Colossians 2:15
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκδυσάμενος
And having spoiled
G554
ἀπεκδυσάμενος
And having spoiled
Strong's:
G554
Word #:
1 of 13
to divest wholly oneself, or (for oneself) despoil
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχὰς
principalities
G746
ἀρχὰς
principalities
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
3 of 13
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίας
powers
G1849
ἐξουσίας
powers
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
6 of 13
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
παῤῥησίᾳ
G3954
παῤῥησίᾳ
Strong's:
G3954
Word #:
9 of 13
all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance
θριαμβεύσας
triumphing over
G2358
θριαμβεύσας
triumphing over
Strong's:
G2358
Word #:
10 of 13
and a derivative of g0680 (meaning a noisy iambus, a hymn sung in festal processions in honor of the god bacchus); to make an acclamatory procession,
Cross References
Hebrews 2:14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;Ephesians 4:8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.Matthew 12:29Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.Isaiah 53:12Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.Ephesians 6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Luke 10:18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.John 16:11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.Revelation 20:10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.Psalms 68:18Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.Genesis 3:15And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Historical Context
Roman triumphs celebrated military victories with grand processions: captive enemies, seized treasures, victorious troops marching through Rome while crowds cheered. Generals rode chariots; conquered kings walked in chains. Paul pictures Christ's cross as such triumph—He led defeated spiritual powers in victory procession, publicly demonstrating their subjugation. This reverses worldly perspective viewing crucifixion as shameful defeat.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing the cross as Christ's triumph over spiritual powers affect your view of spiritual warfare?
- Where do you still grant Satan and demons authority that Christ already stripped from them?
- How should Christians live in light of Christ's complete victory—fearfully or confidently?
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Analysis & Commentary
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. The cross accomplished cosmic victory. "Spoiled" (apekdysamenos, ἀπεκδυσάμενος) means stripped like removing armor from defeated enemy, the same verb from 2:11 for putting off sin's body. Christ disarmed spiritual powers, stripping their authority and weapons. "Made a shew of them openly" (edeigmatisen en parrēsia, ἐδειγμάτισεν ἐν παρρησίᾳ) means publicly exposed their defeat.
"Triumphing over them in it" (thriambeusas autous en autō, θριαμβεύσας αὐτοὺς ἐν αὐτῷ) uses imagery of Roman military triumph—victory parade where defeated enemies marched in chains behind conquering general. The cross, appearing as Christ's defeat, was actually His triumph, the place where He conquered Satan and spiritual forces. What looked like weakness was supreme power; apparent loss was decisive victory.