Bible Strands
Colossians 2:17
These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Colossian church to conclude his directive against external judgment on dietary and festival observances, immediately preceding a warning against speculative angel worship.
The words — σκιὰ (skia) renders "shadow" and σῶμα (sōma) renders "body," establishing a contrast between the temporary outline and the substantial reality.
The thread — The shadow motif recurs in Hebrews 10:1 and Hebrews 8:5 to describe the law's provisional nature, while John 1:17 contrasts that Mosaic administration with the grace and truth delivered through Jesus Christ.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to cease measuring spiritual standing against ritual calendars and to recognize Christ alone as the substance that fulfills those patterns.
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
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 10:1 For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.
- Hebrews 8:5 The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”
- John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
- Hebrews 9:9 It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper.
- Hebrews 4:1 Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it.
- Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.