Colossians 2 4

Colossians 2:4 kjv

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

Colossians 2:4 nkjv

Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.

Colossians 2:4 niv

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

Colossians 2:4 esv

I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

Colossians 2:4 nlt

I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.

Colossians 2 verses

Colossians 2 4 Meaning

Colossians 2:4 serves as a crucial warning from the Apostle Paul to the believers in Colossae. It emphasizes the subtle danger of deceptive speech and persuasive arguments that aim to lead them away from the truth found in Christ. Paul’s deep pastoral concern is evident as he urges them to stand firm against philosophies and traditions not rooted in God’s revelation, ensuring they are not beguiled by the eloquence of those teaching false doctrines. The verse highlights that truth often faces opposition through attractive yet misleading rhetoric.

Colossians 2 4 Context

Colossians chapter 2 serves as a strong rebuttal to the specific heresy threatening the church in Colossae. Prior to verse 4, Paul expresses his intense struggle (Col 2:1-3) for the Colossian believers and those in Laodicea, that they might have "all riches of the full assurance of understanding" and acknowledge "the mystery of God, even Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." This establishes Christ as the exclusive source of all true wisdom, setting the stage for the warning in verse 4. The subsequent verses (Col 2:5-23) further detail the nature of the heresy—a blend of human philosophy, Jewish legalism, asceticism, and mysticism (angel worship, false visions)—and reaffirm the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Christ against these false teachings. Historically, Colossae was a crossroads of various cultures and beliefs, making it susceptible to syncretistic doctrines that tried to combine Christianity with other spiritual practices, promising a "fuller" or "deeper" experience outside of Christ's simple truth.

Colossians 2 4 Word analysis

• This I say: Paul refers back to his prior statements about his deep concern and the ultimate source of wisdom in Christ (Col 2:1-3). It introduces the practical application and reason for his preceding theological groundwork.
• lest: (ἵνα μή, hina mē) - Introduces a negative purpose clause. The specific intent is to prevent a potential harmful outcome.
• any man: Refers broadly to anyone, especially those advocating false doctrines that detract from Christ. This isn't necessarily about a specific individual, but any teacher or speaker introducing deceptive ideas.
• should beguile: (παραλογίζομαι, paralogizomai) - This Greek word means to reckon wrongly, to deceive by false reasoning, to delude, to trick. It implies a subtle, persuasive process where error is presented logically or attractively, leading someone to mistaken conclusions. It's more than a simple lie; it's a cunning act that misleads judgment through seemingly plausible arguments. The passive voice ("should be beguiled") highlights the potential vulnerability of the Colossians.
• you: Directly addresses the believers in Colossae, highlighting their immediate risk of being led astray. Paul's pastoral heart is evident in this direct warning.
• with: (ἐν, en) - Used here instrumentally, indicating the means by which the deception occurs.
• enticing words: (πιθανολογίᾳ, pithanologia) - A significant Greek term composed of pithanos (plausible, persuasive) and logia (speech, discourse). It describes speech that is plausible, persuasive, and designed to gain acceptance, often through clever rhetoric, eloquent presentation, or the appearance of wisdom, regardless of its truthfulness. It implies speech that "sounds good" or appeals to reason, but lacks genuine substance rooted in God's revelation.

Colossians 2 4 Bonus section

The danger of "enticing words" persists throughout church history. False teachers rarely present themselves as antagonists of the faith; rather, they often appear devout, eloquent, and even charitable. Their message may seem intellectually stimulating, culturally relevant, or offer a unique path to enlightenment. However, their core teaching ultimately compromises the centrality, exclusivity, and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. This verse reminds believers that discernment is crucial not just for blatant falsehoods, but for subtly persuasive ideas that divert attention from Christ's completed work. The call is to measure every teaching against the standard of Christ revealed in Scripture, holding fast to Him alone as the source of all truth and wisdom.

Colossians 2 4 Commentary

Colossians 2:4 serves as a pointed warning, highlighting Paul's fervent desire that believers would not fall prey to cunning deception. The "enticing words" were not necessarily crude lies, but plausible, attractive, and perhaps philosophical arguments that sought to draw believers away from the all-sufficiency of Christ. This "beguiling" indicates a subtle process where error infiltrates under the guise of intellectual appeal or spiritual depth.

The context of the Colossian heresy shows that these were not outright rejections of Christ, but additions to Him: demands for circumcision, adherence to ceremonial laws, ascetic practices, and even angel worship, all presented as paths to "higher knowledge" or spiritual perfection. Paul warns that these persuasive, but ultimately empty, philosophies were a danger because they undermined the finished work of Christ. The antidote to such deception is not more eloquent words, but a deeper understanding and unwavering trust in Christ, in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2:3). This verse calls believers to spiritual discernment, grounding their faith firmly in Christ and His word, rather than being swayed by sophisticated arguments that lack divine truth.