Colossians 1:27
New International Version
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

New Living Translation
For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

English Standard Version
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Berean Standard Bible
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Berean Literal Bible
to whom God has willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory,

King James Bible
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

New King James Version
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

New American Standard Bible
to whom God willed to make known what the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles is, the mystery that is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

NASB 1995
to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

NASB 1977
to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Legacy Standard Bible
to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Amplified Bible
God [in His eternal plan] chose to make known to them how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory.

Christian Standard Bible
God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

American Standard Version
to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Contemporary English Version
God did this because he wanted you Gentiles to understand his wonderful and glorious mystery. And the mystery is that Christ lives in you, and he is your hope of sharing in God's glory.

English Revised Version
to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God wanted his people throughout the world to know the glorious riches of this mystery-which is Christ living in you, giving you the hope of glory.

Good News Translation
God's plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.

International Standard Version
to whom God wanted to make known the glorious riches of this secret among the gentiles—which is the Messiah in you, our glorious hope.

Majority Standard Bible
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

NET Bible
God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

New Heart English Bible
to them God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the non-Jews, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory;

Webster's Bible Translation
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Weymouth New Testament
to whom it was His will to make known how vast a wealth of glory for the Gentile world is implied in this truth--the truth that 'Christ is in you, the hope of glory.'

World English Bible
to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
to whom God willed to make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this secret among the nations—which is Christ in you, the hope of the glory,

Berean Literal Bible
to whom God has willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory,

Young's Literal Translation
to whom God did will to make known what is the riches of the glory of this secret among the nations -- which is Christ in you, the hope of the glory,

Smith's Literal Translation
To whom God would make known what the riches of the glory of this mystery in the nations; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To whom God would make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ, in you the hope of glory.

Catholic Public Domain Version
To them, God willed to made known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ and the hope of his glory within you.

New American Bible
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.

New Revised Standard Version
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To whom God wanted to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ among you, the hope of our glory;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Those to whom God has chosen to make known what is the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is The Messiah, who is in you, the hope of our glory,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
to whom God would make known what is the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory,

Godbey New Testament
to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, who is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Haweis New Testament
to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Mace New Testament
to whom God does disclose the glorious advantages of this mystery to you Gentiles, to wit, "that by Christ you may have the expectation of glory."

Weymouth New Testament
to whom it was His will to make known how vast a wealth of glory for the Gentile world is implied in this truth--the truth that 'Christ is in you, the hope of glory.'

Worrell New Testament
to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory;

Worsley New Testament
to whom God would make known the rich glory of this mystery, among the gentiles; which is this, that Christ is in you the hope of glory:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Suffering for the Church
26the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.…

Cross References
Ephesians 3:6
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:10
But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

2 Corinthians 4:6-7
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. / Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.

Romans 16:25-26
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—

Ephesians 1:18
I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,

1 Corinthians 1:27
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

John 14:20
On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.

1 Peter 1:12
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

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 John 4:4
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Romans 5:2
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

1 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,


Treasury of Scripture

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

whom.

1 Corinthians 2:12-14
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God…

2 Corinthians 2:14
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

the riches.

Colossians 2:3
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Romans 9:23
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

Romans 11:33
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Christ.

Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Luke 17:21
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

John 6:56
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

in you.

Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

Psalm 16:9-11
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope…

Romans 5:2
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

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Chose Chosen Christ Gentile Gentiles Glory Great Hope Implied Mystery Nations Pleased Riches Truth Vast Wealth Willed World
Colossians 1
1. After salutation Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith;
7. confirms the doctrine of Epaphras;
9. prays further for their increase in grace;
14. describes the supremacy of Christ;
21. encourages them to receive Jesus Christ, and commends his own ministry.














To them
This phrase refers to the saints, the believers in Christ, as mentioned in the preceding verses. The Greek word used here is "αὐτοῖς" (autois), indicating a specific group of people who are recipients of God's revelation. Historically, this highlights the transition from the Old Covenant, where God's revelations were primarily to Israel, to the New Covenant, where the mystery of the Gospel is revealed to all believers, Jew and Gentile alike.

God has chosen
The Greek word "ἐβουλήθη" (eboulēthē) implies a deliberate and sovereign decision by God. This reflects the divine initiative in salvation history, emphasizing that it is by God's will and purpose that the mystery of the Gospel is revealed. This choice underscores the grace and mercy of God, who desires to make His truth known to humanity.

to make known
The Greek term "γνωρίσαι" (gnōrisai) means to reveal or to make something clear. This indicates that the knowledge of the mystery was previously hidden but is now being disclosed. In the context of the New Testament, this revelation is through the preaching of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, illuminating the hearts and minds of believers.

among the Gentiles
The inclusion of the Gentiles is a significant theme in the New Testament, marking the expansion of God's covenantal promises beyond Israel. The Greek word "ἔθνεσιν" (ethnesin) refers to the nations or peoples outside of Israel. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3), and it highlights the universal scope of the Gospel.

the glorious riches
The phrase "τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης" (to ploutos tēs doxēs) conveys the abundant and magnificent nature of what is being revealed. The "riches" signify the immeasurable value and wealth of God's grace and truth, while "glorious" points to the divine splendor and majesty associated with God's presence and work. This richness is not material but spiritual, offering eternal value and significance.

of this mystery
The Greek word "μυστηρίου" (mystēriou) refers to a sacred secret that is now revealed. In the biblical context, a mystery is something that was hidden in the past but is now made known through divine revelation. This mystery, as Paul explains, is the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan and the indwelling presence of Christ in believers.

which is Christ in you
This phrase encapsulates the heart of the mystery: the indwelling presence of Christ in the believer. The Greek "Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν" (Christos en hymin) signifies a profound spiritual reality where Christ resides within the hearts of His followers. This indwelling is the source of spiritual life, transformation, and empowerment for the believer, emphasizing the intimate and personal relationship between Christ and His people.

the hope of glory
The Greek "ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς δόξης" (hē elpis tēs doxēs) speaks of the confident expectation of sharing in God's glory. "Hope" in the biblical sense is not wishful thinking but a firm assurance based on God's promises. "Glory" refers to the ultimate realization of God's presence and the believer's future transformation into the likeness of Christ. This hope sustains believers through trials and challenges, anchoring them in the certainty of God's eternal plan.

(27) To whom God would--i.e., God willed. The expression is emphatic. It was of God's own pleasure, inscrutable to man. So in Ephesians 1:9, we read "the mystery of His will." Note also, in Ephesians 1:4-6, the repeated reference to the predestination of God in His love.

The riches of the glory.--See Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 3:16; and Notes there.

Which is Christ in you.--This mystery specially committed to St. Paul to declare is. in Ephesians 3:6, defined thus, "That the Gentiles should be (or, are) fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel"; and the nature of this promise is explained below, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith." Here the mystery itself is boldly defined as "Christ in you;" just as in 1Timothy 3:16, according to one interpretation of that difficult passage, "the mystery of godliness" is Christ Himself, "who was manifest," &c. Here we have again a significant illustration of the difference between the characteristic ideas of the two Epistles. In the Ephesian Epistle the unity of all in God's covenant is first put forth, and then explained as dependent on the indwelling of Christ in the heart. Here the "Christ in you" is all in all: the unity of all men in Him is an inference, but one which the readers of the Epistle are left to draw for themselves. On the great idea itself, in the purely individual relation, see Philippians 1:21, and also Galatians 2:20; in the more general form, see Romans 8:10; 2Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 4:19. . . .

Verse 27. - To whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery amongst the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:5-10; Acts 11:17, 18; Romans 11:11, 12, 25-32; Romans 15:9-12). "Willed" stands emphatically first in the Greek. The revelation was so momentous in its issue, so signal in its method, and so contrary to human foresight and prejudice, that it proceeded evidently from" the will of God" (vers. 1, 9; Colossians 4:12; comp. Romans 9:18): "Who was I," said St. Peter, "that I could withstand God?" The Ephesian letter delights to dwell on God's will as the cause of the whole counsel and work of salvation. The Revisers have rendered the verb by "was pleased," the equivalent of εὐδοκέω (ver. 19; Ephesians 1:5, 9; etc.). There is no need to seek a reference to free grace in the verb "willed;" the two ideas are concurrent, but distinct (see, however, Lightfoot). The apostle's mind is filled with amazement as he contemplates the boundless riches which the salvation of the Gentiles revealed in God himself (comp. Romans 11:33-36; Romans 16:25-27; Ephesians 3:8-10). "The glory of this mystery" is the splendour with which it invests the Divine character (on "glory," see note, ver. 11; and for "riches of glory," Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 4:19; Romans 9:23). Amongst the Gentiles: "semi-local clause, defining the sphere in which the riches of the glory is more specially evinced" (Ellicott). At last this mystery is defined: which is Christ in you (Colossians 2:2, 3; 1 Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 3:17; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 4:19; Romans 8:10). By a bold metonymy, the mystery is identified with its subject or content. It is "Christ" himself (see Colossians 2:2, note), the Divine secret of the ages, the burden of all revelation; and "Christ in you" (Colossians 3:11), Christ dwelling in Gentile carts - this is the wonder of wonders! So the "sinners of the Gentiles" receive "the like [equal] gift" with the heirs of the promises (Acts 11:17). By a further and yet bolder apposition, this mystery of Christ in Colossian believers is made one with the hope of glory (vers. 5, 23; Colossians 3:4; Ephesians 1:12-14, 18; Philippians 3:20, 21; Romans 2:7; Romans 8:18-25; 1 Corinthians 15:43; 1 John 3:2), of which it is a pledge and a foretaste (vers. 4, 5; Colossians 3:15; Ephesians 1:13, 14; Romans 8:10-17). This glory is that which the Christian will wear in his perfected, heavenly state (Colossians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 15:43; Romans 8:18), when he will fully reflect the glory he now beholds in God through Christ ("the glory of this mystery"): compare the double "glory" of 2 Corinthians 3:18. The rights of the Gentile believer in Christ are therefore complete (Ephesians 3:6). Possessing him now in his heart, he anticipates all that he will bestow in heaven (on "hope," see ver. 5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
to whom
οἷς (hois)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

has chosen
ἠθέλησεν (ēthelēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

to make known
γνωρίσαι (gnōrisai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1107: To make known, declare, know, discover. From a derivative of ginosko; to make known; subjectively, to know.

among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Gentiles
ἔθνεσιν (ethnesin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive 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.

glorious
δόξης (doxēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.

riches
πλοῦτος (ploutos)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4149: From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment.

of this
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

mystery,
μυστηρίου (mystēriou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3466: From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'.

which
(ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd 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.

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

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

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

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative 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.

hope
ἐλπὶς (elpis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1680: Hope, expectation, trust, confidence. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence.

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive 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.

glory.
δόξης (doxēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.


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NT Letters: Colossians 1:27 To whom God was pleased to make (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 1:26
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