Devine Scripture

Colossians 2:1

What does Colossians 2:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 2:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 2:1 means

Paul wants the Colossians to know how intensely he labors and prays for them, for the believers in Laodicea, and for all who have never met him personally. His struggle is not physical presence but spiritual effort—intercession, teaching through letters, and heartfelt concern. He carries their welfare on his heart because the health of their faith matters to Christ’s church. Though he is imprisoned and far away, he engages in a real battle for their souls. This shows pastoral love that stretches beyond geography and personal acquaintance, seeking their stability and maturity in the truth, especially as they face teachings that could unsettle or divide them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For it is my desire to give you news of the great fight I am making for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I would have you know what manner of care I have for you and for them that are at Laodicea and whosoever have not seen my face in the flesh:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I would have you know what combat I have for you, and those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in flesh;

Context

Verse 1 opens the chapter by revealing Paul’s pastoral struggle on behalf of the Colossians and Laodiceans. This sets a warm, earnest tone and explains why he writes so urgently. Immediately after, in verses 2–3, Paul states his goal: comforted hearts, unity in love, and deep assurance in knowing Christ as God’s mystery and treasure. That aim provides the foundation for the warnings that follow (verses 4–8) against persuasive but deceptive teachings threatening their confidence in Christ.

v.1This passage

v.2that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, even Christ,

Cross references

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

  • Acts 20:25

    And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, shall see my face no more.

  • Colossians 4:15

    Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in their house.

  • Revelation 3:14

    And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:

  • Genesis 30:8

    And Rachel said, With mighty wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.

  • 1 Peter 1:8

    whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

  • Hebrews 5:7

    Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,

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