Colossians 2 · Verse 3

Colossians 2:3

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:3, King James Version

Colossians 2:3 in other translations

BSBin whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
WEBin whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
ASVin whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.
YLTin whom are all the treasures of the wisdom and the knowledge hid,
DARBYin which are hid all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.
BBEIn whom are all the secret stores of wisdom and knowledge.
WebsterIn whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

What does Colossians 2:3 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
3. Translate in the Greek order, "In whom (not as Alford, 'in which') mystery; Christ is Himself the 'mystery' (Col 2:2; 1Ti 3:16), and to Christ the relative refers) are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden." The "all" here, answers to "all" in Col 2:2; as "treasures" answer to the "riches"; it is from the treasures that the riches (Col 2:2) are derived. "Are" is the predicate of the sentence; all the treasures ARE in Him; hidden is predicated of the state or manner in which they are in Him. Like a mine of unknown and inexhaustible wealth, the treasures of wisdom are all in Him hidden, but not in order to remain so; they only need to be explored for you to attain "unto the riches" in them (Col 2:2); but until you, Colossians, press after attaining the full knowledge (see on Col 2:2) of them, they remain "hidden." Compare the parable, Mt 13:44, "treasure hid." This sense suits the scope of the apostle, and sets aside Alford's objection that "the treasures are not hidden, but revealed." "Hidden" plainly answers to "mystery" (Col 2:2), which is designed by God, if we be faithful to our privileges, not to remain hidden, but to be revealed (compare 1Co 2:7, 8). Still as the mine is unfathomable, there will, through eternity, be always fresh treasures in Him to be drawn forth from their hidden state. wisdom--general, and as to experimental and practical truth; whence comes "understanding" (Col 2:2). knowledge--special and intellectual, in regard to doctrinal truth; whence comes "the full knowledge" (Col 2:2).

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 3. In whom. Marg., wherein. The more correct translation is, "in whom." The reference is doubtless to Christ, as his name is the immediate antecedent, and as what is affirmed here properly appertains to him.

Are hid. Like treasures that are concealed or garnered up. It does not mean that none of those "treasures" had been developed; but that, so to speak, Christ, as Mediator, was the great treasure-house where were to be found all the wisdom and knowledge needful for men.

All the treasures. It is common to compare anything valuable with "treasures" of silver or gold. The idea here is, that in reference to the wisdom and knowledge needful for us, Christ is what abundant treasures are in reference to the supply of our wants.

Wisdom. The wisdom needful for our salvation. 1Cor 1:24.

And knowledge. The knowledge which is requisite to guide us in the way to life. Christ is able to instruct us in all that it is desirable for us to know, so that it is not necessary for us to apply to philosophy, or to the teachings of men.

(1) "In whom" "wherein"

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 3 In whom are hid - Or rather in which; referring to the mystery mentioned above. In this glorious scheme of Christianity all the treasures - the abundance and excellency, of wisdom and knowledge are contained. No scheme of salvation, or Divine knowledge, ever equalled in its depth and excellency the Gospel plan. A scheme which the wisdom of God alone could devise, and which his power and infinite mercy alone could accomplish.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Colossians 2:1-7

The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. When we not only believe with the heart, but are ready, when called, to make confession with the mouth. Knowledge and faith make a soul rich. The stronger our faith, and the warmer our love, the more will our comfort be. The treasures of wisdom are hid, not from us, but for us, in Christ. These were hid from proud unbelievers, but…

Read the full comment on Colossians 2:1-7 →

Colossians 2:3 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ἐνeninG1722
ᾧhōwhomG3739
εἰσινeisinareG1510
πάντεςpantesallG3956
οἱhoitheG3588
θησαυροὶthēsauroitreasuresG2344
τῆςtēs<the>G3588
σοφίαςsophiasof wisdomG4678
καὶkaiandG2532
γνώσεωςgnōseōsof knowledgeG1108
ἀπόκρυφοι·apokruphoihidden;G614

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Colossians 2:3

  • 1 Corinthians 1:24

    But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:30

    But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

  • Romans 11:33

    O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

  • 1 Corinthians 2:6-8

    Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

  • 2 Timothy 3:15-17

    And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

  • Colossians 1:9

    For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

  • Ephesians 3:9-10

    And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

  • Ephesians 1:8

    Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

  • Matthew 10:26

    Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

  • Proverbs 2:4

    If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

  • Colossians 3:16

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

  • Revelation 2:17

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
In whom. or, Wherein.
1:9,19; 3:16; Ro 11:33; 1Co 1:24,30; 2:6-8; Eph 1:8; 3:10
2Ti 3:15-17
hid.
3:3; Job 28:21; Pr 2:4; Mt 10:26; Eph 3:9; Re 2:17

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Colossians 2:2

    That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

  • Colossians 2:3

    In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

  • Colossians 2:4

    And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

Read all of Colossians 2

Colossians 2:3 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909
En el cual están escondidos todos los tesoros de sabiduría y conocimiento.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885
dans lequel sont cachés tous les trésors de la sagesse et de la connaissance.
German
Elberfelder 1871
in welchem verborgen sind alle Schätze der Weisheit und der Erkenntnis.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate
in quo sunt omnes thesauri sapientiæ et scientiæ absconditi.