Colossians 1:22
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματι
the body
G4983
σώματι
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
3 of 18
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκὸς
flesh
G4561
σαρκὸς
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
5 of 18
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 18
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
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 18
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θανάτου
death
G2288
θανάτου
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
9 of 18
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
παραστῆσαι
to present
G3936
παραστῆσαι
to present
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
10 of 18
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
ἁγίους
holy
G40
ἁγίους
holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
12 of 18
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Ephesians 5:27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:Hebrews 10:10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Romans 7:4Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Hebrews 10:20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;2 Corinthians 11:2For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.2 Peter 3:14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Historical Context
Sacrificial language pervades this verse, reflecting Old Testament background. Only unblemished animals qualified for sacrifice (Leviticus 22:20-21); the priest presented them before the Lord after examination. Christ became both sacrifice and priest: His perfect sacrifice and priestly presentation render believers acceptable to God. This fulfills Levitical typology while transcending it through Christ's superior offering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's physical death and bodily resurrection ground your hope in tangible reality versus abstract spirituality?
- Do you live with confidence that Christ presents you holy before God, or do you constantly fear divine rejection?
- What role does your performance play in God's acceptance—everything, nothing, or confused mixture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. Paul emphasizes incarnation's necessity: reconciliation occurred "in the body of his flesh" (en tō sōmati tēs sarkos autou, ἐν τῷ σώματι τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ), stressing Christ's physical humanity. Against any docetic tendency denying Christ's real incarnation, Paul insists reconciliation required actual physical death. Angels cannot die; only incarnate deity could accomplish atonement.
"Through death" (dia tou thanatou, διὰ τοῦ θανάτου) specifies the mechanism. Death doesn't occur spiritually or metaphorically but literally, physically, historically at Calvary. The purpose: "to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight." Parastēsai (παραστῆσαι, "to present") uses imagery from presenting sacrifices or bringing subjects before kings. Christ presents believers faultless before God's tribunal.
The threefold description—"holy" (hagious, ἁγίους), "unblameable" (amōmous, ἀμώμους), and "unreproveable" (anenkl ētous, ἀνεγκλήτους)—emphasizes complete acceptability. No charge stands against those in Christ (Romans 8:33-34); we appear before God clothed in Christ's righteousness, not our own achievements.