Colossians 1:18

Authorized King James Version

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
αὐτός
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
#3
ἐστιν
G2076
he is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#4
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
κεφαλὴ
G2776
the head
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#6
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
σώματος
G4983
of the body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#8
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἐκκλησίας·
G1577
the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#10
ὅς
G3739
who
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#11
ἐστιν
G2076
he is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#12
ἀρχή
G746
the beginning
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#13
πρωτότοκος
G4416
the firstborn
first-born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively)
#14
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
#15
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
νεκρῶν
G3498
the dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
#17
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#18
γένηται
G1096
things he might have
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#19
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
πᾶσιν
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#21
αὐτὸς
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
#22
πρωτεύων
G4409
the preeminence
to be first (in rank or influence)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Colossians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection