Colossians 1:20

Authorized King James Version

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

δι'

G1223

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

αὐτοῦ

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

ἀποκαταλλάξαι

G604

to reconcile

to reconcile fully

τὰ

G3588

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

πάντα

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

εἰς

G1519

unto

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

αὐτοῦ

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

εἰρηνοποιήσας

G1517

having made peace

to be a peace-maker, i.e., (figuratively) to harmonize

#10

δι'

G1223

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

#11

τοῦ

G3588

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

#12

αἵματος

G129

the blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

#13

τοῦ

G3588

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

#14

σταυροῦ

G4716

cross

a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,

#15

αὐτοῦ

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

#16

δι'

G1223

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

#17

αὐτοῦ

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

#18

εἴτε

G1535

I say whether

if too

#19

τὰ

G3588

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

#20

ἐπὶ

G1909

they be things 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

#21

τῆς

G3588

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

#22

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)

#23

εἴτε

G1535

I say whether

if too

#24

τὰ

G3588

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

#25

ἐν

G1722

things in

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

#26

τοῖς

G3588

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

#27

οὐρανοῖς

G3772

heaven

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Colossians. The concept of peace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding peace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Colossians chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?