Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Colossians 2:7
ESV rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
NIV rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
NASB having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
CSB being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.
NLT Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
KJV Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
NKJV rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

What does Colossians 2:7 mean?

Paul provides three images that show the importance of walking in faith (Colossians 2:6). First, we are "rooted" in Christ. The idea is that of a tree or plant whose roots form the strength and basis for life. The believer's roots are Christ, not another source, as false teachers would suggest. Second, the believer is "built up" in Christ. This building or architectural metaphor speaks of a building that is constructed by the power of Christ. Just as only Christ can save a person, only Christ can build up or mature a person. Third, to be "established" in the faith is a legal metaphor referring to maturity or something firmly decided.

The second half of the verse refers again to Epaphras, the man who brought Christianity to the Colossians. His outreach to these people included the true gospel, in contrast with the false teachings Paul is about to address. The result of the true gospel of Jesus is thanksgiving (Colossians 1:3; Colossians 4:2).
Expand
Context Summary
Colossians 2:6–15 describes Christ's superiority in defeating sin. This is shown in stark contrast to the failure of the unbelieving world. Paul encourages the Colossians not to be tricked by deceptive arguments. This passage also explains the drastic nature of salvation. Those who put their faith in Christ are ''spiritually'' circumcised and are identified with God through their faith. This act of forgiveness by God frees us from the eternal penalty of sin, restores our relationship, and defeats the evil forces fighting against us.
Expand
Chapter Summary
In this passage, Paul warns Christians not to be taken in by deceptive arguments. These claims are attractive, but are merely tricks: they sound true, but they are not. Arguing for self-denial, legalism, visions, and other practices only looks good to observers. None of these are the real source of spiritual growth. Paul emphasizes the way Christ accomplished everything we need to be justified before God. As a result, there is no reason for believers to pursue these false, shallow ''shadows.'' We have the real substance: Jesus, so we should follow Him.
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app: