Colossians 2:17
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Original Language Analysis
ἅ
Which
G3739
ἅ
Which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
σκιὰ
a shadow
G4639
σκιὰ
a shadow
Strong's:
G4639
Word #:
3 of 10
"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μελλόντων
of things to come
G3195
μελλόντων
of things to come
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
5 of 10
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα
the body
G4983
σῶμα
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
8 of 10
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
Cross References
Hebrews 10:1For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.Hebrews 8:5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.John 1:17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.Hebrews 9:9Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
Historical Context
Hebrews develops this shadow-substance distinction extensively (8:5; 10:1), showing how Old Testament priesthood, sacrifices, and tabernacle typologically anticipated Christ's superior work. Paul applies identical logic to ceremonial practices. This doesn't make Old Testament irrelevant but reorients its significance—valuable as preparation and anticipation, but fulfilled and surpassed in Christ. Reading Old Testament through Christ reveals its ultimate meaning.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you read Old Testament law—as binding command or Christ-fulfilled shadow revealing gospel truth?
- What religious shadows might you emphasize while neglecting the substance (Christ) they point toward?
- How does recognizing Christ as substance affect which spiritual practices you prioritize?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Paul explains these practices' proper role: "shadow" (skia, σκιά) versus "body" (sōma, σῶμα, "substance/reality"). Shadows have shape without substance; they point to real objects casting them. Old Testament ceremonies shadowed coming reality—Christ's redemptive work. Now that substance (Christ) has arrived, insisting on shadows makes no sense.
"The body is of Christ" (to de sōma tou Christou, τὸ δὲ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ) means the reality belongs to Christ—He is the substance all ceremonies prefigured. Sacrificial system? Fulfilled in Christ's once-for-all offering. Sabbath rest? Realized in Christ's rest from redemptive work. Festival calendar? Accomplished in Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. Why return to shadows when possessing reality?