Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
whom
G3739
ᾧ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περιετμήθητε
ye are circumcised
G4059
περιετμήθητε
ye are circumcised
Strong's:
G4059
Word #:
4 of 20
to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise
περιτομῇ
the circumcision
G4061
περιτομῇ
the circumcision
Strong's:
G4061
Word #:
5 of 20
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος
the body
G4983
σώματος
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
11 of 20
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκός
of the flesh
G4561
σαρκός
of the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
15 of 20
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
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιτομῇ
the circumcision
G4061
περιτομῇ
the circumcision
Strong's:
G4061
Word #:
18 of 20
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Romans 2:29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.Philippians 3:3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.Ephesians 4:22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;Romans 6:6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.Galatians 5:24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.Hebrews 9:24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:Deuteronomy 30:6And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.Deuteronomy 10:16Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.
Historical Context
Circumcision debate nearly split early Christianity (Acts 15; Galatians). Judaizers insisted Gentile converts needed circumcision for full covenant membership. Paul argues that Christ fulfilled circumcision's meaning, making physical ritual obsolete. The real issue wasn't foreskin but sin nature; Christ's death dealt decisively with the substance (sin) that circumcision symbolized, rendering the shadow unnecessary.
Questions for Reflection
- What religious rituals do you emphasize that may have become form without substance?
- How does your baptism (v. 12 next) serve as reminder of dying and rising with Christ?
- Where might you rely on external religious performance instead of internal transformation through Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Paul addresses Jewish legalism requiring physical circumcision. Believers possess superior circumcision: "made without hands" (acheiropoiētō, ἀχειροποιήτῳ), divine rather than human work. This "circumcision of Christ" means either circumcision provided by Christ or participating in Christ's death (preferable interpretation given v. 12).
"Putting off the body of the sins of the flesh" (apekdysei tou sōmatos tōn hamartiōn tēs sarkos, ἀπεκδύσει τοῦ σώματος τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν τῆς σαρκός) uses clothing imagery: removing like a garment. Physical circumcision removed flesh symbolically; spiritual circumcision removes sin's power actually. This occurred at conversion through union with Christ's death, accomplishing what Old Testament ritual prefigured.