King James Version

What Does Colossians 2:11 Mean?

Colossians 2:11 in the King James Version says “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the fle...” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:”

Colossians 2:11 · KJV

Context

9

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

11

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

12

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

13

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Paul addresses Jewish legalism requiring physical circumcision. Believers possess superior circumcision: "made without hands" (acheiropoiētō, ἀχειροποιήτῳ), divine rather than human work. This "circumcision of Christ" means either circumcision provided by Christ or participating in Christ's death (preferable interpretation given v. 12).

"Putting off the body of the sins of the flesh" (apekdysei tou sōmatos tōn hamartiōn tēs sarkos, ἀπεκδύσει τοῦ σώματος τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν τῆς σαρκός) uses clothing imagery: removing like a garment. Physical circumcision removed flesh symbolically; spiritual circumcision removes sin's power actually. This occurred at conversion through union with Christ's death, accomplishing what Old Testament ritual prefigured.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Circumcision debate nearly split early Christianity (Acts 15; Galatians). Judaizers insisted Gentile converts needed circumcision for full covenant membership. Paul argues that Christ fulfilled circumcision's meaning, making physical ritual obsolete. The real issue wasn't foreskin but sin nature; Christ's death dealt decisively with the substance (sin) that circumcision symbolized, rendering the shadow unnecessary.

Reflection Questions

  1. What religious rituals do you emphasize that may have become form without substance?
  2. How does your baptism (v. 12 next) serve as reminder of dying and rising with Christ?
  3. Where might you rely on external religious performance instead of internal transformation through Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἐν1 of 20

“In”

G1722

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

ᾧ2 of 20

“whom”

G3739

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

καὶ3 of 20

“also”

G2532

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

περιετμήθητε4 of 20

“ye are circumcised”

G4059

to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise

περιτομῇ5 of 20

“the circumcision”

G4061

circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

ἀχειροποιήτῳ6 of 20

“made without hands”

G886

unmanufactured, i.e., inartificial

ἐν7 of 20

“In”

G1722

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

τῇ8 of 20
G3588

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

ἀπεκδύσει9 of 20

“putting off”

G555

divestment

τοῦ10 of 20
G3588

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

σώματος11 of 20

“the body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

τῶν12 of 20
G3588

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

ἁμαρτιῶν13 of 20

“of the sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

τῆς14 of 20
G3588

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

σαρκός15 of 20

“of the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἐν16 of 20

“In”

G1722

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

τῇ17 of 20
G3588

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

περιτομῇ18 of 20

“the circumcision”

G4061

circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

τοῦ19 of 20
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ20 of 20

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

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 2:11 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 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 2:29Philippians 3:3Romans 6:6Galatians 5:24Deuteronomy 30:6Ephesians 4:22

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