Colossians 1:16

Translations

Modern

For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Traditional

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Literal

…because in Him were created all things in the heavens and on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or lordships or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.

Latin

…quoniam in ipso condita sunt universa in cælis, et in terra, visibilia, et invisibilia, sive throni, sive dominationes, sive principatus, sive potestates: omnia per ipsum et in ipso creata sunt:

Original

Greek

English

For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Notes

Colossians 1:16

Thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities in the unseen world refer to different spiritual powers. This line emphasizes Christ's supremacy over these beings, who were getting a lot of attention from false teachers (see 2:18).
All things were created through Him and for Him: Christ is both the creator of all things and the purpose of all creation.

Colossians 1:15–20

Paul describes Jesus as the ultimate creator and redeemer (1:15–17; 1:18–20). Three main things suggest these verses quote an early Christian hymn about Jesus:

These verses are brief statements.
These verses have contain high praise and special honor for Christ (he is exalted).
These verses use similar language and ideas.

Paul applied this hymn to the situation of the church in Colossae.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) God’s Unified Plan of Salvation Human Confusion and God’s Purpose Living for Christ The Christ Hymn: Christ’s Divine Nature The Creation The Message of Reconciliation The Sovereignty of God The Unknown God

Related verses

Romans 11:36
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
John 1:3
Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.
1 Corinthians 8:6
…yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.
Hebrews 2:10
In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
1 Chronicles 29:11
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.
Hebrews 1:2
But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.
Ephesians 1:10
…as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.
Isaiah 44:24
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth,
Proverbs 16:4
The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.
Hebrews 1:10–12
And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
Colossians 1:15
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Colossians 2:10
And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Colossians 1:16

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