the image: In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, eikōn means "image" or "representation." It describes humans as made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27). It also refers to the wisdom figure in Jewish writings (see Wisdom of Solomon 7:25–26). New Testament writers describe Christ as "the wisdom of God" to explain his importance (compare 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30).
the firstborn over all creation: This phrase was important in early Christian debates about Christ's nature. Firstborn does not mean God created him. It is a title from the Old Testament, showing supremacy in rank and priority in time (see, for example, Psalm 89:27).