Colossians 1:13

Authorized King James Version

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὃς
G3739
Who
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
ἐῤῥύσατο
G4506
hath delivered
compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue
#3
ἡμᾶς
G2248
us
us
#4
ἐκ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#5
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐξουσίας
G1849
the power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#7
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
σκότους
G4655
of darkness
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
μετέστησεν
G3179
hath translated
to transfer, i.e., carry away, depose or (figuratively) exchange, seduce
#11
εἰς
G1519
us into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#12
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
βασιλείαν
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#14
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
υἱοῦ
G5207
Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#16
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἀγάπης
G26
dear
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
#18
αὐτοῦ
G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

Within the broader context of Colossians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Colossians's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection