Colossians 2:7

KJV

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

KJV (with Strong's)

Rooted {G4492} and {G2532} built up {G2026} in {G1722} him {G846}, and {G2532} stablished {G950} in {G1722} the faith {G4102}, as {G2531} ye have been taught {G1321}, abounding {G4052} therein {G1722}{G846} with {G1722} thanksgiving {G2169}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Remain deeply rooted in him; continue being built up in him and confirmed in your trust, the way you were taught, so that you overflow in thanksgiving.

Berean Standard Bible

rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

American Standard Version

rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 2:7 serves as a powerful exhortation to believers, urging them to continue growing in their spiritual journey by deeply grounding their lives in Christ, building upon the foundation of His truth, and remaining firm in the faith they have received. This process of spiritual maturation, rooted in sound apostolic teaching, naturally culminates in an overflowing and abundant life of thanksgiving, acknowledging God's grace and provision in every circumstance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's fervent appeal to the Colossian believers to remain steadfast in Christ and resist various forms of false teaching. Immediately preceding [Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ"), [Colossians 2:6](/colossians/2-6 "Colossians 2:6 - Walk in Christ") sets the stage by instructing them to "walk in him" as they have received Christ Jesus the Lord. Verse 7 then elaborates on *how* this walk is to be maintained and deepened, using vivid metaphors of rooting and building. Following this verse, Paul issues a direct warning in [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Beware of Philosophy and Empty Deceit"), cautioning them against being "spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Thus, [Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ") functions as a positive command, providing the antidote to the spiritual dangers Paul identifies, emphasizing that true stability and growth are found exclusively in Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Colossae faced a complex blend of heresies, often referred to as the "Colossian heresy." This syncretistic threat combined elements of Jewish legalism (observance of festivals, dietary laws, circumcision, as seen in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come")), asceticism (severe self-discipline, neglect of the body, mentioned in [Colossians 2:20-23](/colossians/2-20-23 "Colossians 2:20-23 - Rules and Regulations")), and a nascent form of Gnosticism (emphasizing special knowledge, worship of angels, and devaluation of Christ's full deity, alluded to in [Colossians 2:18-19](/colossians/2-18-19 "Colossians 2:18-19 - Angel Worship and False Humility")). These teachings sought to diminish the unique and supreme role of Christ, suggesting that salvation or spiritual maturity required additional rituals, secret knowledge, or intermediaries. Paul's letter, therefore, serves as a robust defense of Christ's absolute sufficiency and preeminence, countering these errors by redirecting the believers' focus entirely to Him.
* **Key Themes:** [Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ") encapsulates several major themes central to the Epistle to the Colossians and Paul's broader theology. A primary theme is the **Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ**, asserting that all spiritual fullness, wisdom, and redemption reside in Him alone, making any additions unnecessary and detrimental (as highlighted in [Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - The Supremacy of Christ")). The verse also powerfully conveys the theme of **Spiritual Growth and Maturity**, using the agricultural and architectural metaphors to describe the ongoing process of deepening one's faith and building a stable spiritual life. Furthermore, the emphasis on "as ye have been taught" underscores the **Importance of Sound Doctrine and Apostolic Teaching** as the true foundation for faith, contrasting it with the "philosophy and vain deceit" warned against in [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Beware of Philosophy and Empty Deceit"). Finally, the call to "abound therein with thanksgiving" highlights the theme of **Gratitude as a Mark of Spiritual Health**, indicating that a life firmly rooted and built in Christ naturally overflows with appreciation for God's grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rooted (Greek, _rhizóō'_):** From G4492, meaning "to root (figuratively, become stable)." This agricultural metaphor vividly portrays the believer's initial establishment in Christ and the ongoing process of drawing spiritual sustenance from Him. Just as a tree needs deep roots to withstand storms and draw nutrients, believers must be deeply grounded in Christ to find stability, nourishment, and resilience against spiritual adversaries and false teachings. It implies a firm, unshakeable foundation.
* **Built up (Greek, _epoikodoméō'_):** From G2026, meaning "to build upon, i.e. (figuratively) to rear up." This architectural metaphor complements "rooted," describing the continuous process of spiritual edification and growth. It suggests progressive development, layer by layer, upon the secure foundation of Christ. This isn't a static state but an active, ongoing construction of one's spiritual life, adding to one's faith through knowledge, character, and service.
* **Abounding (Greek, _perisseúō'_):** From G4052, meaning "to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel." This word conveys the idea of an overflowing, bountiful, or excessive quantity. In the context of thanksgiving, it suggests not just occasional thanks, but a continuous, rich, and overflowing expression of gratitude that characterizes the believer's life, even amidst challenges. It speaks to a spiritual vitality that cannot be contained.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rooted and built up in him,"**: This opening phrase employs two powerful participles, "rooted" (perfect passive) and "built up" (present passive), indicating both a completed action with ongoing results and a continuous process. The perfect tense of "rooted" suggests that believers have already been firmly planted in Christ through their conversion, establishing a secure foundation. The present tense of "built up" signifies an ongoing, continuous process of spiritual growth and edification upon that foundation. The crucial phrase "in him" (meaning "in Christ") emphasizes that Christ is the exclusive source, sphere, and substance of this spiritual grounding and growth. He is both the soil from which they draw life and the foundation upon which their spiritual house is constructed.
* **"and stablished in the faith,"**: This clause reinforces the idea of stability and security. "Stablished" (Greek, _bebaióō'_, G950) means "to make firm, confirm, or establish." It implies being made secure and unshakeable, particularly against the destabilizing influence of false doctrines. The phrase "in the faith" refers to both their personal trust in Christ and the body of Christian doctrine they have received. This stability is not inherent but is a result of being rooted and built up in Christ, providing a firm spiritual footing.
* **"as ye have been taught,"**: This phrase highlights the critical role of sound instruction in fostering genuine spiritual growth and stability. The Colossians' faith and spiritual development are not based on human speculation or novel teachings but on the authentic apostolic doctrine they received. This underscores the importance of adherence to biblical truth as the standard for Christian belief and practice, affirming that true spiritual maturity aligns with faithfully transmitted revelation.
* **"abounding therein with thanksgiving."**: This concluding clause describes the natural overflow and joyful outcome of a life deeply rooted, built up, and established in Christ and sound doctrine. "Abounding" (Greek, _perisseúō'_) signifies an overflowing, superabundant measure of gratitude. The "therein" refers back to the faith and the spiritual life described. Thanksgiving is not merely an occasional act but a characteristic attitude, a continuous expression of joy and appreciation for God's grace and sufficiency, even in the face of trials. It is the spiritual fruit of a healthy, Christ-centered life.

#### Literary Devices
Colossians 2:7 is rich in **Metaphor**, employing vivid imagery from both agriculture and architecture to describe spiritual growth. The term "rooted" (G4492, _rhizóō'_) draws from the plant world, suggesting a tree or plant with deep, stable roots drawing nourishment from the soil, which here is Christ. This metaphor conveys stability, life, and sustenance. Complementing this, "built up" (G2026, _epoikodoméō'_) uses an architectural metaphor, picturing a building being constructed upon a secure foundation. This imagery emphasizes continuous development, structure, and strength. Together, these two metaphors create a powerful composite picture of a robust and growing spiritual life. The verse also functions as an **Exhortation**, implicitly commanding believers to actively engage in this process of growth and gratitude. While not a strict chiastic structure, there is a sense of **Parallelism** and progression, moving from the internal grounding ("rooted") and external construction ("built up") to the resulting stability ("stablished") and the ultimate outward expression ("abounding... with thanksgiving").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 2:7 powerfully articulates the essence of Christian discipleship: a dynamic process of growth and stability founded entirely upon Jesus Christ. This verse connects deeply with the New Testament's emphasis on Christ as the sole source of life and truth, contrasting with human efforts or false spiritualities. It underscores that genuine spiritual maturity is not achieved through external rituals, ascetic practices, or esoteric knowledge, but through an intimate, abiding relationship with Christ, nurtured by sound doctrine and expressed in profound gratitude. The agricultural and architectural metaphors resonate with other biblical passages that portray believers as living stones built into a spiritual house or as branches drawing life from the true vine, all pointing to the organic and structural necessity of Christ.

* [Ephesians 3:17-19](/ephesians/3-17-19 "Rooted and Grounded in Love")
* [1 Corinthians 3:10-11](/1_corinthians/3-10-11 "Christ the Only Foundation")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:18](/1_thessalonians/5-18 "Give Thanks in Everything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 2:7 offers a profound blueprint for a thriving Christian life, challenging believers to examine the depth of their spiritual roots and the progress of their spiritual construction. It calls us to intentionality: are we actively drawing nourishment from Christ daily through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship? Are we allowing the truth of God's Word, as faithfully taught, to build up our understanding and character? In a world constantly shifting with new philosophies and fleeting trends, being "stablished in the faith" is not passive but requires active discernment and commitment to the unchanging truth of the Gospel. Furthermore, the command to abound with thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude is not merely an emotion but a spiritual discipline and a powerful witness. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has abundantly provided in Christ, fostering joy and resilience even amidst life's challenges. This verse encourages a holistic approach to faith, where deep theological conviction naturally overflows into a life characterized by Christ-like stability and boundless gratitude.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways am I actively "rooting" myself deeper in Christ each day?**
* **What areas of my life need to be "built up" or further developed upon the foundation of Christ's truth?**
* **How does being "stablished in the faith" protect me from the "vain deceit" and false teachings prevalent in today's world?**
* **Am I consistently "abounding therein with thanksgiving," even in difficult circumstances, and what does that look like practically?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be "rooted and built up in him"?**

Answer: To be "rooted and built up in him" means that Jesus Christ is the absolute foundation and source of a believer's spiritual life and growth. The metaphor of being "rooted" (like a tree) signifies drawing life, stability, and nourishment directly from Christ, establishing a deep, firm connection. The metaphor of being "built up" (like a building) signifies the ongoing process of spiritual edification and maturity, where a believer's character, knowledge, and faith are continually strengthened and developed upon Christ as the secure foundation. Both images emphasize dependence on Christ for all aspects of spiritual vitality and progress, ensuring that one's faith is not superficial but deeply grounded and continually growing. This concept is foundational to understanding the Christian walk, as seen in [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone").

**How does "stablished in the faith" relate to spiritual stability?**

Answer: To be "stablished in the faith" means to be made firm, confirmed, and secure in one's beliefs and trust in God. It speaks directly to spiritual stability, providing an unshakeable anchor in a world filled with shifting philosophies and deceptive teachings. This stability is not a static state but a dynamic result of being deeply rooted and continually built up in Christ. It enables believers to discern truth from error, resist spiritual attacks, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the Gospel, even when faced with opposition or doubt. It is the opposite of being "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine," as described in [Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - No Longer Children, Tossed by Waves").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 2:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ, for He is not merely the subject of our faith but the very sphere and source of all that the verse describes. To be "rooted" means to draw life and sustenance from Him, the true Vine, without whom we can do nothing ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - I Am the Vine")). He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one in whom our initial spiritual life is planted. Similarly, to be "built up" signifies Christ as the indispensable foundation upon which the entire edifice of our spiritual life is constructed, for "no man can lay any other foundation than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")). Our stability, being "stablished in the faith," flows directly from His unchangeable nature and His finished work on the cross, for He is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrew/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the Same Forever")). The teaching we have received, which grounds our faith, is ultimately His teaching, for He is the "teacher come from God" ([John 3:2](/john/3-2 "John 3:2 - Nicodemus Comes to Jesus")) and the one who commissions His disciples to teach all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Finally, the "abounding therein with thanksgiving" is a direct response to the immeasurable grace and salvation found in Christ alone, for it is through Him that we "give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father" ([Ephesians 5:20](/ephesians/5-20 "Ephesians 5:20 - Giving Thanks in All Things")). Thus, Colossians 2:7 is a profound Christological statement, revealing that every aspect of the believer's growth, stability, and joyful expression is utterly dependent on and fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 3:17

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Ephesians 2:20

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Colossians 1:23

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

John 15:4

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.