Colossians 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Who
G3739
ὃς
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐῤῥύσατο
hath delivered
G4506
ἐῤῥύσατο
hath delivered
Strong's:
G4506
Word #:
2 of 18
compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίας
the power
G1849
ἐξουσίας
the power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
6 of 18
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκότους
of darkness
G4655
σκότους
of darkness
Strong's:
G4655
Word #:
8 of 18
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετέστησεν
hath translated
G3179
μετέστησεν
hath translated
Strong's:
G3179
Word #:
10 of 18
to transfer, i.e., carry away, depose or (figuratively) exchange, seduce
εἰς
us into
G1519
εἰς
us into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοῦ
Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
15 of 18
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.Ephesians 5:8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Ephesians 6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.1 Thessalonians 2:12That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.Ephesians 4:18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:Romans 14:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.1 John 3:14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.1 John 3:8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Historical Context
Ancient conquering kings forcibly relocated conquered populations to prevent rebellion (2 Kings 17:6). Paul transforms this imagery positively: God transferred believers from hostile territory into His Son's secure kingdom. This wasn't brutal deportation but gracious rescue, liberating captives from tyranny into beloved citizenship. The transaction is complete; believers now live under new authority.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you live with awareness that you've been delivered from Satan's authority and transferred into Christ's kingdom?
- What remnants of 'the power of darkness' still influence your thoughts, habits, or priorities?
- How does recognizing Christ's kingdom as present reality (not merely future hope) affect daily decisions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. The verb erysato (ἐρύσατο, "delivered") is aorist, indicating completed rescue from exousias tou skotous (ἐξουσίας τοῦ σκότους, "authority of the darkness"). "Authority" implies organized hostile power—Satan's kingdom operates with structure and intention. Deliverance isn't self-achieved but divinely accomplished, emphasizing salvation by grace.
"Translated" renders metestēsen (μετέστησεν, "transferred"), used of relocating populations. God didn't merely reform believers but transferred them from one realm to another—from Satan's domain into Christ's kingdom. This isn't gradual progress but decisive relocation, completed at conversion. The kingdom belongs to "his dear Son" (tou huiou tēs agapēs autou, τοῦ υἱοῦ τῆς ἀγάπης αὐτοῦ, literally "the Son of his love"), emphasizing eternal Father-Son relationship.