Colossians 1:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
2 of 27
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 27
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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 27
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
having made peace
G1517
εἰρηνοποιήσας
having made peace
Strong's:
G1517
Word #:
9 of 27
to be a peace-maker, i.e., (figuratively) to harmonize
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 27
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἵματος
the blood
G129
αἵματος
the blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
12 of 27
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σταυροῦ
cross
G4716
σταυροῦ
cross
Strong's:
G4716
Word #:
14 of 27
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.,
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 27
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
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
16 of 27
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 27
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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
they be things in
G1909
ἐπὶ
they be things in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
20 of 27
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
earth
G1093
γῆς
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
22 of 27
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 1:10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.Romans 5:1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:Philippians 2:10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Historical Context
Ancient cosmology recognized cosmic disorder—natural disasters, disease, death—without clear explanation. Pagan religions offered various mythological accounts; Greek philosophy proposed impersonal solutions. Paul reveals that sin disrupted cosmic harmony, and Christ's cross provides comprehensive restoration. This elevates the gospel from mere personal therapy to cosmic rescue mission, engaging both individual hearts and universal renewal.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing the cross's cosmic significance prevent reducing the gospel to merely personal benefits?
- What evidence of cosmic disorder (natural evil, suffering, death) reminds you of creation's need for Christ's reconciliation?
- How should Christians relate to environmental stewardship in light of Christ's coming cosmic renewal?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. The Christ hymn climaxes with cosmic reconciliation. "Having made peace" (eirēnopoiēsas, εἰρηνοποιήσας) through dia tou haimatos tou staurou autou (διὰ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ, "through the blood of his cross") specifies the peace treaty's cost. Reconciliation required blood sacrifice; peace came through substitutionary atonement, not negotiated compromise.
"To reconcile all things unto himself" (apokatallaxai ta panta eis auton, ἀποκαταλλάξαι τὰ πάντα εἰς αὐτόν) envisions universal restoration—not universal salvation of all individuals (Scripture clearly teaches eternal judgment) but restoration of cosmic order disrupted by sin. Creation groans under sin's curse (Romans 8:19-22); Christ's work will ultimately renew all things (Revelation 21:5).
The scope includes "things in earth, or things in heaven," suggesting even spiritual realms affected by Christ's reconciling work. Whether this means rebellious angels receive opportunity for reconciliation or that cosmic harmony is restored despite their exclusion remains debated. Clearly, Christ's cross has cosmic implications extending beyond individual salvation to universal renewal.