Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Original Language Analysis
Ἕλλην
Greek
G1672
Ἕλλην
Greek
Strong's:
G1672
Word #:
4 of 20
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περιτομὴ
circumcision
G4061
περιτομὴ
circumcision
Strong's:
G4061
Word #:
7 of 20
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀκροβυστία
uncircumcision
G203
ἀκροβυστία
uncircumcision
Strong's:
G203
Word #:
9 of 20
the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person
Σκύθης
Scythian
G4658
Σκύθης
Scythian
Strong's:
G4658
Word #:
11 of 20
a scythene or scythian, i.e., (by implication) a savage
δοῦλος
bond
G1401
δοῦλος
bond
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
12 of 20
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἐλεύθερος
nor free
G1658
ἐλεύθερος
nor free
Strong's:
G1658
Word #:
13 of 20
unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 12:13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.Romans 10:12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.Ephesians 3:6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:Ephesians 1:23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.Romans 3:29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:John 17:23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.Isaiah 52:10The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.Acts 15:17That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
Historical Context
Ancient society was rigidly stratified: Greeks despised barbarians, Jews separated from Gentiles, free dominated slaves, men ruled over women. Social mobility was nearly impossible. The Christian community's radical equality—all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28)—was socially revolutionary, attracting marginalized people while threatening established order. This explains both Christianity's appeal and the opposition it generated from defenders of traditional hierarchies.
Questions for Reflection
- What human distinctions—race, class, education, politics—still affect how you value fellow believers?
- How does your church community demonstrate that Christ is 'all, and in all,' transcending worldly divisions?
- What would change if you truly saw other believers through their union with Christ rather than external characteristics?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Paul celebrates the new humanity's radical inclusiveness. Traditional divisions—ethnic ("Greek nor Jew"), religious ("circumcision nor uncircumcision"), cultural ("Barbarian, Scythian"), social ("bond nor free")—dissolve in Christ. Scythians were considered ultimate barbarians, yet even they find equal place in Christ's body.
"But Christ is all, and in all" (alla panta kai en pasin Christos, ἀλλὰ πάντα καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν Χριστός) means Christ is everything that matters and dwells in every believer. Union with Christ creates deeper unity than any human similarity; difference from Christ creates deeper division than any human affinity. This demolishes human hierarchies and prejudices, establishing revolutionary community where Christ's presence, not human status, determines membership and value.