Colossians 2:3-5
New English Translation
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments[a] that sound reasonable.[b] 5 For though[c] I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to see[d] your morale[e] and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
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- Colossians 2:4 tn BDAG 812 s.v. πιθανολογία states, “persuasive speech, art of persuasion (so Pla., Theaet. 162e) in an unfavorable sense in its only occurrence in our lit. ἐν πιθανολογίᾳ by specious arguments Col 2:4 (cp. PLips 40 III, 7 διὰ πιθανολογίας).”
- Colossians 2:4 sn Paul’s point is that even though the arguments seem to make sense (sound reasonable), they are in the end false. Paul is not here arguing against the study of philosophy or serious thinking per se, but is arguing against the uncritical adoption of a philosophy that is at odds with a proper view of Christ and the ethics of the Christian life.
- Colossians 2:5 tn The conditional particle εἰ (ei) together with καί (kai) here indicates a first class condition in Greek and carries a concessive force, especially when seen in contrast to the following phrase which begins with ἀλλά (alla).
- Colossians 2:5 tn Grk “rejoicing and seeing.”
- Colossians 2:5 tn The Greek word τάξις can mean “order,” “discipline,” or even “unbroken ranks” (REB).
Colossians 2:3-5
New International Version
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.(A) 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.(B) 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit(C) and delight to see how disciplined(D) you are and how firm(E) your faith in Christ(F) is.
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