King James Version

What Does Colossians 1:20 Mean?

Colossians 1:20 in the King James Version says “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, wheth... — study this verse from Colossians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And, 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. having: or, making

Colossians 1:20 · KJV


Context

18

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. in: or, among all

19

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

20

And, 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. having: or, making

21

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in: or, by your mind in

22

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And, 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. The Christ hymn climaxes with cosmic reconciliation. "Having made peace" (eirēnopoiēsas, εἰρηνοποιήσας) through dia tou haimatos tou staurou autou (διὰ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ, "through the blood of his cross") specifies the peace treaty's cost. Reconciliation required blood sacrifice; peace came through substitutionary atonement, not negotiated compromise.

"To reconcile all things unto himself" (apokatallaxai ta panta eis auton, ἀποκαταλλάξαι τὰ πάντα εἰς αὐτόν) envisions universal restoration—not universal salvation of all individuals (Scripture clearly teaches eternal judgment) but restoration of cosmic order disrupted by sin. Creation groans under sin's curse (Romans 8:19-22); Christ's work will ultimately renew all things (Revelation 21:5).

The scope includes "things in earth, or things in heaven," suggesting even spiritual realms affected by Christ's reconciling work. Whether this means rebellious angels receive opportunity for reconciliation or that cosmic harmony is restored despite their exclusion remains debated. Clearly, Christ's cross has cosmic implications extending beyond individual salvation to universal renewal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cosmology recognized cosmic disorder—natural disasters, disease, death—without clear explanation. Pagan religions offered various mythological accounts; Greek philosophy proposed impersonal solutions. Paul reveals that sin disrupted cosmic harmony, and Christ's cross provides comprehensive restoration. This elevates the gospel from mere personal therapy to cosmic rescue mission, engaging both individual hearts and universal renewal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing the cross's cosmic significance prevent reducing the gospel to merely personal benefits?
  2. What evidence of cosmic disorder (natural evil, suffering, death) reminds you of creation's need for Christ's reconciliation?
  3. How should Christians relate to environmental stewardship in light of Christ's coming cosmic renewal?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δι'2 of 27

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

αὐτοῦ3 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀποκαταλλάξαι4 of 27

to reconcile

G604

to reconcile fully

τὰ5 of 27
G3588

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

πάντα6 of 27

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

εἰς7 of 27

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αὐτοῦ8 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰρηνοποιήσας9 of 27

having made peace

G1517

to be a peace-maker, i.e., (figuratively) to harmonize

δι'10 of 27

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ11 of 27
G3588

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

αἵματος12 of 27

the blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

τοῦ13 of 27
G3588

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

σταυροῦ14 of 27

cross

G4716

a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,

αὐτοῦ15 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δι'16 of 27

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

αὐτοῦ17 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἴτε18 of 27

I say whether

G1535

if too

τὰ19 of 27
G3588

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

ἐπὶ20 of 27

they be things in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς21 of 27
G3588

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

γῆς22 of 27

earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

εἴτε23 of 27

I say whether

G1535

if too

τὰ24 of 27
G3588

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

ἐν25 of 27

things in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς26 of 27
G3588

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

οὐρανοῖς27 of 27

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)


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 1:20 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 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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