Devine Scripture

Colossians 2:4

What does Colossians 2:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 2:4 means

Paul explains that he emphasizes Christ’s sufficiency to guard them against being misled by polished arguments. False teachers often rely on rhetorical skill more than truth; they can sound plausible while quietly shifting trust away from Christ. The danger is not merely bad ideas but spiritual capture through persuasive talk. Paul is not anti-reason; he is warning against reasoning that is not anchored in Christ. The antidote to deception is not cynicism but a firm grasp of the gospel’s riches in Jesus. When believers are settled in Him, they can evaluate claims clearly and resist flattering or intimidating messages that would erode their confidence in the Lord.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I say this so that you may not be turned away by any deceit of words.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and this I say, that no one may beguile you in enticing words,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now this I say, that no man may deceive you by loftiness of words.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I say this to the end that no one may delude you by persuasive speech.

Context

This verse connects the rich Christ-centered emphasis of verses 2–3 to the real-world threat facing the Colossians—deceivers with persuasive speech. It prepares the reader to receive both encouragement and exhortation. In verse 5, Paul affirms their present stability, showing that his concern is preventative as much as corrective. Then verses 6–7 will call them to continue walking in Christ, deepening their roots so that deception cannot easily uproot them.

v.3in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

v.4This passage

v.5For though I am 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.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 2:4

    and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

  • 1 John 2:26

    These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:4

    And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

  • 2 Timothy 3:13

    But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

  • Ephesians 5:6

    Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience.

  • Revelation 20:8

    and shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

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