Bible Strands
Colossians 1:26
the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Colossian believers, identifying himself as a servant commissioned by God to proclaim the word of God. He addresses the moment of divine disclosure following his labor in spreading the message.
The words — The Greek μυστήριον (mustērion) denotes a secret or mystery, paired with ἀποκεκρυμμένον (apokekrummenon), a perfect passive participle meaning "having been hidden." Together they establish a secret previously concealed but now actively disclosed.
The thread — This disclosure motif appears in Luke 8:10 regarding kingdom mysteries, Romans 16:25 concerning the gospel's revelation, and Ephesians 3:3 where Paul notes a mystery made known by direct revelation.
Why it lands — The text states that a divine secret was concealed across time but is now disclosed to believers. It requires readers to accept their inclusion in a previously closed circle of revelation without adding external explanations.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Cross-references
- Luke 8:10 He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’
- Romans 16:25 Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past
- Ephesians 3:3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
- Psalms 25:14 The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.
- Matthew 13:11 He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.
- 1 Corinthians 2:7 No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.
- Mark 4:11 He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables,
- 2 Timothy 1:10 And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel,