Colossians 2:7

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary

Colossians 2:7 KJV: "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving."

Context

This verse is part of Paul's letter to the church at Colossae, where he passionately defends the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ against various emerging false teachings. These heresies, often a blend of Gnosticism, Jewish legalism, and asceticism, threatened to undermine the believers' understanding of salvation and their relationship with God. Following a warning in Colossians 2:8 about being taken captive by "philosophy and vain deceit," verse 7 provides a powerful exhortation for believers to remain steadfast and grow in their faith, emphasizing that true spiritual life is found only "in Him" – in Christ.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Foundation and Growth: The metaphors "rooted" and "built up" vividly describe the process of Christian maturity. Just as a tree needs deep roots for stability and nourishment, and a building requires a strong foundation and ongoing construction, so too believers must be firmly grounded in Christ. This speaks to both the initial establishment of faith and the continuous process of spiritual edification.
  • Christ's Centrality: The phrase "in him" underscores that Jesus Christ is not merely a component of faith, but the very essence and source of all spiritual life, stability, and growth. All true Christian experience flows from a living relationship with Him.
  • Steadfastness in Faith: To be "stablished in the faith" means to be made firm, confirmed, and secure. This stability is crucial in the face of spiritual opposition and deceptive doctrines, enabling believers to stand firm against worldly philosophies and empty traditions.
  • Importance of Sound Teaching: "As ye have been taught" highlights the vital role of apostolic teaching and sound doctrine in nurturing genuine faith. True spiritual growth is not based on human speculation but on the revealed truth of God's Word, faithfully transmitted by those who teach it. This aligns with the importance of Scripture being profitable for doctrine and instruction.
  • Abounding Thanksgiving: The culmination of this spiritual growth is "abounding therein with thanksgiving." A deep, Christ-centered faith naturally overflows with gratitude, recognizing God's grace and provision in all circumstances. This thanksgiving is not just an emotion but a continuous lifestyle of praise and appreciation, even amidst challenges, reflecting a deep joy in the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used here offer rich imagery:

  • Rhizoo (rooted): Literally means "to cause to take root," emphasizing a deep, strong planting, drawing sustenance from Christ.
  • Epoikodomeo (built up): Means "to build upon," implying ongoing construction and edification, growing layer by layer upon the foundation of Christ. This concept is similar to Christ being the only true foundation.
  • Bebaioo (stablished): Denotes "to make firm, confirm, establish," suggesting a strengthening and securing against instability.
  • Perisseuo (abounding): Means "to superabound, overflow, be in excess," indicating a rich and plentiful outpouring of thanksgiving. This abundance of gratitude is a mark of spiritual health, as also seen in Philippians 4:6 regarding prayer with thanksgiving.

Practical Application

Colossians 2:7 offers timeless guidance for Christian living:

  • Prioritize Christ: Ensure that your faith is deeply rooted in Jesus Christ alone, not in fleeting trends, human philosophies, or legalistic rules. He is the source of true life and stability.
  • Pursue Continuous Growth: Understand that spiritual maturity is an ongoing process. Actively seek to be "built up" through consistent Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
  • Guard Your Faith: Be vigilant against teachings that contradict the truth of the Gospel. Be "stablished" by knowing what you believe and why, so you can discern truth from error.
  • Embrace Sound Doctrine: Value and seek out solid biblical teaching that aligns with what the apostles taught. Let the Word of God be your guide.
  • Live with Gratitude: Cultivate a heart of thanksgiving in all circumstances. An overflowing gratitude is a powerful witness to the sufficiency of Christ and a shield against discontentment and doubt.
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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.