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Colossians 2:9

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For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

For {G3754} in {G1722} him {G846} dwelleth {G2730} all {G3956} the fulness {G4138} of the Godhead {G2320} bodily {G4985}.

For in him, bodily, lives the fullness of all that God is.

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form.

for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,

Commentary

Colossians 2:9 is a profound declaration of the absolute deity and unique nature of Jesus Christ. It states, "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding who Christ is and why His work is supremely sufficient for salvation and spiritual completeness.

Context

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians to address various false teachings that were threatening the young church in Colossae. These errors included elements of asceticism, angel worship, and a nascent form of Gnosticism, which often denied the full deity or humanity of Christ, or promoted secret knowledge as necessary for salvation. Paul counters these deceptive philosophies by unequivocally asserting Christ's supremacy and divine nature, highlighting that everything necessary for salvation and spiritual maturity is found completely in Him.

Key Themes

  • The Full Deity of Christ: This verse explicitly declares that Jesus Christ is fully God. The term "Godhead" (Greek: theotēs) refers to the very essence and nature of God Himself, not just divine qualities. It emphasizes that the entire being of God resides in Christ.
  • The Incarnation: The word "bodily" (Greek: sōmatikōs) is crucial, affirming that this divine fullness was manifested in a real, physical body. This directly refutes any Gnostic ideas that might separate Christ's divine spirit from a material body, or suggest He only appeared to be human. It underscores the reality of the Incarnation.
  • Christ's Sufficiency and Completeness: Because the totality of God dwells in Christ, believers find all they need for salvation, wisdom, and spiritual life in Him. There is no need for additional rituals, human philosophies, or intermediaries beyond Christ. He is the ultimate revelation of God and the source of all truth. This theme is further explored in Colossians 2:10.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "Godhead" is theotēs (θεότης), which specifically denotes the inherent nature and being of God. This differs from theiotēs (θεϊότης), used in Romans 1:20, which refers to divine attributes or qualities. Paul uses theotēs to leave no doubt that Christ possesses the very essence of deity.
  • "Fulness" comes from the Greek plērōma (πλήρωμα), meaning completeness, abundance, or the sum total. In Christ, the entire measure of divine being is present.

Practical Application

For believers today, Colossians 2:9 provides immense assurance and clarity. It affirms that Jesus Christ is not merely a prophet, a good teacher, or a part of God, but He is God incarnate. This means:

  • Our Foundation is Secure: Our faith rests on the absolute deity of Christ, making our salvation and spiritual standing utterly secure.
  • No Need for More: We are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10). We don't need to seek spiritual fulfillment or a closer walk with God through human traditions, legalistic practices, or esoteric knowledge. All wisdom and truth are found in Him.
  • Worship and Adoration: This verse calls us to worship Christ as fully God, recognizing His supreme authority and power over all things.
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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

  • Colossians 1:19 (41 votes)

    For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell;

  • John 1:14 (39 votes)

    And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

  • John 10:30 (36 votes)

    I and [my] Father are one.

  • 1 Timothy 3:16 (25 votes)

    And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

  • John 14:9 (21 votes)

    Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?

  • John 14:10 (21 votes)

    Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

  • John 10:38 (21 votes)

    But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father [is] in me, and I in him.