And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

COLOSSIANS 2:19KJV
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Colossians 2:19 (KJV)

What does Colossians 2:19 mean?

Colossians 2:19 describes someone who is not staying connected to Christ, who is called "the Head," and explains that it is from Christ that the whole community of believers is supported, held together, and grows with the growth that comes from God. The verse stresses that spiritual life and unity come from holding firmly to Christ.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, warning them against teachings or practices that distract from Christ. He uses the image of a body, where Christ is the head and believers are the body, to show that all nourishment, unity, and growth depend on staying connected to Jesus. The verse highlights that true spiritual growth is something God gives, not something achieved by following other rules or leaders.

The Greek behind Colossians 2:19

  • ἡ κεφαλή (hē kephalē, "Head"): This word is used for Christ, showing his role as the source and leader of the church, just as a head directs and gives life to a body.
  • ἁφῶν (haphōn, "joints") and συνδέσμων (syndesmōn, "bands"): These words describe the connections within the body, emphasizing how believers are joined and supported together through Christ.
  • αὔξησις (auxēsis, "increase") and αὐξάνει (auxanei, "increaseth"): These words highlight that real growth comes from God, not from human effort or outside teachings.

Why Colossians 2:19 matters

  • Colossians 2:19 clears up the idea that spiritual growth or unity can come from any source other than Christ; Paul insists that only by staying connected to Jesus does the church truly thrive.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of the whole community being joined together, not just as individuals, but as a body that depends on Christ for nourishment and direction.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s wider warning in Colossians against false teachings that distract from Christ, reminding readers that everything needed for spiritual life comes from him.

Where else these words appear

“joints” Greek G860 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

“increase” Greek G838 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

“bands” Greek G4886 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
  • Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
  • Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

“ministered” Greek G2023 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
  • 2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;