King James Version

What Does Colossians 1:28 Mean?

Colossians 1:28 in the King James Version says “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ...” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:”

Colossians 1:28 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

26

Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

27

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: in: or, among

28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

29

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily .

Read Colossians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Paul's ministry focuses on Christ—"whom we preach" (hon hēmeis katangelomen, ὃν ἡμεῖς καταγγέλλομεν). Authentic ministry proclaims Christ's person and work, not human philosophy or mystical techniques. The three-fold "every man" (panta anthrōpon, πάντα ἄνθρωπον) emphasizes universal scope and individual attention: warning, teaching, presenting each person.

"Warning" (nouthetountes, νουθετοῦντες) involves admonishing against error and danger. "Teaching" (didaskontes, διδάσκοντες) communicates positive truth. Both are necessary: correction and instruction, negative and positive, preventing error and promoting truth. "In all wisdom" (en pasē sophia, ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ) indicates comprehensive, Spirit-given understanding—not worldly cleverness but divine insight into God's ways.

The goal: "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus" (parastēsōmen panta anthrōpon teleion en Christō, παραστήσωμεν πάντα ἄνθρωπον τέλειον ἐν Χριστῷ). Teleion (τέλειον, "perfect/mature/complete") doesn't mean sinless but fully developed, lacking nothing necessary for spiritual maturity. Perfection exists only "in Christ"—union with Him supplies every deficiency. Ministry aims at maturity, not mere conversion or initial experience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greek education prized wisdom accessible only to philosophical elites. Jewish rabbis taught select students. Paul democratizes spiritual education: every person receives warning and teaching toward maturity. This wasn't lowest-common-denominator dumbing down but high calling for all believers. The Colossian heresy created spiritual tiers—novices, initiates, perfect ones. Paul declares all can reach maturity in Christ through faithful teaching.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your church experience balance warning against error with teaching positive truth, or emphasize one over the other?
  2. What does spiritual maturity look like practically—conformity to Christ's character, doctrinal understanding, ministry fruitfulness, or all three?
  3. How do you pursue perfection/maturity—through self-effort and religious performance, or through deepening union with Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ὃν1 of 21

“Whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἡμεῖς2 of 21

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

καταγγέλλομεν3 of 21

“preach”

G2605

to proclaim, promulgate

νουθετοῦντες4 of 21

“warning”

G3560

to put in mind, i.e., (by implication) to caution or reprove gently

πάντα5 of 21

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἄνθρωπον6 of 21

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καὶ7 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διδάσκοντες8 of 21

“teaching”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

πάντα9 of 21

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἄνθρωπον10 of 21

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐν11 of 21

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πάντα12 of 21

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σοφίᾳ13 of 21

“wisdom”

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

ἵνα14 of 21

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

παραστήσωμεν15 of 21

“we may present”

G3936

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

πάντα16 of 21

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἄνθρωπον17 of 21

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τέλειον18 of 21

“perfect”

G5046

complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness

ἐν19 of 21

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ·20 of 21

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ·21 of 21

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 1:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 1:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:27Jeremiah 3:15Ephesians 4:11-13Matthew 5:482 Timothy 2:24-25Colossians 3:16

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Colossians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterColossians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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