King James Version

What Does Colossians 2:14 Mean?

Colossians 2:14 in the King James Version says “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, na...” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;”

Colossians 2:14 · KJV

Context

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;

14

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

15

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly , triumphing over them in it. in it: or, in himself

16

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: in meat: or, for eating and drinking respect: or, part

Read Colossians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. The "handwriting of ordinances" (cheirographon tois dogmasin, χειρόγραφον τοῖς δόγμασιν) refers to written certificates of debt documenting unpaid obligations. Ancient debtors signed acknowledgments of debt; creditors held these until payment. Paul pictures the Mosaic Law as such certificate, documenting humanity's failure to fulfill covenant requirements, testifying against us before God's tribunal.

Christ "blotted out" (exaleipsas, ἐξαλείψας, literally "wiped away") this debt certificate and "took it out of the way" (ērken ek tou mesou, ἦρκεν ἐκ τοῦ μέσου, "removed from the midst"), eliminating its legal force. Most dramatically, He "nailed it to his cross" (prosēlōsas auto tō staurō, προσηλώσας αὐτὸ τῷ σταυρῷ). When Roman soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, they unwittingly nailed our certificate of debt there—Christ paid what we owed, satisfying justice's demands.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman crucifixion typically posted the victim's crime above the cross (titulus). Pilate's inscription "King of the Jews" stated Jesus's supposed offense (John 19:19-22). Paul transforms this imagery: the real inscription was humanity's sin debt; Jesus paid it fully, canceling our obligation. This substitutionary atonement doctrine—Christ bearing our penalty—stands central to biblical soteriology, differentiating Christianity from all works-based religious systems.

Reflection Questions

  1. How vividly do you grasp that Christ literally bore your specific sins' penalty at Calvary?
  2. What religious obligations or rules do you still feel bound by that Christ actually canceled?
  3. How should Christ's complete payment affect your pursuit of holiness—does it promote license or gratitude-motivated obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἐξαλείψας1 of 21

“Blotting out”

G1813

to smear out, i.e., obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin)

τὸ2 of 21
G3588

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

καθ'3 of 21

“that was against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἡμῶν4 of 21

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

χειρόγραφον5 of 21

“the handwriting”

G5498

something hand-written ("chirograph"), i.e., a manuscript (specially, a legal document or bond (figuratively))

τοῖς6 of 21
G3588

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

δόγμασιν7 of 21

“of ordinances”

G1378

a law (civil, ceremonial or ecclesiastical)

ὃ8 of 21

“which”

G3739

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

ἦν9 of 21

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ὑπεναντίον10 of 21

“contrary”

G5227

under (covertly) contrary to, i.e., opposed or (as noun) an opponent

ἡμῖν11 of 21

“to us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

καὶ12 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

αὐτὸ13 of 21

“it”

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

ἦρκεν14 of 21

“took”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

ἐκ15 of 21

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ16 of 21
G3588

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

μέσου17 of 21

“the way”

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

προσηλώσας18 of 21

“nailing”

G4338

to peg to, i.e., spike fast

αὐτὸ19 of 21

“it”

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

τῷ20 of 21
G3588

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

σταυρῷ·21 of 21

“to his 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.,

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 2:14 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 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 2:14-16Isaiah 44:22Isaiah 43:25Hebrews 8:13Colossians 2:201 Peter 2:24

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