King James Version

What Does Colossians 1:15 Mean?

Colossians 1:15 in the King James Version says “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:”

Colossians 1:15 · KJV

Context

13

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: his: Gr. the Son of his love

14

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

15

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16

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:

17

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. This verse begins the magnificent Christ hymn (1:15-20), possibly an early Christian hymn Paul quotes. "Image" (eikōn, εἰκών) means exact representation, not mere resemblance. Christ perfectly reveals God's nature; seeing Jesus is seeing God (John 14:9). This counters any teaching suggesting mediating beings between God and humanity—Christ alone fully manifests deity.

"The firstborn of every creature" (prōtotokos pasēs ktiseōs, πρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως) has sparked controversy. "Firstborn" doesn't mean first created but holds the rights of primogeniture—supremacy, authority, preeminence. Psalm 89:27 uses "firstborn" for David's royal supremacy. Christ isn't part of creation but sovereign over it, possessing inheritance rights over all that exists. Verse 16 clarifies: He created all things, therefore cannot be created.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greek philosophy sought to protect God's transcendence by proposing intermediate beings (demiurge, emanations, aeons) that created and mediated between pure spirit and corrupt matter. The Colossian heresy apparently incorporated similar ideas, diminishing Christ by making Him one mediator among many. Paul's hymn demolishes such thinking: Christ is God's perfect image and creation's supreme Lord, requiring no supplementary mediators.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing Christ as God's exact image affect your understanding of God's character and will?
  2. What modern religious systems diminish Christ by proposing additional mediators or revelations beyond Him?
  3. Do you approach God directly through Christ, or do you feel need for other intermediaries?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ὅς1 of 10

“Who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστιν2 of 10

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

εἰκὼν3 of 10

“the image”

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

τοῦ4 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ5 of 10

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τοῦ6 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀοράτου7 of 10

“of the invisible”

G517

invisible

πρωτότοκος8 of 10

“the firstborn”

G4416

first-born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively)

πάσης9 of 10

“of every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

κτίσεως10 of 10

“creature”

G2937

original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 1:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 1:3John 14:9John 1:12 Corinthians 4:4John 1:18John 1:14

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