Bible Strands
Colossians 1:14
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Colossian believers, placing this declaration immediately after describing the transfer from darkness into the kingdom of the beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). The statement functions as a direct continuation of that positional change, identifying the present reality secured for the recipients.
The words — The supplied Greek explicitly includes διὰ τοῦ αἵματος (dia tou haimatos, "through the blood") alongside ἀπολύτρωσιν (apolutrōsin, "redemption"). Paul uses ἔχομεν (echomen, "we have") to mark a settled, current possession rather than a future expectation.
The thread — This pairing of redemption and forgiveness appears in Ephesians 1:7, which explicitly links them to the blood of Christ. Paul later mirrors the same causal structure in Romans 3:24, where justification is granted through the redemption located in Christ Jesus.
Why it lands — The text states that forgiveness of sins is already possessed in Christ, not merely promised. It requires the reader to cease striving for legal standing and rest in the completed transaction of the Son's blood.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Cross-references
- Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
- Romans 3:24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Peter 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.
- Hebrews 9:12 He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.
- Hebrews 9:22 According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
- Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
- Acts 13:38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
- Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
- Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
- Ephesians 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.