Colossians 1:16

Authorized King James Version

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

For

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτὸν

G846

him

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

ἔκτισται·

G2936

created

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντα

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

οὐρανοῖς

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

ἐπὶ

G1909

that are in

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#14

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

γῆς

G1093

earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

#16

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ὁρατὰ

G3707

visible

gazed at, i.e., (by implication) capable of being seen

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

ἀόρατα

G517

invisible

#21

εἴτε

G1535

if too

#22

θρόνοι

G2362

they be thrones

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

#23

εἴτε

G1535

if too

#24

κυριότητες

G2963

dominions

mastery, i.e., (concretely and collectively) rulers

#25

εἴτε

G1535

if too

#26

ἀρχαὶ

G746

principalities

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

#27

εἴτε

G1535

if too

#28

ἐξουσίαι·

G1849

powers

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

#29

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#30

πάντα

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

#31

δι'

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#32

αὐτὸν

G846

him

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

#33

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#34

εἰς

G1519

for

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#35

αὐτὸν

G846

him

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

#36

ἔκτισται·

G2936

created

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ John 1:3 John 1:3
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
— All things were made by him
² Hebrews 1:2 Hebrews 1:2
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
— By whom he made the worlds

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?