A.T. Robertson Commentary Colossians 1:11

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Colossians 1:11

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Colossians 1:11

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;" — Colossians 1:11 (ASV)

Strengthened (δυναμουμενο). Present passive participle of late verb δυναμοω (from δυναμις), to empower, "empowered with all power." In LXX and papyri and modern Greek. In N.T. only here and Heb 11:34 and MSS. in Eph 6:10 (W H in margin).

According to the might of his glory (κατα το κρατος της δοξης αυτου). Κρατος is old word for perfect strength (cf. κρατεω, κρατιλος). In N.T. it is applied only to God. Here his might is accompanied by glory (Shekinah).

Unto all patience and longsuffering (εις πασαν υπομονην κα μακροθυμιαν). See both together also in Jas 5:10f.; 2 Corinthians 6:4,6; 2 Timothy 3:10. Hυπομονη is remaining under (υπομενω) difficulties without succumbing, while μακροθυμια is the long endurance that does not retaliate (Trench).