Colossians 1:14

Authorized King James Version

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
In
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#3
ἔχομεν
we have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#4
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀπολύτρωσιν
redemption
(the act) ransom in full, i.e., (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) christian salvation
#6
διὰ
through
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#7
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
αἵματος
blood
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
#9
αὐτοῦ,
his
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
#10
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἄφεσιν
even the forgiveness
freedom; (figuratively) pardon
#12
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἁμαρτιῶν·
of sins
a sin (properly abstract)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Colossians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of redemption connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about redemption, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Colossians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes redemption in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection