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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 for him are all things: to him be glory for ever. Amen. (Rom. 11:36)
u
John 1:3• 3All things received being through him, and without him not one thing received being which has received being. (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 image of the invisible God, firstborn of all creation; (Col. 1:15)
;
Psa. 102:25‑27• 25Of old hast thou founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of thy hands:
 26*They* shall perish, but *thou* continuest; and all of them shall grow old as 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 glad tidings, get thee up into a high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest glad 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 Jehovah will come with might, and his arm shall rule for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompence before him.
 11He will feed his flock like a shepherd: he will gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom; he will gently lead those that give suck.
 12Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out the heavens with his span, and grasped the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in a balance, and the hills in scales? (Isa. 40:9‑12)
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Isa. 44:24• 24Thus saith Jehovah, thy Redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb: I am Jehovah, the maker of all things; who alone stretched out the heavens, who did spread forth the earth by myself; (Isa. 44:24)
;
John 1:3• 3All things received being through him, and without him not one thing received being which has received being. (John 1:3)
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1 Cor. 8:6• 6yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom all things, and *we* for 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 enlighten all with the knowledge of what is the administration of the mystery hidden throughout the ages in God, who has created all things, (Eph. 3:9)
;
Heb. 1:2,10‑12• 2at the end of these days has spoken to us in the person of the Son, whom he has established heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
 10And, *Thou* in the beginning, Lord, hast founded the earth, and works of thy hands are the heavens.
 11They shall perish, but *thou* continuest still; and they all shall grow old as a garment,
 12and as a covering shalt thou roll 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 *he* has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, by how much he that has built it has more honour than the house.
 4For every house is built by some one; but he who has built all things is God. (Heb. 3:3‑4)
in heaven.
Col. 1:20• 20and by him to reconcile all things to itself, having made peace by the blood of his cross--by him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens. (Col. 1:20)
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Deut. 4:39• 39Thou shalt know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that Jehovah, he is God in the heavens above, and on the earth beneath: there is none else. (Deut. 4:39)
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1 Chron. 29:11• 11Thine, Jehovah, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the splendour, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is thine: thine, Jehovah, is the kingdom, and thou art exalted as Head above all; (1 Chron. 29:11)
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Eph. 1:10• 10for the administration of the fulness of times; to head up all things in the Christ, the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth; in him, (Eph. 1:10)
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Phil. 2:10• 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of heavenly and earthly and infernal beings, (Phil. 2:10)
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Rev. 5:13‑14• 13And every creature which is in the heaven and upon the earth and under the earth, and those that are upon the sea, and all things in them, heard I saying, To him that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb, blessing, and honour, and glory, and might, to the ages of ages.
 14And the four living creatures said, Amen; and the elders fell down and did homage. (Rev. 5:13‑14)
thrones.
Col. 2:10,15• 10and ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and authority,
 15having spoiled principalities and authorities, he made a show of them publicly, leading them in triumph by 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 things present, nor things to come, nor powers, (Rom. 8:38)
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Eph. 1:21• 21above every principality, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name named, not only in this age, but also in that to come; (Eph. 1:21)
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Eph. 3:10• 10in order that now to the principalities and authorities in the heavenlies might be made known through the assembly the all-various wisdom of God, (Eph. 3:10)
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Eph. 6:12• 12because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against principalities, against authorities, against the universal lords of this darkness, against spiritual power of wickedness in the heavenlies. (Eph. 6:12)
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1 Peter 3:22• 22who is at the right hand of God, gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being subjected to him. (1 Peter 3:22)
by.
Prov. 16:4• 4Jehovah hath wrought everything on his own account, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. (Prov. 16:4)
;
Isa. 43:21• 21This people have I formed for myself: they shall shew forth my praise. (Isa. 43:21)
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Rom. 11:36• 36For of him, and through him, and for him are all things: to him 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 to glory, to make perfect the leader of their salvation 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.