Devine Scripture

Colossians 2:5

What does Colossians 2:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 2:5 means

Though far away, Paul is with them in spirit. He rejoices as he hears reports of their disciplined order and firm faith in Christ. Their good condition is evidence of God’s grace and the fruit of sound teaching received. Order suggests a well-arranged life and community, not chaotic or easily swayed. Steadfast faith shows endurance amid pressure. Paul’s joy is not naïve; he knows threats exist, but he sees reasons for hope. His affirmation strengthens them to receive his warnings without discouragement. It reminds them that vigilance is exercised from a place of health in Christ, not from fear or suspicion.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For though I am not present in the flesh, still I am with you in the spirit, seeing with joy your order, and your unchanging faith in Christ.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for if even in the flesh I am absent--yet in the spirit I am with you, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in regard to Christ;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For though I be absent in body, yet in spirit I am with you, rejoicing, and beholding your order and the steadfastness of your faith which is in Christ.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

After warning of deceptive speech (verse 4), Paul balances concern with commendation. Verse 5’s encouragement lays a gracious platform for the imperatives of verses 6–7, where he will urge them to continue as they began—by faith in Christ. This sequence—warning, affirmation, exhortation—helps the reader feel both cared for and called forward, setting up the turn in verse 8 to a strong caution against philosophy and traditions that are not according to Christ.

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

v.5This passage

v.6As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 3:14

    for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:

  • 1 Peter 5:9

    whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:3

    For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing,

  • 1 Corinthians 15:58

    Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.

  • Acts 2:42

    And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.

  • Hebrews 6:19

    which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil;

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