Colossians 2:5

Translations

Modern

For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.

Traditional

For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

Literal

For even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Latin

Nam etsi corpore absens sum, sed spiritu vobiscum sum: gaudens, et videns ordinem vestrum, et firmamentum ejus, quæ in Christo est, fidei vestræ.

Original

Greek

English

For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.

Notes

Colossians 2:1–5

Paul wants to build a stronger relationship with the Colossians, even though he has not met them. He also aims to correct false teachings that threaten their Christian community.
Laodicea was 10 miles northwest of Colossae.

Colossians 1:24–2:5

Paul considers his own role in the widespread preaching of the good news about Jesus (1:23).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Living for Christ

Related verses

1 Corinthians 5:3–4
Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.
1 Thessalonians 2:17
Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
2 Peter 3:17–18
Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.
1 Peter 5:9
Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.
Hebrews 3:14
We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.
Psalm 78:37
Their hearts were disloyal to Him, and they were unfaithful to His covenant.
Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
1 Thessalonians 3:8
For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Psalm 78:8
Then they will not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose heart was not loyal, whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Parallels

Revelation 3:14–22

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Flesh Letter to the Colossians

Topics

Character of Saints: Steadfast Decision: The Disciples Long Distance Relationships Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Steadfastness: Colossians Steadfastness: Ministers: Rejoiced By, in Their People Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Keeping the Faith

Colossians 2:5

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?