Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Original Language Analysis
ἐξαλείψας
Blotting out
G1813
ἐξαλείψας
Blotting out
Strong's:
G1813
Word #:
1 of 21
to smear out, i.e., obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθ'
that was against
G2596
καθ'
that was against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 21
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
χειρόγραφον
the handwriting
G5498
χειρόγραφον
the handwriting
Strong's:
G5498
Word #:
5 of 21
something hand-written ("chirograph"), i.e., a manuscript (specially, a legal document or bond (figuratively))
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὑπεναντίον
contrary
G5227
ὑπεναντίον
contrary
Strong's:
G5227
Word #:
10 of 21
under (covertly) contrary to, i.e., opposed or (as noun) an opponent
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸ
it
G846
αὐτὸ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 21
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
ἦρκεν
took
G142
ἦρκεν
took
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
14 of 21
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸ
it
G846
αὐτὸ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 21
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
Cross References
Isaiah 44:22I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.Hebrews 7:18For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.Hebrews 8:13In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.Isaiah 43:25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.Colossians 2:20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.Isaiah 57:14And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.Acts 3:19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;Psalms 51:1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.Numbers 5:23And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water:
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion typically posted the victim's crime above the cross (titulus). Pilate's inscription "King of the Jews" stated Jesus's supposed offense (John 19:19-22). Paul transforms this imagery: the real inscription was humanity's sin debt; Jesus paid it fully, canceling our obligation. This substitutionary atonement doctrine—Christ bearing our penalty—stands central to biblical soteriology, differentiating Christianity from all works-based religious systems.
Questions for Reflection
- How vividly do you grasp that Christ literally bore your specific sins' penalty at Calvary?
- What religious obligations or rules do you still feel bound by that Christ actually canceled?
- How should Christ's complete payment affect your pursuit of holiness—does it promote license or gratitude-motivated obedience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. The "handwriting of ordinances" (cheirographon tois dogmasin, χειρόγραφον τοῖς δόγμασιν) refers to written certificates of debt documenting unpaid obligations. Ancient debtors signed acknowledgments of debt; creditors held these until payment. Paul pictures the Mosaic Law as such certificate, documenting humanity's failure to fulfill covenant requirements, testifying against us before God's tribunal.
Christ "blotted out" (exaleipsas, ἐξαλείψας, literally "wiped away") this debt certificate and "took it out of the way" (ērken ek tou mesou, ἦρκεν ἐκ τοῦ μέσου, "removed from the midst"), eliminating its legal force. Most dramatically, He "nailed it to his cross" (prosēlōsas auto tō staurō, προσηλώσας αὐτὸ τῷ σταυρῷ). When Roman soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, they unwittingly nailed our certificate of debt there—Christ paid what we owed, satisfying justice's demands.