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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Colossians 1:21 - 1:21
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
And you (kai humās). Accusative case in a rather loose sentence, to be explained as the object of the infinitive parastēsai in Col 1:22 (note repeated humās there) or as the anticipated object of apokatēllaxen if that be the genuine form in Col 1:22. It can be the accusative of general reference followed by anacoluthon. See similar idiom in Eph 2:1, Eph 2:12.
Being in time past alienated (pote ontas apēllotriōmenous). Periphrastic perfect passive participle (continuing state of alienation) of apallotrioō, old word from Plato on, to estrange, to render allotrios (belonging to another), alienated from God, a vivid picture of heathenism as in Rom 1:20-23. Only other N.T. examples in Eph 2:12; Eph 4:18. Enemies (exthrous). Old word from echthos (hatred). Active sense here, hostile as in Mat 13:28; Rom 8:7, not passive hateful (Rom 11:28).
In your mind (tēi dianoiāi). Locative case. Dianoia (dia, nous), mind, intent, purpose. Old word. It is always a tragedy to see men use their minds actively against God.
In your evil works (en tois ergois tois ponērois). Hostile purpose finds natural expression in evil deeds.