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Colossians 1

Col. 1:16 KJV (With Strong’s)

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16
For
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
hoti (Greek #3754)
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
KJV usage: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.
Pronounce: hot'-ee
Origin: neuter of 3748 as conjunction
by
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
him
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
were
ktizo (Greek #2936)
to fabricate, i.e. found (form originally)
KJV usage: create, Creator, make.
Pronounce: ktid'-zo
Origin: probably akin to 2932 (through the idea of proprietorship of the manufacturer)
all things
pas (Greek #3956)
apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole
KJV usage: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
Pronounce: pas
Origin: including all the forms of declension
created
ktizo (Greek #2936)
to fabricate, i.e. found (form originally)
KJV usage: create, Creator, make.
Pronounce: ktid'-zo
Origin: probably akin to 2932 (through the idea of proprietorship of the manufacturer)
, that are
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
heaven
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
ouranos (Greek #3772)
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity)
KJV usage: air, heaven(-ly), sky.
Pronounce: oo-ran-os'
Origin: perhaps from the same as 3735 (through the idea of elevation)
, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
that are
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
in
epi (Greek #1909)
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.
KJV usage: about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).
Pronounce: ep-ee'
Origin: a primary preposition
earth
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
ge (Greek #1093)
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
KJV usage: country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world.
Pronounce: ghay
Origin: contracted from a primary word
, visible
horatos (Greek #3707)
gazed at, i.e. (by implication) capable of being seen
KJV usage: visible.
Pronounce: hor-at-os'
Origin: from 3708
and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
invisible
aoratos (Greek #517)
invisible
KJV usage: invisible (thing).
Pronounce: ah-or'-at-os
Origin: from 1 (as a negative particle) and 3707
, whether
eite (Greek #1535)
if too
KJV usage: if, or, whether.
Pronounce: i'-teh
Origin: from 1487 and 5037
they be thrones
thronos (Greek #2362)
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
KJV usage: seat, throne.
Pronounce: thron'-os
Origin: from θράω (to sit)
, or
eite (Greek #1535)
if too
KJV usage: if, or, whether.
Pronounce: i'-teh
Origin: from 1487 and 5037
dominions
kuriotes (Greek #2963)
mastery, i.e. (concretely and collectively) rulers
KJV usage: dominion, government.
Pronounce: koo-ree-ot'-ace
Origin: from 2962
, or
eite (Greek #1535)
if too
KJV usage: if, or, whether.
Pronounce: i'-teh
Origin: from 1487 and 5037
principalities
arche (Greek #746)
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
KJV usage: beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule.
Pronounce: ar-khay'
Origin: from 756
, or
eite (Greek #1535)
if too
KJV usage: if, or, whether.
Pronounce: i'-teh
Origin: from 1487 and 5037
powers
exousia (Greek #1849)
privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence
KJV usage: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
Pronounce: ex-oo-see'-ah
Origin: from 1832 (in the sense of ability)
: all things
pas (Greek #3956)
apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole
KJV usage: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
Pronounce: pas
Origin: including all the forms of declension
were created
ktizo (Greek #2936)
to fabricate, i.e. found (form originally)
KJV usage: create, Creator, make.
Pronounce: ktid'-zo
Origin: probably akin to 2932 (through the idea of proprietorship of the manufacturer)
by
dia (Greek #1223)
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
KJV usage: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) ... fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.
Pronounce: dee-ah'
Origin: a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act
w him
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
u, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
for
eis (Greek #1519)
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
KJV usage: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Pronounce: ice
Origin: a primary preposition
him
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
:
w
Rom. 11:36• 36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Rom. 11:36)
u
John 1:3• 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3)

More on:

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Earth,
Heaven,
Principality,
Throne

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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by him were.
Col. 1:15• 15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (Col. 1:15)
;
Psa. 102:25‑27• 25Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
 26They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
 27But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. (Psa. 102:25‑27)
;
Isa. 40:9‑12• 9O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!
 10Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
 11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
 12Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? (Isa. 40:9‑12)
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Isa. 44:24• 24Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; (Isa. 44:24)
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John 1:3• 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3)
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1 Cor. 8:6• 6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1 Cor. 8:6)
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Eph. 3:9• 9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Eph. 3:9)
;
Heb. 1:2,10‑12• 2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
 10And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
 11They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
 12And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. (Heb. 1:2,10‑12)
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Heb. 3:3‑4• 3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honor than the house.
 4For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. (Heb. 3:3‑4)
in heaven.
Col. 1:20• 20And, 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. (Col. 1:20)
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Deut. 4:39• 39Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. (Deut. 4:39)
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1 Chron. 29:11• 11Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. (1 Chron. 29:11)
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Eph. 1:10• 10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (Eph. 1:10)
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Phil. 2:10• 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (Phil. 2:10)
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Rev. 5:13‑14• 13And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
 14And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. (Rev. 5:13‑14)
thrones.
Col. 2:10,15• 10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
 15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Col. 2:10,15)
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Rom. 8:38• 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (Rom. 8:38)
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Eph. 1:21• 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (Eph. 1:21)
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Eph. 3:10• 10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (Eph. 3:10)
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Eph. 6:12• 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph. 6:12)
;
1 Peter 3:22• 22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (1 Peter 3:22)
by.
Prov. 16:4• 4The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. (Prov. 16:4)
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Isa. 43:21• 21This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise. (Isa. 43:21)
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Rom. 11:36• 36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Rom. 11:36)
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Heb. 2:10• 10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Heb. 2:10)
• The Spirit speaks of the One who is man, but the One who is at the same time Creator of all things, the Son of God. They were created by Him, they were necessarily then created also for Him. (“Colossians 1” by J.N. Darby)
• In the Epistle to the Colossians that which is set before us is the proper glory of His Person as the Son before the world was. He is the Creator as Son. It is important to observe this. But the persons are not separated in their manifestation. (“Colossians 1” by J.N. Darby)
• “God” (Elohim) is plural, meaning that all three Persons in the Godhead had a part in that creative work. Likewise, “Creator,” as used in Ecclesiastes 12:1, is plural. But when one Person in the Godhead is singled out as the Creator, it is always the Son. (“The Fulness That Resides in Christ: Colossians 1-2:3” by B. Anstey)
• “Thrones, or lordships, or principalities, or authorities.” These are invisible angelic creatures in various ranks and capacities. (“The Fulness That Resides in Christ: Colossians 1-2:3” by B. Anstey)
•  “In Him” means that all creative force (power) resides in Him. “By Him” means that He is the active instrument (agent) through which divine power works. “For Him” means that He is the divine end for which everything has been made; it is for His pleasure (Rev. 4:11). (“The Fulness That Resides in Christ: Colossians 1-2:3” by B. Anstey)

J. N. Darby Translation

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16
because byk him were created all thingsl, the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones, or lordships, or principalities, or authorities: all thingsa have been created byb him and forc him.

JND Translation Notes

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k
En. Lit. "in him," in the power of whose person. He was the one whose intrinsic power characterized the creation. It exists as his creature.
l
Looked at as a whole. "the all things," as vers. 17,20; Eph. 3.9.
a
See Note l ver. 16.
b
Dia, the instrumental power.
c
Eis, "for." These three prepositions, en, dia, eis, show Christ to be the characteristic power, the active instrument, and the end in creation.

W. Kelly Translation

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16
for by hima was created the universe, the things in the heavens and those on the earth, the seen and the unseen, whether thrones, or lordships, or principalities, or authorities. The universe has been created through him and for him.

WK Translation Notes

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a
Here it expresses not the instrumental means of the universal creation, but the intrinsic power by which the work was done. It was in His power or in virtue of Him that all things were created.