Devine Scripture

Colossians 1:28

What does Colossians 1:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 1:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 1:28 means

Because Christ is the mystery and hope, Paul says, “whom we proclaim.” The message is a Person. Proclamation includes “admonishing” (warning) and “teaching” everyone “in all wisdom,” aiming “to present every man perfect in Christ.” Ministry is both corrective and instructive, universal in scope, and wisdom-driven. The goal is maturity—complete, well-formed Christlikeness, not mere intellectual assent. The repeated “every man” underscores that no believer is outside the concern of this mission. Wisdom here is practical skill in living under Christ’s lordship. Paul’s approach refuses shortcuts: faithful proclamation, careful warning, and thorough teaching, all centered on Christ, are God’s means to produce mature saints.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Whom we are preaching; guiding and teaching every man in all wisdom, so that every man may be complete in Christ;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Whom we preach, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

whom we announce, admonishing every man, and teaching every man, in all wisdom, to the end that we may present every man perfect in Christ.

Context

Verse 28 flows from the revealed mystery (verses 26–27) to Paul’s pastoral practice. Since Christ is in believers, He must be proclaimed to shape them into maturity. This prepares for verse 29, where Paul describes the strenuous labor involved and the divine power enabling it. Together, verses 28–29 explain how the church resists error and grows up: by Christ-centered proclamation and Spirit-energized toil.

v.27to 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:

v.28This passage

v.29whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ezekiel 7:10

    Behold, the day, behold, it cometh: thy doom is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.

  • 2 Peter 3:15

    And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you;

  • Ezekiel 3:17

    Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6

    that no man transgress, and wrong his brother in the matter: because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.

  • Matthew 5:48

    Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

  • Hebrews 10:14

    For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

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