Colossians 2:10
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 13
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
πεπληρωμένοι
complete
G4137
πεπληρωμένοι
complete
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
5 of 13
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
ὅς
which
G3739
ὅς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεφαλὴ
the head
G2776
κεφαλὴ
the head
Strong's:
G2776
Word #:
9 of 13
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
ἀρχῆς
principality
G746
ἀρχῆς
principality
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
11 of 13
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
Cross References
Ephesians 3:19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.Hebrews 5:9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;John 1:16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Historical Context
Angel worship apparently characterized the Colossian heresy (2:18). Hellenistic Judaism developed elaborate angelology with named angels governing various functions. Mystery religions featured hierarchies of spiritual powers. Against such background, Paul's assertion of Christ's absolute supremacy over all spiritual beings, with believers complete in Him, undermines any basis for angel veneration or mystical pursuit of spiritual experiences mediated by angels.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you live with confidence in your completeness in Christ, or constantly seek additional spiritual resources?
- What contemporary practices subtly suggest Christ alone is insufficient—special experiences, secret knowledge, advanced techniques?
- How does Christ's headship over all spiritual powers affect your approach to spiritual warfare and protection?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. The logical consequence: "ye are complete" (este peplērōmenoi, ἐστὲ πεπληρωμένοι), perfect participle indicating accomplished state. Believers already possess fullness through union with Christ—nothing deficient, nothing additional needed. This directly contradicts heretical teaching suggesting Christ plus something else (mysticism, philosophy, asceticism) equals spiritual maturity. Christ alone equals completeness.
"Which is the head of all principality and power" establishes Christ's supremacy over angelic hierarchies mentioned in 1:16. "Head" (kephalē, κεφαλή) indicates both authority and source. Every spiritual being, regardless of rank, derives existence from Christ and submits to His rule. Therefore, seeking spiritual advancement through angelic mediators is absurd—why pursue inferior beings when united to their Creator and Commander?