Colossians 2:4

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

And {G1161} this {G5124} I say {G3004}, lest {G3363} any man {G5100} should beguile {G3884} you {G5209} with {G1722} enticing words {G4086}.

I say this so that no one will fool you with plausible but specious arguments.

I say this so that no one will deceive you by smooth rhetoric.

This I say, that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.

Commentary

Colossians 2:4 (KJV)

This verse is part of Paul's strong warning to the Colossian believers against false teachings that were threatening to infiltrate and corrupt their faith.

Context and Meaning

Paul is deeply concerned that the Colossians might be led astray from the simple truth of the gospel and the sufficiency of Christ. He specifically warns them against being "beguiled" or deceived. The word translated "beguile" (Greek: paralogizomai) means to reason falsely, to mislead, or to deceive through cunning arguments.

The phrase "enticing words" (Greek: pithanologia) refers to speech that is plausible, persuasive, or eloquent, but ultimately deceptive or lacking truth. These were likely arguments from those promoting a syncretistic philosophy that combined elements of Jewish legalism, Gnosticism (or proto-Gnosticism), and other ascetic practices, all of which detracted from the unique and supreme authority of Jesus Christ.

Key Themes

  • Warning Against Deception: The verse highlights the reality of false teaching and the methods used to spread it – persuasive but misleading language.
  • Importance of Discernment: It implicitly calls believers to be discerning, not accepting every argument at face value, especially when it undermines the core of their faith.
  • The Sufficiency of Christ: The underlying theme of Colossians 2 is that everything needed for salvation and spiritual life is found in Christ, making these other "enticing words" unnecessary and dangerous distractions.

Practical Application

This verse remains relevant today. Believers must be vigilant against persuasive arguments, philosophies, or religious ideas that sound appealing but subtly diminish the centrality and sufficiency of Jesus Christ or contradict the clear teaching of Scripture. It underscores the need to ground one's faith firmly in the truth of the gospel.

See Also: Ephesians 5:6, Romans 16:18, 2 Peter 2:3

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 John 4:1

    ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • Ephesians 4:14

    That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

  • Matthew 24:4

    ¶ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

  • Romans 16:18

    For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

  • Romans 16:19

    For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

  • Mark 13:22

    For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect.

  • 2 John 1:7

    ¶ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
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