Colossians 1:16

For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Colossian believers, clarifying Christ's role immediately after describing Him as the image of the invisible God and firstborn over all creation.

The words — ὅτι (hoti) functions as "because," introducing the theological basis, while ἐκτίσθη (ektisthē) literally means "were created," marking the passive divine action.

The thread — This theme runs through Romans 11:36, John 1:3, and 1 Corinthians 8:6, which consistently trace the origin and purpose of all things to God through the Son.

Why it lands — The text states that every entity, whether physical or spiritual, owes its existence and ultimate aim to Christ, demanding acknowledgment of His absolute sovereignty over all creation.

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

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Cross-references

Romans 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
John 1:3 Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.
1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.
Hebrews 2:10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
1 Chronicles 29:11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.
Hebrews 1:2 But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.
Ephesians 1:10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.
Proverbs 16:4 The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.
Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth,
Hebrews 1:10 And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.