Colossians 1:18New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all [things] he may have the pre-eminence.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— And *he* is the head of the body, the assembly; who is [the] beginning, firstborn from among the dead, that *he* might have the first place in all things:
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— And, he, is the head of the body, the assembly, Who is the beginning, Firstborn from among the dead, in order that, he, might become, in all things, himself, pre-eminent;—
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— And himself is the head of the body—the assembly—who is a beginning, a first-born out of the dead, that he might become in all [things]—himself—first,
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he may hold the primacy:
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— And hee is the head of the body of the Church: he is the beginning, and the first begotten of the dead, that in all thinges hee might haue the preeminence.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— And hee is the head of the body, the Church: who is the beginning, the first borne from the dead, that in all things he might haue the preeminence:
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— And he is the head of the body, the church; for he is the beginning, the firstfruits of the resurrection from the dead, that in all things he might be the first;
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— And he is the head of the body of the church, (he) who is the chief and first-born from among the dead, that he should be preeminent in all.
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— And he is the head of the body the church; as he is the head and first-born from among the dead, that he might be the first in all things. |
And
2532 {2532} Primeκαίkai{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
he
846 {0846} Primeαὐτόςautos{ow-tos'}
From the particle αὖ [[au]] (perhaps akin to the base of G0109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound of G1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons.
is
2076 {2076} Primeἐστίesti{es-tee'}
Third person singular present indicative of G1510; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are.
z5748 <5748> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774) Voice - No Voice Stated (See G5799) Mood - Indicative (See G5791) Count - 1612
the
x3588 (3588) Complementὁho{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
head
2776 {2776} Primeκεφαλήkephale{kef-al-ay'}
Probably from the primary word κάπτω [[kapto]] (in the sense of seizing); the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively.
of the
x3588 (3588) Complementὁho{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
body,
4983 {4983} Primeσῶμαsoma{so'-mah}
From G4982; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.
the
x3588 (3588) Complementὁho{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
church:
1577 {1577} Primeἐκκλησίαekklesia{ek-klay-see'-ah}
From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both).
who
3739 {3739} Primeὅςhos{hos}
Probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article G3588); the relative (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that.
is
2076 {2076} Primeἐστίesti{es-tee'}
Third person singular present indicative of G1510; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are.
z5748 <5748> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774) Voice - No Voice Stated (See G5799) Mood - Indicative (See G5791) Count - 1612
the beginning,
746 {0746} Primeἀρχήarche{ar-khay'}
From G0756; (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concrete) chief (in various applications of order, time, place or rank).
the firstborn
4416 {4416} Primeπρωτότοκοςprototokos{pro-tot-ok'-os}
From G4413 and the alternate of G5088; first born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively).
from
1537 {1537} Primeἐκek{ek}
A primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence motion or action proceeds), from, out (of place, time or cause; literally or figuratively; direct or remote).
the
x3588 (3588) Complementὁho{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
dead;
3498 {3498} Primeνεκρόςnekros{nek-ros'}
From an apparently primary word νέκυς [[nekus]] (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun).
that
2443 {2443} Primeἵναhina{hin'-ah}
Probably from the same as the former part of G1438 (through the demonstrative idea; compare G3588); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result).
in
1722 {1722} Primeἐνen{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); ' in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
all
3956 {3956} Primeπᾶςpas{pas}
Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.
[ things] he
846 {0846} Primeαὐτόςautos{ow-tos'}
From the particle αὖ [[au]] (perhaps akin to the base of G0109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound of G1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons.
might have
1096 {1096} Primeγίνομαιginomai{ghin'-om-ahee}
A prolonged and middle form of a primary verb; to cause to be ('gen' -erate), that is, (reflexively) to become ( come into being), used with great latitude (literally, figuratively, intensively, etc.).
z5638 <5638> Grammar
Tense - Second Aorist (See G5780) Voice - Middle Deponent (See G5788) Mood - Subjunctive (See G5792) Count - 66
the preeminence.
4409 {4409} Primeπρωτεύωproteuo{prote-yoo'-o}
From G4413; to be first (in rank or influence).
z5723 <5723> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774) Voice - Active (See G5784) Mood - Participle (See G5796) Count - 2549 |
Colossians 1:18
_ _ Revelation of Christ to the Church and the new creation, as the Originator of both.
_ _ he — emphatical. Not angels in opposition to the false teachers’ doctrine concerning angel-worship, and the power of Oeons or (imaginary) spirit emanations from God (Colossians 2:10, Colossians 2:18).
_ _ head of the body, the church — The Church is His body by virtue of His entering into communion corporeally with human nature [Neander], (Ephesians 1:22). The same One who is the Head of all things and beings by creation, is also, by virtue of being “the first-born from the dead,” and so “the first-fruits” of the new creation among men, the Head of the Church.
_ _ who is — that is, in that He is the Beginning [Alford]. Rather, this is the beginning of a new paragraph. As the former paragraph, which related to His originating the physical creation, began with “Who is” (Colossians 1:15); so this, which treats of His originating the new creation, begins with “who is”; a parenthesis preceding, which closes the former paragraph, that parenthesis (see on Colossians 1:16), including from “all things were created by Him,” to “Head of the body, the Church.” The head of kings and high priests was anointed, as the seat of the faculties, the fountain of dignity, and original of all the members (according to Hebrew etymology). So Jesus by His unction was designated as the Head of the body, the Church.
_ _ the beginning — namely, of the new creation, as of the old (Proverbs 8:22; John 1:1; compare Revelation 1:8): the beginning of the Church of the first-born (Hebrews 12:23), as being Himself the “first-born from the dead” (Acts 26:23; 1 Corinthians 15:20, 1 Corinthians 15:23). Christ’s primogeniture is threefold: (1) From eternity the “first-begotten” of the Father (Colossians 1:15); (2) As the first-born of His mother (Matthew 1:25); (3) As the Head of the Church, mystically begotten of the Father, as it were to a new life, on the day of His resurrection, which is His “regeneration,” even as His people’s coming resurrection will be their “regeneration” (that is, the resurrection which was begun in the soul, extended to the body and to the whole creation, Romans 8:21, Romans 8:22) (Matthew 19:28; Acts 13:33; Revelation 1:5). Sonship and resurrection are similarly connected (Luke 20:36; Romans 1:4; Romans 8:23; 1 John 3:2). Christ by rising from the dead is the efficient cause (1 Corinthians 15:22), as having obtained the power, and the exemplary cause, as being the pattern (Micah 2:13; Romans 6:5; Philippians 3:21), of our resurrection: the resurrection of “the Head” involves consequentially that of the members.
_ _ that in all things — He resumes the “all things” (Colossians 1:20).
_ _ he might have the pre-eminence — Greek, “He HIMSELF may (thus) become the One holding the first place,” or, “take the precedency.” Both ideas are included, priority in time and priority in dignity: now in the regenerated world, as before in the world of creation (Colossians 1:15). “Begotten before every creature, or “first-born of every creature” (Psalms 89:27; John 3:13). |
Colossians 1:18
And — From the whole he now descends to the most eminent part, the church. He is the head of the church — Universal; the supreme and only head both of influence and of government to the whole body of believers. Who is — The repetition of the expression Colossians 1:15 points out the entrance on a new paragraph. The beginning — Absolutely, the Eternal. The first begotten from the dead — From whose resurrection flows all the life, spiritual and eternal, of all his brethren. That in all things — Whether of nature or grace. He might have the pre — eminence — Who can sound this depth? |
Colossians 1:18
(8) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the (l) firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
(8) Having gloriously declared the excellent dignity of the person of Christ, he describes his office and function, that is, that he is the same to the Church as the head is to the body, that is to say, the prince and governor of it, and the very beginning of true life. And as he rose first from death, he is the author of eternal life, so that he is above all, in whom alone there is most plentiful abundance of all good things, which is poured out upon the Church.
(l) Who so rose again that he should die no more, and who raises others from death to life by his power. |
- he is:
Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Colossians 2:10-14 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: ... Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:
Ephesians 1:22-23 And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church, ... Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 4:15-16 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: ... From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
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- the beginning:
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
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- the firstborn:
John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: ... And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Acts 26:23 That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23 But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept. ... But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Revelation 1:18 I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
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- in all:
- or, among all,
Psalms 45:2-5 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. ... Thine arrows [are] sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; [whereby] the people fall under thee.
Psalms 89:27 Also I will make him [my] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
Song of Songs 5:10 My beloved [is] white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.
Isaiah 52:13 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.
Matthew 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
John 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
John 3:29-31 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. ... He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
John 3:34-35 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him]. ... The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
1 Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
Hebrews 1:5-6 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? ... And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Revelation 5:9-13 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; ... And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 21:23-24 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof. ... And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
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