In whom (or, which) are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden(ly) (Ephesians 1:8, Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:8; Romans 11:33; 1 Corinthians 1:5, 1 Corinthians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 2:7; 2 Corinthians 4:3).
Bengel, Meyer, Alford, and others make the relative pronoun neuter, referring to "mystery;" but "Christ," the nearer antecedent, is preferable (Colossians 2:9, Colossians 2:10; Colossians 1:16, Colossians 1:17, Colossians 1:19).
In him the apostle finds what false teachers sought elsewhere, a satisfaction for the intellect as well as for the heart—treasures of wisdom and knowledge to enrich the understanding, and unsearchable mysteries to exercise the speculative reason.
"Hidden" is, therefore, a secondary predicate: in whom are these treasures,—as hidden treasures" (Ellicott, Lightfoot). (For a similar emphasis of position, compare "made complete," Colossians 2:10, and "seated," Colossians 3:1.
) Meyer and Alford, with the Vulgate, make "hidden" an attributive: "in whom are hidden treasures." Chrysostom and leading versions make it primary predicate: "in whom are hidden," etc., against the order of the words.
This word also belongs to the dialect of the mystic theosophists. (On "wisdom," see note, Colossians 1:9.) Knowledge ( γνῶσις, not ἐπίγνωσις, Colossians 2:2; Colossians 1:9; Colossians 3:10; for this phrase is more comprehensive) is the more objective and purely intellectual side of wisdom (comp.