Sophia' refers to wisdom. 'Peripateite' is a verb meaning 'walk'. 'Pros' is a preposition meaning 'toward'. 'Tous exo' means 'those outside'. 'Ton kairos' means 'the time'. 'Exagoreazomenoi' means 'redeeming' or 'buying back the time'. [COL.4.6] Let your speech always be in grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how it is necessary for you to respond to each one. [§] ho logos humon pantote en chariti, halati hertumenos, eidenai pos dei humas heni hekasto apologinesthai. This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 4:6. It speaks about how one's speech should always be gracious and seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to respond to each person. The original verse is in Koine Greek. 'logos' means 'word' or 'speech'. 'humon' is 'your'. 'pantote' is 'always'. 'en' is 'in'. 'chariti' is 'grace'. 'halati' is 'with salt'. 'hertumenos' is 'seasoned'. 'eidenai' is 'to know'. 'pos' is 'how'. 'dei' is 'it is necessary'. 'humas' is 'you'. 'heni' is 'each'. 'hekasto' is 'one'. 'apokrinesthai' is 'to respond'. [COL.4.7] Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant, and fellow servant in the Lord, will make all things concerning me known to you. [§] Ta kat’ eme panta gnorisei humin Tuchikos ho agapetos adelphos kai pistos diakonos kai syndoulos en Kurios. This verse is from the New Testament, specifically the letter to the Colossians, chapter 4 verse 7. It discusses Tychicus, who will inform the recipients about the translator's current situation. 'Ta kat’ eme' means 'the things concerning me'. 'Panta' means 'all things'. 'Gnorisei' means 'will make known'. 'Humin' means 'to you'. 'Tuchikos' is a proper name, Tychicus. 'Ho agapetos' means 'the beloved'. 'Adelphos' means 'brother'. 'Kai pistos' means 'and faithful'. 'Diakonos' means 'servant'. 'Kai syndoulos' means 'and fellow servant'. 'En Kurios' means 'in the Lord'. [COL.4.8] I sent him, whom I have dispatched to you for this very purpose, that you may know the things about us, and he may encourage your hearts. [§] hon epempa pros humas eis auto touto, hina gnote ta peri hemon kai parakalesei tas kardias humon This is a verse from the New Testament, specifically 1 Thessalonians 3:2. It describes Paul sending Timothy to the Thessalonians. 'Hon' is 'whom', referring to Timothy. 'Epempa' means 'I sent'. 'Pros humas' is 'to you'. 'Eis auto touto' means 'for this very thing'. 'Hina gnote' means 'that you may know'. 'Ta peri hemon' means 'things concerning us'. 'Kai parakalesei' means 'and he may encourage'. 'Tas kardias humon' means 'your hearts'. [COL.4.9] With Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is of you, he will make all things here known to you. [§] sun Onesimoo to pistoo kai agapetoo adelfoo, hos estin ex humoon, panta humin gnorisousin ta hode. This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 4:9. It mentions Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of them, and that he will make everything there known to them. The names used here are Greek, not names of God, so there is no need to change them. [COL.4.10] Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends greetings to you, and so does Mark, the nephew of Barnabas. Concerning him, you received instructions: if he comes to you, receive him. [§] Aristarhos ho synaichmalotos mou kai Markos ho anepsiος Varnava (peri hou elavete entolas, ean elthe pros hymas, dexasthe auton) This verse is from a letter, likely written by Paul. It conveys greetings from Aristarchus, a fellow prisoner, and Mark, Barnabas' nephew. It includes instructions to welcome Mark if he visits. [COL.4.11] And Yeshua, who is called the Just One, those who come from the circumcision, these alone are coworkers for the kingdom of God, who have become a comfort to me. [§] kai Iesous ho legomenos Ioustos, hoi ontes ek peritomes, houtoi monoi synergos eis ten basileian tou theou, hoitines egenethesan moi paregoria. This verse is from a very early Greek translation of the Jewish scriptures, and speaks of workers who were circumcised, and are working towards the kingdom of God. The verse says these workers bring comfort. [COL.4.12] Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, constantly struggles for you in prayers, so that you all may stand complete and filled with all the will of God. [§] Epaphras who is of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, always striving for you in prayers, so that you may stand perfect and filled in all the will of God. This verse comes from the book of Colossians. It names Epaphras as a messenger who is connected to the recipients of the letter, and describes him as a servant of Christ Jesus. He is actively praying for them, with the goal that they will be fully mature and complete in following God's will. [COL.4.13] I testify to him that he experiences much suffering on your behalf and on behalf of those who are in Laodicea and those who are in Hierapolis. [§] I testify to him that he has much suffering for you and those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis. This verse comes from a New Testament text. It’s a straightforward statement of testimony regarding someone experiencing hardship on behalf of others in specific locations. The original text does not contain names of God. [COL.4.14] Luke, the doctor, the beloved, and Demas greet you. [§] aspatzetai humas Loukas ho iatros ho agapetos kai Demas This verse is from the New Testament, specifically from the book of Philemon. It's a greeting sent with a message. "Aspazetai" means "greets". "Humas" means "you" (plural). "Loukas" is the name Luke. "Ho iatros" means "the doctor". "Ho agapetos" means "the beloved". "Kai" means "and". "Demas" is the name Demas. [COL.4.15] Greet the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in her house. [§] As-pas-as-the toos en Lao-di-ki-a a-del-foos kai Num-phan kai teen kat’ oi-kon au-tees ek-kle-see-an. This verse is a greeting and a request for greetings to be extended to various individuals and groups. It instructs the reader to greet the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, Nymphas, and the church that meets in her house. [COL.4.16] And whenever the letter is read among you, make it so that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and the one from the Laodiceans so that you also read it. [§] kai hotan anagnosthe par’ humin he epistole, poiesate hina kai en te Laodikeon ekklesia anagnosthe, kai ten ek Laodikeias hina kai humeis anagnoote. This verse, from the New Testament, instructs the recipients to have a letter read in the church of Laodicea, and for them to also read a letter from Laodicea in their own church. The verse uses the connective 'kai' (and) frequently and specifies the action of reading ('anagnosthe', 'anagnoote') and locations ('Laodikeon', 'Laodikeias'). [COL.4.17] And say to Archippus: observe the ministry that you received in the Master, so that you may fulfill it. [§] kai eipate Archipoo: blepe ten diakonian hen parelabes en kurio, hina auten plerois This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Colossians 4:17. It instructs someone to tell Archippus to fulfill his ministry that he received within the Lord. The original text uses the word 'kurios', which is typically translated as 'Lord'. However, following the principle of literal translation, we will translate it as 'the Master'. [COL.4.18] The greeting is with my hand, from Paul. Please remember me concerning my imprisonment. May the favor be with you. [§] The greeting with my hand Paul. Remember me of the bindings. The favor with you. This verse is a closing remark from Paul in one of his letters. It literally states a greeting written by his hand, a request to be remembered while imprisoned, and a blessing of favor upon the recipients. The original is in Koine Greek, but the request is for a literal translation of the names used.