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◄ Colossians 2:5►

New International Version
For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

New Living Translation
For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

English Standard Version
For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Berean Standard Bible
For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.

Berean Literal Bible
Truly indeed, if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see yourgood order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

New American Standard Bible
For even though I am absent in body, I am nevertheless with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your orderly manner and the stability of your faith in Christ.

NASB 1995
For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

NASB 1977
For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

Legacy Standard Bible
For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the stability of your faith in Christ.

Amplified Bible
For even though I am absent [from you] in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, delighted to see your good discipline [as you stand shoulder to shoulder and form a solid front] and to see the stability of your faith in Christ [your steadfast reliance on Him and your unwavering confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].

Christian Standard Bible
For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Even though I am not with you, I keep thinking about you. I am glad to know that you are living as you should and your faith in Christ is strong.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Although I'm absent from you physically, I'm with you in spirit. I'm happy to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Good News Translation
For even though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I am glad as I see the resolute firmness with which you stand together in your faith in Christ.

International Standard Version
For although I am physically absent, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how stable you are and how firm your faith in the Messiah is.

NET Bible
For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

New Heart English Bible
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Webster's Bible Translation
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
For although, as you say, I am absent from you in body, yet in spirit I am present with you and am delighted to witness your good discipline and the solid front presented by your faith in Christ.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.

World English Bible
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for if even in the flesh I am absent—yet in the spirit I am with you, rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in regard to Christ;

Berean Literal Bible
Truly indeed, if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Young's Literal Translation
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;

Smith's Literal Translation
For if also I am away in the flesh but in the Spirit am I with you, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For though I may be absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit. And I rejoice as I gaze upon your order and its foundation, which is in Christ, your faith.

New American Bible
For even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing as I observe your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

New Revised Standard Version
For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For though I am far away from you in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your orderliness and the sincerity of your faith in Christ.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For though I am separated from you in the flesh, yet I am with you in The Spirit, and I rejoice to see your organization and the stability of your faith which is in The Messiah.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For, though I am absent in flesh, yet I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to behold your order, and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Godbey New Testament
For if I am absent in the flesh, but I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the establishment of your faith toward Christ.

Haweis New Testament
For though I am absent from you in person, yet I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing and beholding your regular order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

Mace New Testament
for tho' I am absent in person, yet I am present with you in my mind, and am glad to perceive the regularily of your affairs, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
For although, as you say, I am absent from you in body, yet in spirit I am present with you and am delighted to witness your good discipline and the solid front presented by your faith in Christ.

Worrell New Testament
for even if I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the Spirit, rejoicing, and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Worsley New Testament
For though I be absent in body, yet am I with you in spirit, rejoicing and beholding your regularity, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Absent in Body, Present in Spirit
…4I say this so that no one will deceive you by smooth rhetoric.5For although I am absent from you in body,I am present with you in spirit,and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.6Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him,…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Philippians 1:27
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,

1 Corinthians 5:3-4
Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. / When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of the Lord Jesus,

2 Corinthians 10:1-3
Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away. / I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh. / For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh.

1 Thessalonians 2:17
Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.

1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Ephesians 4:1-3
As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: / with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, / and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

2 Corinthians 7:16
I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you.

1 Peter 5:9
Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

1 Timothy 3:15
in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.

1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints.

2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.

1 Corinthians 11:34
If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you come together it will not result in judgment. And when I come, I will give instructions about the remaining matters.

1 Corinthians 14:26
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

Treasury of Scripture

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

be.

Colossians 2:1
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, andfor them at Laodicea, andfor as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

1 Corinthians 5:3,4
For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present,concerning him that hath so done this deed, …

1 Thessalonians 2:17
But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

and beholding.

2 Chronicles 29:35
And also the burnt offeringswere in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and the drink offerings forevery burnt offering. So the service of the house of the LORD was set in order.

1 Corinthians 11:34
And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

1 Corinthians 14:40
Let all things be done decently and in order.

and the.

Ruth 1:18
When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

Psalm 78:8,37
And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generationthat set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God…

Acts 2:42
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Jump to Previous

Absent Although Beholding Body Christ Delight Delighted Discipline Faith Firmness Flesh Front Good Indeed Joy Nevertheless Order Orderly Present Presented Regard Rejoicing Solid Spirit Steadfastness Stedfastness Unchanging Witness

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Colossians 2

1.Paul still exhorts them to be constant in Christ;
8.to beware of philosophy, and vain traditions;
18.worshipping of angels;
20.and legal ceremonies, which are ended in Christ.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

For although I am absent from you in body
Paul writes this letter from prison, likely in Rome, around AD 60-62. His physical absence underscores the challenges of early Christian communication and the reliance on letters to maintain spiritual guidance and community. This phrase highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and connection despite physical separation, a theme also seen in1 Corinthians 5:3.

I am present with you in spirit
Paul emphasizes the spiritual unity that transcends physical distance. This reflects the early Christian understanding of the Church as a spiritual body, united in Christ. It echoes Jesus' promise inMatthew 18:20, where He assures His presence among believers gathered in His name.

and I delight to see your orderly condition
Paul commends the Colossians for their discipline and order, which were crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and effective ministry. This reflects the Greco-Roman value of order and structure, which Paul adapts to encourage the church's spiritual health. The term "orderly" suggests a military metaphor, indicating readiness and unity, similar toEphesians 6:10-18.

and firm faith in Christ
The Colossians' steadfast faith is a central theme, as Paul combats false teachings threatening the church. This phrase underscores the necessity of a strong foundation in Christ, as seen inMatthew 7:24-27. The firmness of their faith is a testament to their understanding and acceptance of the gospel, aligning with Paul's teachings in1 Corinthians 16:13.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to the Colossians. He is writing to encourage and instruct the believers in Colossae.

2.Colossae
An ancient city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) where the recipients of this letter resided. It was a center of early Christian teaching.

3.The Colossian Church
The group of believers in Colossae who are being addressed by Paul. They are commended for their faith and orderliness.

4.Christ
Central to the faith of the Colossians, Christ is the foundation of their firmness and order.

5.Paul's Spiritual Presence
Although Paul is not physically present, he emphasizes his spiritual connection and concern for the church.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Presence and Unity
Even when physically apart, believers can maintain a strong spiritual connection through prayer and shared faith.

Order and Discipline in Faith
The orderly condition of the Colossian church serves as a model for maintaining discipline and structure in our spiritual lives.

Firmness in Faith
A firm faith in Christ is essential for withstanding challenges and false teachings. Believers should continually seek to strengthen their faith.

Joy in Observing Faithfulness
Like Paul, we should find joy and encouragement in witnessing the faithfulness and growth of fellow believers.

Role of Leadership in Encouragement
Leaders in the church, like Paul, play a crucial role in encouraging and guiding believers, even from a distance.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Colossians 2:5?

2.How can we maintain "good order" in our church community today?

3.What does "firmness of your faith in Christ" mean for daily living?

4.How does Colossians 2:5 connect with Ephesians 4:14-15 about spiritual maturity?

5.In what ways can we demonstrate our faith visibly to others?

6.How can we encourage others to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ?

7.What does Colossians 2:5 reveal about Paul's relationship with the Colossian church?

8.How does Colossians 2:5 emphasize the importance of spiritual unity?

9.In what ways does Colossians 2:5 challenge modern Christian community practices?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Colossians 2?

11.How are spirits transferred between entities?

12.What defines the witching hour?

13.What does 'Set Your Mind on Things Above' mean?

14.What are the unsearchable riches of Christ?

What Does Colossians 2:5 Mean

Absent in body

“For although I am absent from you in body…” (Colossians 2:5a)

• Paul writes from prison (Colossians 4:3), so physical separation is real.

• His willingness to minister despite that distance echoes1 Thessalonians 2:17, where he was “separated… in person, not in heart.”

• The circumstance reminds us that the Lord’s work carries on even when believers are scattered (Acts 8:4).

• Paul’s absence also protects the church from relying on personality; they learn, like2 Corinthians 5:7 urges, to “walk by faith, not by sight.”

Present in spirit

“…I am present with you in spirit…” (Colossians 2:5b)

• Spiritual fellowship transcends geography. Paul says the same in1 Corinthians 5:3–4, judging a case “as though present.”

• The bond arises because every believer shares “one Spirit” (Ephesians 4:4).

• Jesus Himself promised to be among gathered believers (Matthew 18:20), so Paul’s spiritual presence points to Christ’s greater presence.

• This communion fuels intercession; earlier he said, “We have not stopped praying for you” (Colossians 1:9).

Delighting in orderly condition and firm faith in Christ

“…and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:5c)

• “Orderly” pictures a well-arranged line of soldiers. Paul loves seeing a church functioning “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

• Their discipline safeguards doctrinal purity against the false teaching addressed inColossians 2:8.

• “Firm faith” refers to an unshakable stance, like the call to “stand firm in one spirit” (Philippians 1:27).

• Such stability flows from holding fast to Christ the Head (Colossians 2:19) rather than chasing human tradition.

• Paul’s joy mirrors the apostolic aim in 3John 4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

summary

Though Paul is chained far away, the Spirit links him to the Colossian believers. He rejoices that their life together is well-ordered and their trust in Christ is rock-solid. Physical distance cannot sever spiritual unity, and a church grounded in clear doctrine and disciplined love brings deep delight to those who labor for it.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5)Absent in the flesh.--Comp.1Corinthians 5:3, "I as absent in body and present in spirit."

Your order, and the stedfastness.--The word "order" is used in1Corinthians 14:40; the word "stedfastness," orsolidity,is not found elsewhere in the New Testament, though the verb from which it is derived is found inActs 3:7;Acts 3:16;Acts 16:5, and the original adjective, from which the verb is derived, in1Peter 5:9, "stedfast in the faith." From the days of the ancient Greek interpreters downwards, it has been noted that both words have military associations--the one being used for discipline generally, and the other for the firm compact solidity of the phalanx; and (as inEphesians 6:11-17) that the use of them may have been suggested by St. Paul's captivity under military guard. If both words be referred to their "faith," the Apostle obviously characterises it as having right "order" (or,harmony) in its various parts, and a strong "solidity" against all trials. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. -For if indeed I am absent in the flesh, yet in the spirit I am with you (1 Thessalonians 2:17;1 Corinthians 5:3, 4). The connection of this verse with the last is not obvious. Ellicott, following Chrysostom, makes St. Paul's spiritual presence the reason for his being able to give the Colossians this warning; Meyer, his bodily absence the reason for their needing it. It is better, with Lightfoot, to see here a general explanatory reference to the previous context, a renewed declaration (ver. 1) of watchful interest in these distant brethren and a hearty acknowledgment of their Christian loyalty. The tone of authoritative warning just assumed (ver. 4) is thus justified, and yet softened (compare the apologetic tone ofRomans 15:14, 15). The phrase, "if I am absent," does not imply a previouspresence (see note, ver. 1).Rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ (Philippians 1:4-8, 27;1 Corinthians 1:5-8;1 Thessalonians 2:13;2 Thessalonians 1:4). St. Paul dos not say, "rejoicing in beholding." The consciousness of union with brethren far away, whom he has never seen (ver. 1), is itself a joy; and this joy is heightened by what he sees through the eyes of Epaphras (Colossians 1:4, 6-8: comp.2 Corinthians 7:7) of the condition of this Church.Τάξις andστερέωμα are military terms, denoting the "ordered array" and "solid front" of an army prepared for battle (Lightfoot, Hofmann): comp.Ephesians 6:11, etc.;Philippians 1:27. Others find the figure of abuilding underlying the second word - Vulgate,firmamentum ("solid basis") - and this is its more usual meaning, and agrees with ver. 7 andColossians 1:23 (comp.2 Timothy 2:19;1 Peter 5:9;Acts 16:5; alsoPsalm 18:2, LXX, for thenoun, not found, elsewhere in the New Testament). The precise expression, "faith in Christ" (literally,into -εἰς, notἐν, as inColossians 1:4, see note) occurs only here in the New Testament; inActs 24:24 read "in Christ Jesus." In such passages asRomans 3:22, 26 (whereπίστις is followed by the genitive), Christ appears asobject of faith; in such asColossians 1:4 and Colossians 2:5 he is itsground orsubstratum, thatin which it rests and dwells,into which it roots itself.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γὰρ(gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

although
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

I am absent from you
ἄπειμι(apeimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 548:To be absent. From apo and eimi; to be away.

in
τῇ(tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

body,
σαρκὶ(sarki)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561:Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.

I am present
εἰμι(eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

with
σὺν(syn)
Preposition
Strong's 4862:With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together.

you
ὑμῖν(hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

in spirit,
πνεύματι(pneumati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151:Wind, breath, spirit.

[and] I delight
χαίρων(chairōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5463:A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

to see
βλέπων(blepōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 991:(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

your
ὑμῶν(hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

orderly condition
τάξιν(taxin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5010:From tasso; regular arrangement, i.e. fixed succession, official dignity.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

firm
στερέωμα(stereōma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4733:Firmness, steadfastness, constancy. From stereoo; something established, i.e. confirmation.

faith
πίστεως(pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102:Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

in
εἰς(eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Christ.
Χριστὸν(Christon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

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NT Letters: Colossians 2:5 For though I am absent in the (Coloss. Col Co)