### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Kolossaí**, represented by `{{G2857}}`, refers to **Colosse**, a place in Asia Minor. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The name is apparently the feminine plural of a word meaning "colossal."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G2857}}` is in the opening of the letter to the Colossians. It identifies the recipients of the letter as "the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at **Colosse**" [[Colossians 1:2]]. This geographical reference sets the context for the entire epistle, establishing the specific community being addressed with a message of grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The greeting to the church at Colosse is rich with terms that define the believers and the blessings bestowed upon them:
* `{{G40}}` **hágios** (saint): This word means sacred, consecrated, or holy. It identifies believers as set apart for God's purposes, as seen in the call for prayer for all **saints** [[Ephesians 6:18]].
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (brother): This term defines believers as family, whether literally or figuratively. It establishes a spiritual kinship, with Christ as the "firstborn among many **brethren**" [[Romans 8:29]].
* `{{G5485}}` **cháris** (grace): This refers to graciousness, especially the divine influence on the heart. It is the unmerited favor of God, through which believers are saved [[Ephesians 2:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of this single verse is anchored in the identity of the people at **Colosse** and the source of their blessings.
* **A New Identity:** The believers are addressed not by their worldly status but by their spiritual one: **saints** `{{G40}}` and faithful **brethren** `{{G80}}` "in **Christ**" `{{G5547}}`. This identity as a new creature is central to Christian belief [[2 Corinthians 5:17]].
* **A Divine Source:** The blessing of **grace** `{{G5485}}` and **peace** `{{G1515}}` comes directly "from **God** `{{G2316}}` our **Father** `{{G3962}}` and the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` **Christ** `{{G5547}}`." This establishes that all true spiritual well-being originates from God.
* **A Specific Community:** By naming **Colosse**, the verse affirms that these profound theological truths apply to a real community of people. It grounds the universal church in the local gathering of believers who are called to be strong in the **Lord** [[Ephesians 6:10]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G2857}}` **Kolossaí** is simply a geographical name, its single biblical mention provides a crucial anchor. It identifies a specific community of believers who are defined not by their location, but by their identity as **saints** and **brethren** in **Christ**. The verse establishes the divine source of all spiritual blessings—**grace** and **peace** from **God** our **Father** and the **Lord Jesus Christ**—making **Colosse** the backdrop for a foundational Christian truth.
TRV