Colossians 1:18
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτός
G846
αὐτός
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 22
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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεφαλὴ
the head
G2776
κεφαλὴ
the head
Strong's:
G2776
Word #:
5 of 22
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος
of the body
G4983
σώματος
of the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
7 of 22
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίας·
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίας·
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
9 of 22
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
ὅς
who
G3739
ὅς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀρχή
the beginning
G746
ἀρχή
the beginning
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
12 of 22
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
πρωτότοκος
the firstborn
G4416
πρωτότοκος
the firstborn
Strong's:
G4416
Word #:
13 of 22
first-born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 22
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γένηται
things he might have
G1096
γένηται
things he might have
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
18 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
Revelation 1:5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,Acts 26:23That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.Psalms 89:27Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.1 Corinthians 11:3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.Revelation 22:13I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.Ephesians 5:23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.Revelation 21:6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.1 Corinthians 15:25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.Revelation 1:18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Historical Context
The early church battled tendencies to elevate apostles, angels, or ritual above Christ. Jewish Christians sometimes privileged Mosaic law; Gentile Christians pursued Greek wisdom; mystical groups sought ecstatic experiences. Against all such deflections, Paul insists Christ alone deserves preeminence. No person, practice, or principle may rival His supremacy. This principle has guided orthodox Christianity through every doctrinal crisis.
Questions for Reflection
- Does Christ have actual preeminence in all areas of your life—finances, relationships, career, leisure—or merely theoretical priority?
- What church traditions, leaders, or practices might subtly compete with Christ's headship in your thinking?
- How does Christ's resurrection supremacy shape your response to death, suffering, and eternal hope?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. The metaphor shifts from cosmos to church. "Head" (kephalē, κεφαλή) indicates both authority and vital connection—as head directs body, Christ governs His church and supplies its life. This organic union refutes any ecclesiastical system that diminishes Christ's direct rule or interposes human hierarchy between Christ and believers.
"The beginning" (archē, ἀρχή) means source or origin; "firstborn from the dead" (prōtotokos ek tōn nekrōn, πρωτότοκος ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν) doesn't mean first chronologically (others were raised before Christ) but first in rank and significance. Christ's resurrection inaugurates the new creation, making Him supreme over death's conquered realm. He is firstborn of both creation (v. 15) and new creation (resurrection), holding supremacy in both spheres.
"That in all things he might have the preeminence" (hina genētai en pasin autos prōteuōn, ἵνα γένηται ἐν πᾶσιν αὐτὸς πρωτεύων) states creation's purpose: Christ's supremacy in every sphere—cosmos, church, present age, age to come. Prōteuōn (πρωτεύων) means "holding first place," demanding undivided allegiance and exclusive worship.