I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Colossians 2:4
What does Colossians 2:4 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Colossians 2:4
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The danger isn't just about being tricked, but specifically about being "beguiled" by arguments that sound reasonable but are actually flawed—like a convincing lie that has just enough truth to make it believable. This is why Paul emphasizes that true wisdom and knowledge are found only in Christ, because anything else, no matter how plausible, is ultimately empty.
I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is expressing his deep concern and intense spiritual struggle for the Colossians, wanting them to grow in their knowledge of Christ. He has just revealed that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, emphasizing His sufficiency. This declaration serves as a prelude to a warning: he says this precisely to prevent anyone from deceiving them with clever arguments that sound convincing but are ultimately misleading.
Ever been convinced by someone's argument, only to realize later they were totally wrong? The Apostle Paul warns against this very danger.
Paul uses the Greek word 'paralogizomai' (translated here as 'delude' or 'beguile') which means to deceive by false reasoning. It’s like a math problem where the steps look correct, but a hidden error leads to a wrong answer. These aren't just outright lies; they are arguments that sound logical and convincing on the surface. The goal is to lead you away from the truth, often by presenting half-truths or cleverly disguised falsehoods. The original language hints at 'false reckoning' or 'deceptive calculation.'
Key Takeaways:
If false arguments can sound so convincing, where can we find real, solid truth to stand on?
Paul’s warning in Colossians 2:4 isn't just about avoiding deception; it's about anchoring ourselves in the ultimate source of truth. He emphasizes that 'in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3). This means that true wisdom isn't found in clever human arguments or complex philosophies, but is fully present and complete in Jesus Christ himself.
Ask a follow-up
The Sufficiency of Christ:
Understand the original words
paralogizomai · Greek Verb
Deceiving or misleading someone through false logic, persuasive rhetoric, or crafty speech that sounds reasonable but is contrary to the truth of the Gospel.
pithanologia · Greek Noun
Arguments that appear convincing, likely, or persuasive to the human mind but lack the substance of divine truth, often used by those promoting false teachings.
The warning against 'plausible arguments' in Colossians 2:4 directly addresses the threat of subtle, philosophical-sounding deception that was subtly undermining the church's focus on Christ's absolute sufficiency.
c. 40s AD
Paul's Ministry and Church Planting
The Apostle Paul actively travels, establishing Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire, including in regions like Asia Minor where Colossae is located.
c. 50s-60s AD
Emergence of Heretical Teachings
False teachers, likely a blend of Jewish legalism and early Gnostic ideas, begin to influence churches, emphasizing traditions, asceticism, and special knowledge over Christ's sufficiency.
c. 60-62 AD— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment
While imprisoned, likely in Rome or Caesarea, Paul maintains contact with churches he's planted, including Colossae, through letters and possibly messengers.
c. 60-62 AD
Writing of Colossians
Paul writes the Epistle to the Colossians from prison, addressing the specific theological challenges and dangerous philosophies subtly encroaching on the church.
This passage parallels Colossians 2:4 by emphasizing that Paul's preaching didn't rely on 'plausible arguments of human wisdom' but on the power and demonstration of the Spirit, directly addressing the danger of deceptive reasoning.
Ephesians 5:6This verse warns against being deceived by 'empty words,' which aligns with Colossians 2:4's caution against 'enticing words' and highlights the spiritual danger of false teachings.
2 Peter 2:18This passage describes false teachers who 'utter loud boasts of vanity' and 'entice by sensual passions,' mirroring the warning in Colossians 2:4 against those who use 'plausible arguments' to lead people astray.
Jude 1:3Jude urges believers to 'contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,' echoing the protective intent of Paul's warning in Colossians 2:4 against those who would 'delude' with false arguments.
Hebrews 13:9This verse directly states, 'Do not be led away by diverse and strange doctrines,' which serves as a powerful parallel to Paul's specific warning in Colossians 2:4 about being 'beguiled by plausible arguments.'
henryColossians 2:1-7: "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;"
2:1-7 The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. When we not only believe with the heart, but are ready, when called, to make confession with the mouth. Knowledge and faith make a soul rich. The stronger our faith, and the warmer our love, the more will our comfort be. The treasures of wisdom are hid…
vincentColossians 2:4: "And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words."
Beguile (παραλογίζηται)Only here and James 1:22. See note. Rev., delude. So Ignatius, speaking of the duty of obedience to the bishop, says: "He that fails in this, does not deceive the visible bishop, but attempts to cheat (παραλογίζεται) the Invisible" (Epistle to Magnesians, 3). The word is found in the Septuagint, Joshua 9:22; 1 Samuel 19:17; 2 Samuel 21:5.Enticing words (πιθανολογίᾳ)Rev., persuasiven…
The danger isn't just about being tricked, but specifically about being "beguiled" by arguments that sound reasonable but are actually flawed—like a convincing lie that has just enough truth to make it believable. This is why Paul emphasizes that true wisdom and knowledge are found only in Christ, because anything else, no matter how plausible, is ultimately empty.
Paul is expressing his deep concern and intense spiritual struggle for the Colossians, wanting them to grow in their knowledge of Christ. He has just revealed that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, emphasizing His sufficiency. This declaration serves as a prelude to a warning: he says this precisely to prevent anyone from deceiving them with clever arguments that sound convincing but are ultimately misleading.
Paul is expressing his deep concern and intense spiritual struggle for the Colossians, wanting them to grow in their knowledge of Christ. He has just revealed that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, emphasizing His sufficiency. This declaration serves as a prelude to a warning: he says this precisely to prevent anyone from deceiving them with clever arguments that sound convincing but are ultimately misleading.
"I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments." — The danger isn't just about being tricked, but specifically about being "beguiled" by arguments that sound reasonable but are actually flawed—like a convincing lie that has just enough truth to mak…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026