KJV vs NIV Colossians 2:9

[jollyrancher]

The Greek word “theotetos” in Colossians 2:9 is translated “fullness of the Godhead” in the King James Version. However, according to Liddell and Scott’s Greek-English Lexicon, “theotetos” means “divinity” or “divine nature.” One possible meaning of the fact that Christ possesses “divine nature” or the quality of “divinity” is that the excelling qualities that the God the Father possesses also dwell in Christ. This does not necessarily mean that Christ is God himself. There are several scriptures in Colossians that show that Jesus Christ is not God but rather is subordinate to him. Colossians 1:15 says that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God”, not God himself. Colossians 1:19 says that “it pleased the Father that in Him [Christ] all the fullness should dwell.” This seems to say that it was the Father’s decision that all fullness dwell in Christ. Colossians 3:1 says that Christ is “seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 2:12 says that God raised Christ from the dead.