Colossians 2:3 kjv
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:3 nkjv
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:3 niv
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:3 esv
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:3 nlt
In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prv 2:3-5 | if you call out for insight... seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasures... | Wisdom/Knowledge as treasure |
| Prv 8:12 | "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." | Wisdom's intimate connection to knowledge |
| Prv 2:6 | For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. | God is the source of all wisdom/knowledge |
| 1 Cor 1:24 | ...to those who are called... Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. | Christ is God's wisdom |
| 1 Cor 1:30 | And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God... | Christ as the believer's wisdom |
| 1 Cor 2:6-7 | Yet among the mature we do impart a wisdom... God's wisdom, a mystery hidden... | Divine wisdom, a hidden mystery |
| 1 Cor 2:10 | ...these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. | Revelation of divine wisdom by the Spirit |
| Rom 11:33 | Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments... | God's unfathomable wisdom/knowledge |
| Eph 1:17-19 | ...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ... may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him... | Prayer for wisdom/knowledge of God in Christ |
| Col 1:26-27 | ...the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known... which is Christ in you... | Mystery of Christ, once hidden, now revealed |
| Isa 45:3 | I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards of secret places, that you may know that it is I, the LORD... | Hidden treasures, for knowledge of God |
| Jn 1:1-2 | In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. | Christ's pre-existence and divine wisdom |
| Jn 14:6 | Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." | Christ as ultimate truth and source |
| 2 Cor 4:6 | For God... has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. | Knowledge of God's glory revealed in Christ |
| Php 3:8 | Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. | Supremacy of knowledge of Christ |
| 2 Pt 1:3 | His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him... | All things given through knowledge of Christ |
| Prv 9:10 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. | Knowledge of Holy One related to wisdom |
| Jas 3:17 | But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. | Characteristics of divine wisdom |
| Job 28:12-28 | But where shall wisdom be found?... God understands the way to it, and he knows its dwelling place. | God as the source/keeper of true wisdom |
| Isa 11:2 | And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding... and the Spirit of knowledge... | Spirit of God gives wisdom/knowledge |
| Rom 16:25-27 | Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel... and the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages... | Mystery of God revealed in gospel |
| 2 Tim 3:15 | ...from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. | Scriptures provide wisdom for salvation |
Colossians 2 verses
Colossians 2 3 Meaning
Colossians 2:3 declares that the entirety of divine wisdom and saving knowledge is not found in human philosophy, legalistic rituals, or mystical experiences, but is fully contained and revealed in Jesus Christ. This wisdom and knowledge are described as "hidden," implying their profound, divinely-revealed nature, yet accessible through a relationship with Him through revelation.
Colossians 2 3 Context
Colossians chapter 2 focuses on the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ against various false teachings infiltrating the church at Colossae. Paul warns against deceitful philosophy and empty talk, often intertwined with human tradition and elemental spirits of the world (Col 2:8). These heresies included legalism, asceticism, angel worship, and a claim to superior, esoteric knowledge. Paul's earnest concern for their stability in faith (Col 2:1-2) sets the stage for verse 3, directly countering the notion that true wisdom or knowledge could be found outside of Christ. The verses following 2:3 reinforce Christ's completeness and authority, portraying Him as the head over all rule and authority (Col 2:9-10).
Colossians 2 3 Word analysis
- In whom (ἐν ᾧ, en hō): Refers directly back to "Christ" mentioned in Col 2:2. This emphasizes Christ as the singular and exclusive locus where these divine attributes reside, indicating they are found in the sphere of or connected with Him.
- Are (εἰσιν, eisin): A present indicative verb, implying a continuous and inherent reality. These qualities are perpetually, presently, and essentially within Christ, not temporarily or conditionally.
- Hidden (ἀπόκρυφοι, apokryphoi): Signifies concealed or reserved. This "hiddenness" does not mean unknowable in a restrictive, Gnostic sense. Rather, it indicates a profound divine mystery (Col 1:26) previously unrevealed or dimly understood, but now fully disclosed in Christ. It is a treasure not openly displayed but profoundly accessible through spiritual revelation, emphasizing that true wisdom is not superficial but deep, revealed by God to those in Christ (1 Cor 2:7, 10).
- All (πάντες, pantes): An emphatic and exhaustive term. It leaves no room for other sources of wisdom or knowledge needed for salvation or spiritual maturity. Every type, aspect, and fullness of true wisdom and knowledge is found only in Him.
- Treasures (θησαυροὶ, thēsauroi): Evokes a sense of immense value, richness, and abundance. Just as one might search for literal hidden treasures (Prv 2:3-5; Mt 13:44), spiritual treasures are equally precious and rewarding for those who seek them in Christ. It conveys inexhaustible wealth.
- Of wisdom (τῆς σοφίας, tēs sophias): Sophia denotes comprehensive, practical wisdom related to spiritual and moral insight. It is the ability to apply knowledge rightly to life's situations from a divine perspective, rooted in the understanding of God's purposes and ways (Jas 3:17). This contrasts with mere human cleverness or speculative philosophy.
- And knowledge (καὶ γνώσεως, kai gnōseōs): Gnōsis refers to objective understanding, discernment, and factual apprehension. In a theological sense, it is a personal and deep acquaintance with God, His will, and His truth (Php 3:8). Unlike the false "knowledge" boasted by Gnostics, this knowledge is centered on the person and work of Christ. It complements wisdom, as true wisdom is built upon true knowledge.
- "In whom are hidden": This phrase points to the unique and exclusive location of divine truth. Christ is the only access point to these spiritual realities. The "hidden" nature emphasizes their divine origin and the necessity of revelation through Christ and the Spirit, not human effort or secret initiation.
- "All the treasures": This phrase emphasizes the fullness and preciousness of what is found in Christ. There is nothing lacking; He is complete (Col 2:9-10). The "treasures" are not material but spiritual, immensely more valuable.
- "Of wisdom and knowledge": These two terms together form a comprehensive pair, representing both theoretical understanding and practical application of divine truth. They encompass the entire scope of intellectual and spiritual understanding, centered entirely on Christ as their source and embodiment. They directly counter the false teachers' claims of special insights existing apart from what is found in Christ.
Colossians 2 3 Bonus section
- The use of "hidden" (apokryphoi) by Paul might be a subtle counter-polemic against the false teachers' claims of their own special apokryphos (secret) knowledge, by asserting that the true divine wisdom and knowledge are already "hidden" and found in Christ.
- This verse underpins the concept of the absolute fullness (pleroma) dwelling in Christ, which is expanded upon in Col 2:9. If all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him, then He must contain the divine fullness from which they flow.
- The divine attributes of wisdom and knowledge are often linked in Scripture to the very character and actions of God Himself (Rom 11:33; Job 28). By attributing all such treasures to Christ, Paul implicitly elevates Christ to a divine level, a foundational truth for understanding His supremacy.
- The passage warns against spiritual pride and intellectual elitism. True wisdom isn't attained through human striving, complex systems, or adherence to ascetic rules, but through humility and faith in Christ.
Colossians 2 3 Commentary
Colossians 2:3 is a powerful statement affirming Christ's unparalleled supremacy and all-sufficiency. Paul explicitly declares that everything necessary for salvation, spiritual growth, and understanding God's truth resides entirely within Christ. This serves as a direct rebuttal to the various syncretistic philosophies at Colossae that promised deeper insight or special status through other means. The "hidden" aspect does not imply exclusivity or elitism, as with Gnosticism, but rather a profound divine mystery revealed in Christ, accessible to all believers through the Spirit. For a believer, finding wisdom and knowledge involves looking to Christ, studying His Word, and being led by His Spirit, rather than seeking truth from worldly philosophies or human traditions. This verse teaches us that Christ is the ultimate and complete treasury of spiritual enlightenment; apart from Him, any pursuit of wisdom and knowledge will ultimately lead to spiritual emptiness and deception. For example, if seeking guidance for navigating moral dilemmas, Christ provides perfect ethical wisdom through His life and teachings; for understanding ultimate purpose, He reveals humanity's created design and redemptive future in God.