Colossians 1:28
New International Version
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.

New Living Translation
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.

English Standard Version
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

Berean Standard Bible
We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

Berean Literal Bible
whom we preach, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, so that we may present every man perfect in Christ.

King James Bible
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

New King James Version
Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

New American Standard Bible
We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ.

NASB 1995
We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.

NASB 1977
And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ.

Legacy Standard Bible
Him we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.

Amplified Bible
We proclaim Him, warning and instructing everyone in all wisdom [that is, with comprehensive insight into the word and purposes of God], so that we may present every person complete in Christ [mature, fully trained, and perfect in Him—the Anointed].

Christian Standard Bible
We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

American Standard Version
whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;

Contemporary English Version
We announce the message about Christ, and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone, so all of Christ's followers will grow and become mature.

English Revised Version
whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We spread the message about Christ as we instruct and teach everyone with all the wisdom there is. We want to present everyone as mature Christian people.

Good News Translation
So we preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one into God's presence as a mature individual in union with Christ.

International Standard Version
It is he whom we proclaim as we admonish and wisely teach everyone, so that we may present everyone mature in the Messiah.

Majority Standard Bible
We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ Jesus.

NET Bible
We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ.

New Heart English Bible
whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ Jesus;

Webster's Bible Translation
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
Him we preach, admonishing every one and instructing every one, with all possible wisdom, so that we may bring every one into God's presence, made perfect through Christ.

World English Bible
We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
whom we proclaim, warning every man, and teaching every man, in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus,

Berean Literal Bible
whom we preach, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, so that we may present every man perfect in Christ.

Young's Literal Translation
whom we proclaim, warning every man, and teaching every man, in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus,

Smith's Literal Translation
Whom we announce, reminding every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfected in Christ Jesus:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Whom we preach, admonishing every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
We are announcing him, correcting every man and teaching every man, with all wisdom, so that we may offer every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

New American Bible
It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

New Revised Standard Version
It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Him we preach, and teach, and make known to every man in all wisdom, that we may bring up every man perfect through Jesus Christ;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Him whom we preach; and we teach and we educate every person in all wisdom, to confirm every person as perfected in Yeshua The Messiah;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Godbey New Testament
whom we preach, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, in order that we may present every man perfect in Christ;

Haweis New Testament
whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;

Mace New Testament
he it is that we preach, exhorting, and instructing men in every part of divine knowledge, that they may all be perfectly acquainted with the doctrine of Christ Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
Him we preach, admonishing every one and instructing every one, with all possible wisdom, so that we may bring every one into God's presence, made perfect through Christ.

Worrell New Testament
Whom we proclaim, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;

Worsley New Testament
whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Suffering for the Church
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. 29To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.…

Cross References
Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Ephesians 4:11-13
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, / until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:24-25
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. / For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

Philippians 3:14-15
I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. / All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

Romans 15:14
I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another.

1 Corinthians 2:6-7
Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

2 Corinthians 11:2-3
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. / I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children— / encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.

Hebrews 13:21
equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

James 1:4
Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Proverbs 1:2-5
for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight, / and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity. / To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, ...

Isaiah 28:9-10
Whom is He trying to teach? To whom is He explaining His message? To infants just weaned from milk? To babies removed from the breast? / For they hear: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there.”

Jeremiah 3:15
Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”


Treasury of Scripture

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Whom.

Acts 3:20
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

Acts 5:42
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Acts 8:5,35
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them…

warning.

Jeremiah 6:10
To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

Ezekiel 3:17-21
Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me…

Ezekiel 33:4-9
Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head…

teaching.

Deuteronomy 4:5
Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

Ezekiel 7:10
Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.

Ecclesiastes 12:9
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

in all.

Proverbs 8:5
O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Luke 21:15
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

we may.

Colossians 1:22
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Ephesians 5:27
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

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Admonishing Announce Christ Complete God's Guiding Instructing Jesus Mature Perfect Possible Preach Preaching Presence Present Proclaim Teaching Warning Wisdom
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.














He
The pronoun "He" refers to Jesus Christ, the central figure of the Christian faith. In the Greek text, the pronoun is implied, pointing to the subject of the previous verses. Jesus is the one whom Paul and his companions proclaim. Historically, Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the Messiah who came to redeem humanity. His life, death, and resurrection are the cornerstone of Christian doctrine, and He is the one who empowers believers to live out their faith.

proclaim
The Greek word for "proclaim" is "katangellomen," which means to announce or declare publicly. This term implies a bold and authoritative declaration. In the context of the early church, proclaiming Christ was not merely a private matter but a public declaration of faith. The apostles and early Christians faced persecution for their proclamation, yet they continued to spread the message of Christ with courage and conviction.

admonishing
The word "admonishing" comes from the Greek "nouthetountes," which means to warn or counsel. This involves guiding others away from error and towards truth. In a historical context, the early church was surrounded by various false teachings and philosophies. Admonishing was necessary to keep the believers grounded in the truth of the Gospel. It reflects a pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of others, emphasizing correction and encouragement.

and teaching
The Greek word "didaskontes" is used here, meaning to instruct or educate. Teaching is a fundamental aspect of discipleship, where believers are equipped with knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. In the early church, teaching was essential for establishing doctrine and ensuring that the faith was passed down accurately. It involves a systematic approach to imparting wisdom and understanding, rooted in the truth of God's Word.

everyone
The repetition of "everyone" (Greek: "panta anthropon") emphasizes the universality of the Gospel message. The message of Christ is not limited to a specific group but is intended for all people, regardless of their background or status. This reflects the inclusive nature of the Christian faith, which transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. Historically, the early church was a diverse community, united by their faith in Christ.

with all wisdom
The phrase "with all wisdom" (Greek: "en pase sophia") highlights the manner in which admonishing and teaching are to be conducted. Wisdom, in a biblical sense, is the application of knowledge in a way that honors God. It involves discernment and understanding, ensuring that the message is communicated effectively and appropriately. The early church relied on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to impart wisdom in their teaching and admonishing.

so that we may present
The purpose of proclaiming, admonishing, and teaching is "so that we may present" (Greek: "hina parastesomen"). This phrase indicates an intentional goal or outcome. The idea of presenting suggests a future accountability, where believers are brought before God. It reflects the responsibility of church leaders to nurture and prepare believers for spiritual maturity.

everyone perfect
The word "perfect" (Greek: "teleion") means complete or mature. It does not imply sinless perfection but rather spiritual maturity and wholeness in Christ. The goal of Christian teaching and admonishing is to help believers grow into the fullness of their identity in Christ. Historically, this was a counter to the incomplete or distorted teachings that were prevalent in the early church.

in Christ
The phrase "in Christ" signifies the believer's union with Jesus. It is a central theme in Paul's writings, emphasizing that all spiritual blessings and growth are found in relationship with Christ. This union is the source of the believer's identity, strength, and hope. In the early church, being "in Christ" was a radical concept, as it redefined one's identity and allegiance, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

(28) Warning every man, and teaching.--In "warning" is implied the idea of reproof of folly or sin. (See 1Thessalonians 5:14; 2Thessalonians 3:5.) "Teaching" is simply instruction--including, of course, practical exhortation--of those already warned.

Perfect.--See Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 3:15, and Notes there. Here, however, as in 1Corinthians 2:6-7, the reference may be to the sense of "perfect "as "initiated in mystery." St. Paul, in opposition to the exclusive claim of "perfection" by the speculators in mystic knowledge ("falsely so called") would present "every man," learned or ignorant, "perfect before God." In this universality of privilege lies the glorious distinction between the gospel and all schools of philosophy, whether they reject or assume its name. . . .

Verse 28. - Whom we proclaim, admonishing every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom (Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:4-13; 1 Corinthians 1:23, 24; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:11; 2 Corinthians 4:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:18-6:1; Acts 20:18-35; Acts 26:22, 23). We (emphatic, like the "I" of vers. 23, 25) includes St. Paul's coadjutors, Epaphras in particular (ver. 9; Colossians 4:7, 11, 12: comp. 2 Corinthians 1:19). Καταγγέλλω, to publish, bears a wider sense than κηρύσσω, to herald (ver. 23), St. Paul's favourite word. "Admonishing and teaching" are the two essential parts of the apostle's ministry, related as repentance to faith (Lightfoot, who gives interesting classical parallels). Νουθετέω (radically, "to put in mind"), peculiar to St. Paul in New Testament (including Acts 20:31), may denote reproof for the past, but more especially warning for the future (see 1 Corinthians 4:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:15: comp. note on Colossians 3:16). Thrice in this verse "every man" is repeated, and "in all wisdom" follows "teaching" with a marked emphasis. The Colossian errorists, as we should presume from the general tenor and affinities of their system, sought to form an inner mystical school or circle of discipleship within the Church, initiated into a wisdom and holiness supposed to be higher than that attainable by ordinary Christian faith (see note on "mystery," ver. 26; also Colossians 2:2, 3, 8). An intellectual caste-feeling (see note, Colossians 3:11) was springing up in the Church. In 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 the apostle denounces the pride of reason which claims "the things of God" as its own; here he denounces the pride of intellect which refuses the knowledge of them to those who stand on a lower level of mental culture. To every man the Divine wisdom in Christ is accessible (Colossians 2:3, 10; Colossians 3:10, 16; Ephesians 2:17; Ephesians 3:18, 19): to none but "the spiritual man" (1 Corinthians 2:6, 12-3:1). "Wisdom" here is not subjective, a quality of the apostle (so Meyer, quoting 1 Corinthians 3:10), but objective, the quality of the truth itself (comp. Colossians 2:2, 23; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:22-25; 1 Corinthians 2:6, 7). That we may present every man perfect in Christ (ver. 22; Ephesians 4:13; Ephesians 5:25-27; 2 Corinthians 13:7-9; 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20; 2 Timothy 2:10): the aim alike of Christ's redemption (ver. 22) and of the apostle's ministry. "Perfect" (τέλειος) is a word associated with the Greek mysteries (comp. 1 Corinthians 2:6, 7; and quotations in Lightfoot), and in common use denoted "full-grown," "grown men," as opposed to" children "(Ephesians 4:13, 14; Philippians 3:12, 15; Hebrews 5:11-6:1). The philosophic Judaists affected this term considerably. Philo frequently distinguishes between the "perfect" or "fully initiated" (τέλειοι), who are admitted to the sight of God, and the "advancing" (προκόπτοντες: comp. Galatians 1:14), who are candidates for admission to the Divine mysteries; and he makes Jacob a type of the latter, Israel of the former (see 'On Drunkenness,' § 20; 'On Change of Names,' § 3; 'On Agriculture,' §§ 36-38). The apostle makes "perfect" designedly parallel to the "holy and without blemish" of ver. 22, holding out a spiritual ideal very different from that of Alexandrine mystics; and declares that it is to be realized "in Christ" (vers. 2, 4), as in ver. 22 it appeared to be wrought "through Christ" and "for Christ" (comp. ver. 16).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
We
ἡμεῖς (hēmeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

proclaim
καταγγέλλομεν (katangellomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2605: To declare openly, proclaim, preach, laud, celebrate. From kata and the base of aggelos; to proclaim, promulgate.

Him,
ὃν (hon)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

admonishing
νουθετοῦντες (nouthetountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3560: To admonish, warn, counsel, exhort. From the same as nouthesia; to put in mind, i.e. to caution or reprove gently.

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

teaching
διδάσκοντες (didaskontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1321: To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.

everyone
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

with
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.

all
πάσῃ (pasē)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

wisdom,
σοφίᾳ (sophia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4678: Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

we may present
παραστήσωμεν (parastēsōmen)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 3936: Or prolonged paristano from para and histemi; to stand beside, i.e. to exhibit, proffer, recommend, substantiate; or to be at hand, aid.

everyone
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

perfect
τέλειον (teleion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5046: From telos; complete; neuter completeness.

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.

Christ.
Χριστῷ (Christō)
Noun - Dative 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 1:28 Whom we proclaim admonishing every man (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 1:27
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