Devine Scripture

Colossians 1:14

What does Colossians 1:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 1:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 1:14 means

In Christ—the Son into whose kingdom believers are transferred—we have “redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.” Redemption is liberation by the paying of a price; forgiveness is the removal of guilt’s burden. Both are found “in him,” underscoring union with Christ as the source of every saving blessing. This is not potential only; Paul says “we have,” indicating present possession. The stress on forgiveness undercuts any system that adds rituals or intermediaries to obtain pardon. Christ’s work is sufficient. Knowing this frees consciences and fuels love and obedience. Paul thus centers the Colossians’ assurance in the person of Christ before exalting Him in the sweeping terms that follow.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In whom we have our salvation, the forgiveness of sins:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in whom we have the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of the sins,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins;

Context

Verse 14 completes the salvation summary begun in verses 12–13. With redemption and forgiveness named, Paul transitions to the breathtaking description of the Redeemer Himself (verses 15–20). The shift moves from benefits to the Benefactor, teaching that the gospel’s gifts cannot be separated from Christ’s person. This sets the framework for combating errors that reduce Jesus or supplement His work. The One who forgives is also Creator, Sustainer, Head, and Reconciler.

v.13who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;

v.14This passage

v.15who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 7:47

    Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

  • Ephesians 4:32

    and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.

  • Hebrews 9:12

    nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption.

  • Ephesians 1:7

    in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

  • Titus 2:14

    who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.

  • Matthew 20:28

    even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Colossians 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Colossians 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Colossians 1:14.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary