understand
Paul’s phrase, “I want you to understand” is identical to that in 1 Corinthians 11:3 (θέλω…ὑμᾶς εἰδέναι; thelō…hymas eidenai), where it is translated with the phrase “I want you to understand.” This is distinct from a simliar phrase in Philippians 1:12 where Paul says “I want you to know” (Γινώσκειν…ὑμᾶς βούλομαι; ginōskein…hymas boulomai) and so the phrases now appear with different English glosses. The word here for “understand” (εἰδέναι; eidenai) carries the nuance of a heart awareness of something, or knowledge that is gained from some form of sight (i.e., insight), and thus it makes sense why Paul presents the news of his love in order to strengthen the “hearts” of those who hear it (cf. v. 2). Paul wants to strengthen them in the depths of their hearts to the end that such an awareness of love may work itself out in an ever more conscious knowledge of Christ Himself (cf. v. 2).

in the flesh
“In the flesh” literally translates the Greek ἐν σαρκί (en sarki). Because this expression is perfectly understandable in English, it is retained literally here. This provides a more vivid expression and communicates exactly what Paul is saying here in Greek.

full knowledge
“Full knowledge” translates the Greek word ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis), which Is the word for “knowledge” (γνῶσις; gnōsis) with the added prefix ἐπί- (epi-). In Greek, prefixes are often added to intensify the existing word, so in this case, it is translated not just as “knowledge” but as “full knowledge” to bring out the sense of the added prefix. Because Paul is concerned that believers be filled with the knowledge of Christ (cf. 1:9), the force of the added prefix likely does not emphasize the quality of knowledge (as in “real knowledge”) but rather the quantity of knowledge (“full knowledge”). This is especially important to emphasize in light of the beginnings of Gnostic thought which was prominent at the time Paul wrote to the Colossians. While it was popular in the culture to seek various means of acquiring fuller knowledge, Paul enforces that full knowledge is found in Christ Himself and nothing may be added to Him men must come to the full knowledge of God only through Him (cf. v. 15; John 1:18; 14:9; Heb 1:3).

good order
“Good order” translates τάξις (taxis), which has the sense of military arrangement for battle and thus communicates careful and intentional organization and order. Paul rejoiced to see that the Colossians were not becoming flustered or swayed from the truth, but were remaining in good order and stability in their faith.

in whom
“In whom” provides a literal translation and also maintains the original word order of the phrase here beginning with ἐν ᾧ (en hō), as Paul simply continues the emphasis on Christ. He references Christ 19 times in this chapter alone whether by name or with a pronoun.

graciously forgiven
“Graciously forgiven” translates χαρίζομαι (charizomai), which is a more specific word for forgiveness based on the word for “grace” (χάρις; charis). The translation here as “graciously forgiven” brings out the idea of grace and also distinguishes this word from the other word often used for forgiveness (ἀφίημι; aphiēmi). This distinct word for gracious forgiveness appears two other times in this letter in 3:13, and is translated consistently with “graciously forgive.” Here, Paul emphasizes how God has been exceedingly gracious to believers by forgiving them in Christ from all their transgressions.

food and drink
This translation as “food and drink” rather than “food or drink,” along with the use of commas, helps to distinguish this first category of eating and drinking from the second category of keeping certain days (festival, new moon, Sabbath). The practice of religion—whether dietary rules or required celebrations—cannot act as a supplement to Christ’s atoning work on the cross for salvation. These things are merely a shadow of the true substance—Christ Himself (v. 17). Thus, Paul instructs that believers are not to allow such rules to be imposed upon them as a contributing factor for their salvation.

puffed up
“Puffed up” is a literal translation of the Greek term φυσιόω (phusioō). It is also the consistent rendering of the term in this translation (1 Cor 4:6; 18, 19; 8:1; 13:4). The consistency helps readers to discern the emptiness of this kind of arrogance, for it is not based on anything real (1 Cor 4:18–19). In the immediate context, Paul is saying that the opponents to the gospel in Colossae are “puffed up for nothing” and do not know true wisdom (2:2–3) or true power over sin (2:23) because they do not know Christ. They live in vain imaginations, and Paul does not want the believers in this church following anything but the glorious realities of Christ.

commands
“Commands” translates ἔνταλμα (entalma). The English term “command” is sometimes used in the Old Testament (as opposed to “commandment”) to refer to something that does not come from God, as is the case in Isaiah 29:13 (cf. Jer 35:16). In the New Testament, it always appears with reference to the commands “of men” like it does here (cf. Matt 15:9; Mark 7:7). This translation helps English readers see the distinction between the “commands of men” and the “commandments of God” across contexts, in accordance with the different Greek terms.

word of wisdom
While most translations have something like “appearance of wisdom” or “reputation of wisdom” here, this translation literally carries over the Greek phrasing, which indicates a “word of wisdom” (λόγον…σοφίας; logon…sophias). While the idea of “appearance” or “reputation” is likely what Paul intends to communicate, the literal translation here provides the clearest window to the original text and avoids the practice of interpretation, which is left to the reader, pastor, or teacher to study and explain.