Colossians 1:14 kjv

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

Colossians 1:14 nkjv

in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:14 niv

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:14 esv

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:14 nlt

who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Colossians 1 verses

Colossians 1 14 Meaning

Colossians 1:14 succinctly declares that believers possess both redemption and the forgiveness of sins, acquired solely through Jesus Christ's sacrificial act, symbolized by His blood. This verse underscores the complete and immediate spiritual liberation from sin's bondage and penalty that is available exclusively through identification with Christ's atoning work. It asserts the finished work of Christ as the definitive basis for salvation and spiritual freedom.

Colossians 1 14 Context

Colossians 1:14 stands as a critical declaration within Paul's comprehensive doxology and Christological exposition (Col 1:13-20), immediately following the statement of God the Father's active deliverance of believers from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of His beloved Son (Col 1:13). This verse builds directly upon that rescue, explaining the specific means by which this spiritual transfer and liberation occur. It directly confronts nascent false teachings in Colossae, which likely undermined the exclusive and supreme role of Christ in salvation, potentially introducing practices or mediations beyond Him. By emphasizing Christ as the sole "in whom" salvation is found and His "blood" as the indispensable payment, Paul firmly grounds the Colossians' spiritual reality in the all-sufficient work of Christ, providing an antidote to any legalistic, ascetic, or syncretistic tendencies that might dilute the gospel's purity.

Colossians 1 14 Word analysis

• in whom: (Greek: en hō - ἐν ᾧ). This phrase directly references "the Son of His love" mentioned in the preceding verse (Col 1:13), emphatically pinpointing Jesus Christ as the singular person and source from whom all redemptive benefits flow. It signifies not merely a possession by Christ, but an active participation in Christ; believers are in union with Him, and it is in this union that these salvific realities are experienced. It counters any suggestion of other mediators or methods for redemption.

• we have: (Greek: echomen - ἔχομεν). This is a present tense verb, signifying a current, active, and abiding possession. Believers do not merely hope for redemption and forgiveness in the future, nor are they striving to attain it; they possess it now as a settled reality because of Christ's finished work. It conveys assurance and certainty of salvation.

• redemption: (Greek: apolytrōsis - ἀπολύτρωσις). This term means "a releasing by payment of a ransom" or "a buying back." It implies liberation from a state of bondage or captivity. In the context of the New Testament, it signifies deliverance from slavery to sin, the dominion of Satan, the condemnation of the law, and the power of death. The underlying metaphor is often from the marketplace, where a slave could be set free upon payment of a price.

• through His blood: (Greek: dia tou haimatos autou - διὰ τοῦ αἵματος αὐτοῦ). This phrase specifies the precise means or agency by which redemption is accomplished. "Blood" in Biblical theology is a metonymy for life, and particularly sacrificial death. It points to Christ's substitutionary, atoning death on the cross as the ransom price paid for human sin. It connects to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where the shedding of blood was necessary for atonement and cleansing (Heb 9:22). It underscores the violent, painful, and costly nature of redemption, demonstrating divine justice satisfied.

• the forgiveness of sins: (Greek: tēn aphesin tōn hamartiōn - τὴν ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν). "Forgiveness" (aphesis) means a "sending away," "dismissal," or "release." In the context of sins (hamartia, "missing the mark" or moral failures), it signifies the complete removal of guilt, penalty, and condemnation associated with transgressions against God's law. It's not just pardoning, but also cancelling the debt of sin entirely. This is the direct, experiential outcome and specific content of the "redemption."

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "in whom we have": This pairing emphasizes that Christ is the exclusive and effective source of salvation, and that believers are already united with Him, thus currently possessing salvation's benefits. It signifies both position and possession.
  • "redemption through His blood": This phrase succinctly combines the concept of liberation (redemption) with its singular cost and mechanism (His blood). It underlines that true freedom from sin and its consequences is not earned but purchased at an immense cost – the atoning sacrifice of Christ. It stresses the unique efficacy and divine perfection of Christ's sacrifice.
  • "redemption...the forgiveness of sins": While "redemption" is the broader concept of being bought back from slavery, "the forgiveness of sins" articulates the primary and most immediate benefit or manifestation of that redemption for the individual. Forgiveness is a key aspect of the redemption experienced, dealing specifically with the legal and relational brokenness caused by sin. Redemption implies a change of ownership/state, and forgiveness implies a cancellation of debt.

Colossians 1 14 Bonus section

This verse functions as a powerful declaration of Christ's finished work, directly addressing the core problem of humanity – sin – and God's perfect solution. It stands against any notion of salvation by human effort, ritual, or adherence to cosmic laws. The depth of the term apolytrōsis ("redemption") resonates with the ancient understanding of freeing slaves, implying not just release, but also transfer of ownership; believers are bought by Christ and thus belong to Him, removed from the control of darkness and transferred to the domain of His love. The placement of this verse within the Christ hymn (Col 1:15-20) elevates Christ as preeminent, the very agent and sustainer of creation and also the sole source of re-creation through redemption. The phrase "the forgiveness of sins" acts as an epexegetical genitive, clarifying what kind of redemption is meant – primarily a redemption from sin's legal and moral claim.

Colossians 1 14 Commentary

Colossians 1:14 is a profound theological statement encapsulating the heart of the gospel. It reveals that our salvation is not an aspiration but a present reality, fully realized "in Christ." Redemption signifies a definitive liberation from the dominion and debt of sin, a purchase of freedom by a divinely ordained price. That price is explicitly identified as Christ's "blood," highlighting His unique, sacrificial death on the cross as the one and only means of atonement. This shed blood accomplishes the full and complete "forgiveness of sins," wiping clean our spiritual slate before God and reconciling us to Him. The verse underscores the completeness, certainty, and exclusivity of Christ's work, providing deep assurance to believers that their past, present, and future sins are thoroughly dealt with through His perfect sacrifice, making any additional works or mediators superfluous.