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Κολασσαεύς (Kolossaeus)

Kolossaeus

Colossae

G2858 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun Kolossaeus refers to a resident or native of the city of Colossae. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, serving as a geographical identifier in the title of the Epistle to the Colossians (Colossians 1:2). It distinguishes the recipients of Paul’s letter from other early Christian communities.

Derived from the city name Kolossai, the word functions as an ethnic or civic demonym. Its singular occurrence highlights the specific local context of the letter rather than offering a broad theological concept. The term grounds the epistle in a real historical setting, identifying the audience for whom Paul wrote his instructions on Christ’s supremacy.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word Kolossaeus identifies the specific people to whom Paul wrote his letter, grounding the message in a real historical community rather than an abstract idea. It reminds us that the gospel is not just for everyone everywhere in a vague sense, but for particular individuals in their own cities and cultures. This specificity shows that God cares about local churches and their unique contexts.

When we read this term, we are invited to see ourselves as part of that same ongoing story. The letter was written to a specific group facing specific challenges, yet its truths remain vital today. It encourages us to value our own communities while recognizing our connection to the broader body of believers across time and space.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Colossian1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Κολασσαεῖς1×

Key Verses

  • Colossians 4:18
    I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

    This verse serves as the only occurrence of the term, anchoring the entire epistle's authority in Paul's personal hand and his current imprisonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kolossaeus mean?

Kolossaeus is a Greek noun meaning a resident or native of the city of Colossae. It functions as a demonym, identifying the specific audience of Paul's letter rather than conveying a theological concept.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only once, in Colossians 4:18, where it identifies the recipients of the epistle. This single occurrence highlights the letter's specific historical context.

Why is this word significant?

Its significance lies in its specificity. It reminds readers that the gospel was delivered to real people in a real place, grounding the theological arguments of the letter in historical reality.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Colossians 1 verse
Colossians 4:18

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.