Colossians 1:20
What does Colossians 1:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Colossians 1:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Colossians 1:20 means
Through Christ, God purposes “to reconcile all things unto himself,” making peace “through the blood of his cross,” whether on earth or in heaven. Sin ruptured creation’s harmony; the cross restores right relation to God. This does not mean all are automatically saved, but that the cross is the decisive means by which every realm is set right under God’s rule. The blood underscores the costly, substitutionary nature of peace. The scope—earth and heaven—matches the scope of Christ’s creative lordship. The reconciling work reaches personal lives and the cosmic order alike, assuring believers that the Savior’s victory is comprehensive and final.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Through him uniting all things with himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, uniting all things which are on earth or in heaven.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and through him to reconcile the all things to himself--having made peace through the blood of his cross--through him, whether the things upon the earth, whether the things in the heavens.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And through him to reconcile all things unto himself, making peace through the blood of his cross, both as to the things that are on earth and the things that are in heaven.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and by him to reconcile all things to itself, having made peace by the blood of his cross — by him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens.
Context
Verse 20 concludes the Christ-hymn with the cross as the instrument of universal reconciliation. The hymn has moved from Christ’s identity (verses 15–17), to His headship (verse 18), to the fullness dwelling in Him (verse 19), and now to His peacemaking work (verse 20). Paul then turns in verses 21–23 to apply this reconciliation to the Colossians’ story—once alienated, now reconciled—with a call to steadfastness in the gospel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Leviticus 6:30
And no sin-offering, whereof any of the blood is brought into the tent of meeting to make atonement in the holy place, shall be eaten: it shall be burnt with fire.
- 2 Corinthians 5:18
But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation;
- Psalms 85:10
Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
- Hebrews 2:17
Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
- Romans 5:1
Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;
- Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ.
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