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Colossians 2:1

New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— 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;
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— 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;
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— 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;
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— 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;
Darby's Translation (DBY 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;
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— For I desire you to know, how great a contest I am having—in behalf of you, and of those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— 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,
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— 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:
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— For I woulde ye knewe what great fighting I haue for your sakes, and for them of Laodicea, and for as many as haue not seene my person in the flesh,
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— For I would that ye knew what great conflict I haue for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as haue not seene my face in the flesh:
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— I WOULD that you knew how I struggled for your sakes and for the sake of those who are at Laodicea and for the rest who have not seen me personally,
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— But I wish you to know what an agony I have for you and for those who are in Laodikia, and for the rest who have not seen my person in the flesh;
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— And I wish you to know, what a struggle I have for you, and for them of Laodicea, and for the others who have not seen my face in the flesh;

Strong's Numbers & Red-LettersGreek New TestamentColor-Code/Key Word Studies
For 1063
{1063} Prime
γάρ
gar
{gar}
A primary particle; properly assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles).
I would 2309
{2309} Prime
θέλω
thelo
{thel'-o}
In certain tenses θελέω [[theleo]], {thel-eh'-o}; and ἐθέλέω [[etheleo]], {eth-el-eh'-o}, which are otherwise obsolete; apparently strengthened from the alternate form of G0138; to determine (as an active voice option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 properly denotes rather a passive voice acquiescence in objective considerations), that is, choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); by implication to wish, that is, be inclined to (sometimes adverbially gladly); impersonally for the future tense, to be about to; by Hebraism to delight in.
z5719
<5719> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 3019
that ye 5209
{5209} Prime
ὑμᾶς
humas
{hoo-mas'}
Accusative of G5210; you (as the object of a verb or preposition).
knew 1492
{1492} Prime
εἰδῶ
eido
{i-do'}
A primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent, G3700 and G3708; properly to see (literally or figuratively); by implication (in the perfect only) to know.
z5760
<5760> Grammar
Tense - Perfect (See G5778)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Infinitive (See G5795)
Count - 30
what great 2245
{2245} Prime
ἡλίκος
helikos
{hay-lee'-kos}
From ἧλιξ [[helix]] (a comrade, that is, one of the same age); as big as, that is, (interjectively) how much.
conflict 73
{0073} Prime
ἀγών
agon
{ag-one'}
From G0071; properly a place of assembly (as if led), that is, (by implication) a contest (held there); figuratively an effort or anxiety.
I have 2192
{2192} Prime
ἔχω
echo
{ekh'-o}
A primary verb (including an alternate form σχέω [[scheo]], {skheh'-o}; used in certain tenses only); to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition).
z5719
<5719> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 3019
for 4012
{4012} Prime
περί
peri
{per-ee'}
From the base of G4008; properly through (all over), that is, around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period).
you, 5216
{5216} Prime
ὑμῶν
humon
{hoo-mone'}
Genitive case of G5210; of (from or concerning) you.
and 2532
{2532} Prime
καί
kai
{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
[for] them x3588
(3588) Complement

ho
{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
at 1722
{1722} Prime
ἐν
en
{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); 'in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
Laodicea, 2993
{2993} Prime
Λαοδίκεια
Laodikeia
{lah-od-ik'-i-ah}
From a compound of G2992 and G1349; Laodicia, a place in Asia Minor.
and 2532
{2532} Prime
καί
kai
{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
[for] as many as 3745
{3745} Prime
ὅσος
hosos
{hos'-os}
By reduplication from G3739; as (much, great, long, etc.) as.
have y3708
[3708] Standard
ὁράω
horao
{hor-ah'-o}
Properly to stare at (compare G3700), that is, (by implication) to discern clearly (physically or mentally); by extension to attend to; by Hebraism to experience; passively to appear.
z0
<0000> Grammar
The original word in the Greek or Hebrew is translated by more than one word in the English. The English translation is separated by one or more other words from the original.
not 3756
{3756} Prime
οὐ
ou
{oo}
A primary word; the absolutely negative (compare G3361) adverb; no or not.
seen 3708
{3708} Prime
ὁράω
horao
{hor-ah'-o}
Properly to stare at (compare G3700), that is, (by implication) to discern clearly (physically or mentally); by extension to attend to; by Hebraism to experience; passively to appear.
z5758
<5758> Grammar
Tense - Perfect (See G5778)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 516
my 3450
{3450} Prime
μοῦ
mou
{moo}
The simpler from of G1700; of me.
face 4383
{4383} Prime
πρόσωπον
prosopon
{pros'-o-pon}
From G4314 and ὤψ [[ops]] (the visage; from G3700); the front (as being towards view), that is, the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication presence, person.
in 1722
{1722} Prime
ἐν
en
{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); 'in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
the flesh; 4561
{4561} Prime
σάρξ
sarx
{sarx}
Probably from the base of G4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), that is, (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred, or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specifically) a human being (as such).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Colossians 2:1

_ _ Colossians 2:1-23. His strivings in prayer for their steadfastness in Christ; from whom he warns them not to be led away by false wisdom.

_ _ For — He explains in what respect he “labored striving” (Colossians 1:29). Translate as Greek, “I wish you to know how great a conflict (the same Greek word as in Colossians 1:29, “agony of a conflict” of fervent, anxious prayer; not conflict with the false teachers, which would have been impossible for him now in prison) I have for you.”

_ _ them at Laodicea — exposed to the same danger from false teachers as the Colossians (compare Colossians 4:16). This danger was probably the cause of his writing to Laodicea, as well as to Colosse.

_ _ not seen my face in the flesh — including those in Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13). Paul considered himself a “debtor” to all the Gentiles (Romans 1:14). “His face” and presence would have been a “comfort” (Colossians 2:2; Acts 20:38). Compare Colossians 1:4, Colossians 1:7, Colossians 1:8, in proof that he had not seen, but only heard of the Colossians. Hence he strives by earnest conflict with God in anxious prayer for them, to make up for the loss of his bodily presence among them. Though “absent in the flesh, I am with you in the Spirit” (Colossians 2:5).

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Colossians 2:1-3

_ _ We may observe here the great concern which Paul had for these Colossians and the other churches which he had not any personal knowledge of. The apostle had never been at Colosse, and the church planted there was not of his planting; and yet he had as tender a care of it as if it had been the only people of his charge (Colossians 2:1): For I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh. Observe, 1. Paul's care of the church was such as amounted to a conflict. He was in a sort of agony, and had a constant fear respecting what would become of them. Herein he was a follower of his Master, who was in an agony for us, and was heard in that he feared. (2.) We may keep up a communion by faith, hope, and holy love, even with those churches and fellow-christians of whom we have no personal knowledge, and with whom we have no conversation. We can think, and pray, and be concerned for one another, at the greatest distance; and those we never saw in the flesh we may hope to meet in heaven. But,

_ _ I. What was it that the apostle desired for them? That their hearts may be comforted, being knit together in love, etc., Colossians 2:2. It was their spiritual welfare about which he was solicitous. He does not say that they may be healthy, and merry, and rich, and great, and prosperous; but that their hearts may be comforted. Note, The prosperity of the soul is the best prosperity, and what we should be most solicitous about for ourselves and others. We have here a description of soul-prosperity.

_ _ 1. When our knowledge grows to an understanding of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ, — when we come to have a more clear, distinct, methodical knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, then the soul prospers: To understand the mystery, either what was before concealed, but is now made known concerning the Father and Christ, or the mystery before mentioned, of calling the Gentiles into the Christian church, as the Father and Christ have revealed it in the gospel; and not barely to speak of it by rote, or as we have been taught it by our catechisms, but to be led into it, and enter into the meaning and design of it. This is what we should labour after, and then the soul prospers.

_ _ 2. When our faith grows to a full assurance and bold acknowledgment of this mystery. (1.) To a full assurance, or a well-settled judgment, upon their proper evidence, of the great truths of the gospel, without doubting, or calling them in question, but embracing them with the highest satisfaction, as faithful sayings and worthy of all acceptation. (2.) When it comes to a free acknowledgment, and we not only believe with the heart, but are ready, when called to it, to make confession with our mouth, and are not ashamed of our Master and our holy religion, under the frowns and violence of their enemies. This is called the riches of the full assurance of understanding. Great knowledge and strong faith make a soul rich. This is being rich towards God, and rich in faith, and having the true riches, Luke 12:21; Luke 16:11; James 2:5.

_ _ 3. It consists in the abundance of comfort in our souls: That their hearts might be comforted. The soul prospers when it is filled with joy and peace (Romans 15:13), and has a satisfaction within which all the troubles without cannot disturb, and is able to joy in the Lord when all other comforts fail, Habakkuk 3:17, Habakkuk 3:18.

_ _ 4. The more intimate communion we have with our fellow-christians the more the soul prospers: Being knit together in love. Holy love knits the hearts of Christians one to another; and faith and love both contribute to our comfort. The stronger our faith is, and the warmer our love, the greater will our comfort be. Having occasion to mention Christ (Colossians 2:2), according to his usual way, he makes this remark to his honour (Colossians 2:3): In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He had said (Colossians 1:19) that all fulness dwells in him: here he mentions particularly the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. There is a fulness of wisdom in him, as he has perfectly revealed the will of God to mankind. Observe, The treasures of wisdom are hidden not from us, but for us, in Christ. Those who would be wise and knowing must make application to Christ. We must spend upon the stock which is laid up for us in him, and draw from the treasures which are hidden in him. He is the wisdom of God, and is of God made unto us wisdom, etc., 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30.

_ _ II. His concern for them is repeated (Colossians 2:5): 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. Observe, 1. We may be present in spirit with those churches and Christians from whom we are absent in body; for the communion of saints is a spiritual thing. Paul had heard concerning the Colossians that they were orderly and regular; and though he had never seen them, nor was present with them, he tells them he could easily think himself among them, and look with pleasure upon their good behaviour. 2. The order and stedfastness of Christians are matter of joy to ministers; they joy when they behold their order, their regular behaviour and stedfast adherence to the Christian doctrine. 3. The more stedfast our faith in Christ is, the better order there will be in our whole conversation; for we live and walk by faith, 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 10:38.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Colossians 2:1

How great a conflict — Of care, desire, prayer. As many as have not seen my face — Therefore, in writing to the Colossians, he refrains from those familiar appellations, "Brethren," "Beloved."

Geneva Bible Translation Notes

Colossians 2:1

For I (1) 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 (a) face in the flesh;

(1) The taking away of an objection: in that he did not visit the Colossians or the Laodiceans, he was not being negligent; rather, he is so much the more careful for them.

(a) Me, present in body.

Cross-Reference Topical ResearchStrong's Concordance
what:

Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is [one] of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Genesis 30:8 And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.
Genesis 32:24-30 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. ... And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
Hosea 12:3-4 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: ... Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him [in] Bethel, and there he spake with us;
Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
Philippians 1:30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear [to be] in me.
1 Thessalonians 2:2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
Hebrews 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

conflict:
or, fear, or, care

at:

Colossians 4:13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them [that are] in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
Colossians 4:15-16 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. ... And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the [epistle] from Laodicea.
Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Revelation 3:14-22 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; ... He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

not:

Colossians 2:5 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.
Acts 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
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Chain-Reference Bible SearchCross References with Concordance

Gn 30:8; 32:24. Ho 12:3. Lk 22:44. Ac 20:25, 38. Ga 4:19. Php 1:30. Col 1:24, 29; 2:5; 4:12, 13, 15. 1Th 2:2. He 5:7. 1P 1:8. Rv 1:11; 3:14.

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