Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Translate in the Greek order, "In whom (not as ALFORD, 'in which') mystery; Christ is Himself the 'mystery' (Colossians 2:2; I Timothy 3:16), and to Christ the relative refers) are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden." The "all" here, answers to "all" in Colossians 2:2; as "treasures" answer to the "riches"; it is from the treasures that the riches (Colossians 2:2) are derived. "Are" is the predicate of the sentence; all the treasures ARE in Him; hidden is predicated of the state or manner in which they are in Him. Like a mine of unknown and inexhaustible wealth, the treasures of wisdom are all in Him hidden, but not in order to remain so; they only need to be explored for you to attain "unto the riches" in them (Colossians 2:2); but until you, Colossians, press after attaining the full knowledge (see on Colossians 2:2) of them, they remain "hidden." Compare the parable, Matthew 13:44, "treasure hid." This sense suits the scope of the apostle, and sets aside ALFORD'S objection that "the treasures are not hidden, but revealed." "Hidden" plainly answers to "mystery" (Colossians 2:2), which is designed by God, if we be faithful to our privileges, not to remain hidden, but to be revealed (compare I Corinthians 2:7-8). Still as the mine is unfathomable, there will, through eternity, be always fresh treasures in Him to be drawn forth from their hidden state.
wisdom—general, and as to experimental and practical truth; whence comes "understanding" (Colossians 2:2).
knowledge—special and intellectual, in regard to doctrinal truth; whence comes "the full knowledge" (Colossians 2:2).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Colossians 2:3:
Ecclesiastes 9:18
Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 11:2
1 Corinthians 1:24
1 Corinthians 1:30
1 Corinthians 12:8-10
Colossians 1:9
Colossians 1:27
Colossians 2:2
Colossians 2:8
Revelation 3:18
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