Devine Scripture

Colossians 2:3

What does Colossians 2:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 2:3 means

All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ. This does not mean they are inaccessible; it means they are found in Him, not outside Him. True understanding of God, humanity, salvation, and life’s meaning centers on the Person and work of Jesus. In Him, God’s plan is revealed, and through Him believers receive what they need to live wisely. Any teaching that promises deeper knowledge but sidelines Christ is a counterfeit vault—attractive yet empty. Christ is not one source among many; He is the place where God has deposited everything necessary for knowing the truth and walking in it. Therefore, seeking wisdom means cleaving to Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In whom are all the secret stores of wisdom and knowledge.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in whom are all the treasures of the wisdom and the knowledge hid,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

in which are hid all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.

Context

Following verse 2’s emphasis on assurance and the mystery—Christ—this verse grounds that assurance in Christ’s sufficiency. It forms the positive foundation for the coming warning: because wisdom is in Christ, persuasive words that divert from Him are dangerous. Verse 4 will make this application explicit, and verse 5 will balance the warning with praise for the church’s current order and steadfast faith, encouraging them to remain centered on Christ.

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,

v.3This passage

v.4This I say, that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.

Cross references

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

  • Colossians 1:9

    For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

  • 2 Timothy 3:15

    and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:30

    But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

  • Colossians 3:16

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.

  • Matthew 10:26

    Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

  • Proverbs 2:4

    If thou seek her as silver, And search for her as for hid treasures:

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