Colossians 1:18 kjv

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.

Colossians 1:18 nkjv

And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Colossians 1:18 niv

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Colossians 1:18 esv

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Colossians 1:18 nlt

Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.

Colossians 1 verses

Colossians 1 18 Meaning

Colossians 1:18 declares the supreme authority and foundational role of Jesus Christ, asserting His singular position as the head and life-giver of the church, the originator of all creation, and the conqueror of death through His resurrection. This comprehensive supremacy ensures that in every aspect of existence, from the cosmic to the individual, Christ holds the ultimate and undisputed preeminence.

Colossians 1 18 Context

Colossians 1:18 is a pivotal verse within a profound Christological hymn (Col 1:15-20) that outlines the supremacy of Jesus Christ in both creation and redemption. Preceding this verse, Paul establishes Christ’s preeminence as the "firstborn over all creation" and the agent "by whom all things were created" (Col 1:15-17). Verse 18 then transitions to Christ's unique role within the realm of the new creation, particularly His authority over the Church. This entire passage serves as a direct counter-argument to various Gnostic-like philosophies and ascetic practices emerging in Colosse that subtly diminished Christ's singular importance, promoting syncretistic beliefs, angel worship, or adherence to human traditions. Paul emphasizes that Christ alone holds absolute sufficiency and authority, making any addition or deviation unnecessary and ultimately detrimental to true faith.

Colossians 1 18 Word analysis

• And He: Greek: kai Autos. The conjunction "And" connects Christ's cosmic preeminence (Col 1:15-17) with His ecclesial preeminence. "He" is emphatic, highlighting Jesus Christ as the singular subject of these declarations.
• is: Greek: estin. A verb in the present tense, denoting an eternal and continuous reality, not merely a past or future state. Christ’s position is His inherent nature.
• the head: Greek: hē kephalē. A crucial metaphor signifying Christ's ultimate authority, leadership, and source of life for the body. The head directs, controls, and nourishes. It also implies a unique origin and preeminent position.
• of the body: Greek: tou sōmatos. Refers to an organic entity that derives its life, unity, and direction from its head. This term prepares for the direct identification that follows.
• the church: Greek: tēs ekklēsias. An epexegetical apposition, clarifying that the "body" is the church—the assembly of God’s people, both universally and locally. It underscores Christ's specific relationship with His redeemed community.
• who is: Greek: hos estin. Introduces further qualifications and descriptions of the Head, Jesus Christ, elaborating on why He holds preeminence.
• the beginning: Greek: hē archē. Signifies source, origin, and primacy in terms of time and rank. It points to Christ as the ultimate initiator, echoing His role as the creator from Col 1:16.
• the firstborn: Greek: prōtotokos. While also appearing in Col 1:15 referring to creation, here it is used in the context of resurrection. It signifies Christ’s supremacy, preeminence, and authoritative position over death and the new creation, rather than merely being the first in a sequence of resurrected beings. He holds the position of supreme heir.
• from the dead: Greek: ek tōn nekrōn. Specifies the realm from which Christ emerged, highlighting His victorious resurrection as the basis for His preeminence in redemption and new life. This is the foundation of the Church's hope.
• that in everything: Greek: hina en pasin. A telic (purpose) clause, revealing the ultimate aim or divine intention behind Christ’s identity and actions. "Everything" encompasses all aspects of creation, redemption, and life.
• He might have the preeminence: Greek: autos genētai en pasin prōteuōn. Prōteuōn (preeminence/supremacy) is strongly linked to prōtotokos. It means to hold the first place, to be paramount or supreme. This is the climactic statement of the verse, underscoring Christ's absolute and uncontested first place in all realms.

• He is the head of the body, the church: This foundational statement defines Christ's organic and authoritative relationship with His gathered people. The church is not an independent entity, but finds its life, identity, and direction solely in Him, its Head. It means every spiritual gift, every calling, and every ministry within the church is dependent on Him.
• who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead: These two descriptors powerfully ground Christ’s preeminence in His unparalleled actions: His role as the source of all creation and His decisive triumph over death through resurrection. He initiated the old creation and is the pioneer of the new creation, validating His absolute supremacy over both realms.
• that in everything He might have the preeminence: This culminating phrase encapsulates the purpose of Christ's cosmic and redemptive work. His identity and actions lead to a necessary outcome: He is to be supreme, number one, without rival, in every conceivable sphere. This cosmic declaration combats any worldview that might relegate Him to a secondary role or dilute His unique status.

Colossians 1 18 Bonus section

This verse is crucial for understanding Christology, emphasizing both Christ's ontological preeminence (inherent nature as God) and His functional preeminence (active role in creation and redemption). It is part of what many scholars consider to be one of the earliest hymns or confessional statements about Christ in the New Testament. The deliberate choice of words like archē and prōtotokos subtly but firmly counter the Colossian heresy, which likely posited other divine intermediaries or cosmic powers (stoicheia tou kosmou). Paul redirects all focus and allegiance squarely to Christ, stressing that only in Him is true fullness found and that no other entity or practice can add to His perfect and complete work.

Colossians 1 18 Commentary

Colossians 1:18 forms the pinnacle of Paul’s majestic hymn to Christ’s supremacy. It establishes Jesus as the supreme Head of the church, giving it life, direction, and authority. By defining Him as "the beginning" and "the firstborn from the dead," Paul asserts Christ's origination of all creation and His groundbreaking triumph over death, thereby pioneering the new creation. These twin truths underscore that Christ’s preeminence is not just partial but total, extending to every realm and facet of existence. The ultimate purpose of His identity and actions is that "in everything He might have the preeminence"—meaning He must hold the absolute first place. This verse is a direct refutation of any teaching that would diminish Christ's glory or introduce other intermediaries or authorities. For instance, the church derives its vitality and unity solely from Christ as its head, just as the physical body depends on the head for its very existence. Moreover, His resurrection as the firstborn ensures His authority over life and death, confirming His ultimate victory. This holistic view of Christ compels believers to acknowledge His complete sufficiency for salvation, life, and hope, leaving no room for human philosophies, rituals, or spiritual beings to compete with His unique and paramount status.