Colossians 1:15–17
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Who is the image of the inuisible God, the first borne of euery creature.
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:
For by him were all things created that are in heauen, and that are in earth, visible and inuisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
*And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- *Cross-reference1.Cor. 8.6. ioh. 1.3.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
PASSAGE SELECTION
Build from either side
Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.
SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE
Cross References
15 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 15
- Hebrews 1:3Rank 1 from verse 15
3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
3*Who being the brightnesse of his glory, and the expresse image of his person, and vpholding all things by the word of his power, when hee had by himselfe purged our sinnes, sate down on y e right hand of the Maiestie on high,
9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
9Iesus saith vnto him, Haue I bin so long time with you, and yet hast thou not knowen me, Philip? he that hath seene me, hath seene the father, and how sayest thou then, Shew vs the father?
- 2 Corinthians 4:4Rank 4 from verse 15
4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
4In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which beleeue not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine vnto them.
14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
14*And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among vs (& we beheld his glory, the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father) full of grace and trueth.
- Psalms 89:27Rank 7 from verse 15
- 2 Corinthians 4:6Rank 8 from verse 15
6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
6For God who commaunded the light to shine out of darkenes, hath shined in our hearts, to giue the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Iesus Christ.
- Philippians 2:6Rank 9 from verse 15
- 1 Timothy 1:17Rank 10 from verse 15
- Romans 8:29Rank 11 from verse 15
- Colossians 1:16–17Rank 12 from verse 15
16For 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:
17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
16For by him were all things created that are in heauen, and that are in earth, visible and inuisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.
17*And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
- Hebrews 1:6Rank 13 from verse 15
- Revelation 3:14Rank 15 from verse 15
14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
14And vnto the Angel of the Church ‖of the Laodiceans, write, These things saith the Amen, the faithfull and true witnesse, the beginning of the creation of God:
- 1 Timothy 6:16Rank 16 from verse 15
16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
16Who onely hath immortalitie, dwelling in the light, which no man can approch vnto, whom no man hath seene, nor can see: to whom be honour and power euerlasting. Amen.
- Ezekiel 1:26–28Rank 17 from verse 15
26¶ And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
27And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
28As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
26¶ And aboue the firmament that was ouer their heads, was the likenesse of a Throne, as the appearance of a Saphyre stone, and vpon the likenesse of the Throne was the likenesse as the appearance of a man aboue vpon it.
27And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it: from the appearance of his loynes euen vpward, and from the appearance of his loynes euen downeward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, & it had brightnesse round about.
28As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloude in the day of raine, so was the appearance of the brightnesse round about. This was the appearance of the likenesse of the glory of the LORD: and when I saw it, I fell vpon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
- Proverbs 8:29–31Rank 18 from verse 15
29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
29*When he gaue to the sea his decree, that the waters should not passe his commandement: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30Then I was by him, as one brought vp with him: and I was daily his delight, reioycing alwayes before him:
31Reioycing in the habitable part of his earth, and my delights were with the sonnes of men.
- Colossians 1:13Rank 19 from verse 15
- John 15:24Rank 20 from verse 15
- Exodus 24:10Rank 21 from verse 15
10And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
10And they saw the God of Israel: and there was vnder his feet, as it were a paued worke of a Saphire stone, and as it were the body of heauen in his clearenesse.
- Numbers 12:8Rank 22 from verse 15
8With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
8With him will I speake *mouth to mouth euen apparantly, and not in darke speeches, and the similitude of the LORD shall hee behold: wherefore then were yee not afraid to speake against my seruant Moses?
- Hebrews 11:27Rank 23 from verse 15
From verse 16
- Romans 11:36Rank 1 from verse 16
- 1 Corinthians 8:6Rank 3 from verse 16
- Hebrews 2:10Rank 4 from verse 16
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.
10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sonnes vnto glory, to make the Captaine of their saluation perfect through sufferings.
- 1 Chronicles 29:11Rank 5 from verse 16
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.
11Thine, O LORD, is the greatnes, and the power, and the glory, & the victorie, and the maiestie: for all that is in the heauen & in the earth, is thine: thine is *the kingdome, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head aboue all.
- Hebrews 1:2Rank 6 from verse 16
- Ephesians 1:10Rank 7 from verse 16
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:
10That in the dispensation of the fulnesse of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in †heauen, and which are on earth, euen in him:
- Isaiah 44:24Rank 8 from verse 16
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;
24Thus saith the LORD thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the wombe; I am the LORD that maketh all things, that stretcheth forth the heauens alone, that spreadeth abroad the earth by my selfe:
- Proverbs 16:4Rank 9 from verse 16
- Hebrews 1:10–12Rank 10 from verse 16
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.
10And, *thou Lord in the beginning hast layed the foundation of the earth: and the heauens are the works of thine hands.
11They shall perish, but thou remainest: and they all shal waxe old as doth a garment.
12And as a vesture shalt thou fold them vp, and they shall be changed, but thou art the same, and thy yeeres shall not faile?
- Colossians 1:15Rank 11 from verse 16
- Colossians 2:10Rank 12 from verse 16
- Ephesians 1:20–21Rank 13 from verse 16
20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
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:
20Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his owne right hand in the heauenly places,
21Farre aboue all principalitie, and power, and might, and dominion, and euery name that is named, not onely in this world, but also in that which is to come:
- Isaiah 43:21Rank 14 from verse 16
- Hebrews 3:3–4Rank 15 from verse 16
3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
4For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
3For this man was counted worthy of more glory then Moses, in as much as he who hath builded the house, hath more honour then the house.
4For euery house is builded by some man, but hee that built all things is God.
- Psalms 102:25–27Rank 16 from verse 16
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.
25*Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heauens are the worke of thy hands.
26†They shall perish, but thou shalt indure, yea all of them shall waxe old like a garment: as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shalbe changed.
27But thou art the same: and thy yeeres shall haue no end.
- Deuteronomy 4:39Rank 17 from verse 16
- Ephesians 3:9–10Rank 18 from verse 16
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:
10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
9And to make all men see, what is the fellowship of the mysterie, which from the beginning of the world, hath bene hid in God, who created all things by Iesus Christ:
10To the intent that now vnto the principalities and powers in heauenly places, might be knowen by the church, the manifold wisedome of God,
- 1 Peter 3:22Rank 19 from verse 16
- Philippians 2:10Rank 20 from verse 16
- Colossians 2:15Rank 21 from verse 16
- Colossians 1:20Rank 22 from verse 16
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.
20And (‖hauing made peace through the blood of his crosse) by him to reconcile all things vnto himself, by him, I say, whether they bee things in earth, or things in heauen.
- Revelation 5:13–14Rank 23 from verse 16
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 honour, 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.
13And euery creature which is in heauen, and on the earth, and vnder the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I, saying, Blessing, honour, glory, and power bee vnto him that sitteth vpon the Throne, and vnto the Lambe for euer and euer.
14And the foure beasts said, Amen. And the foure and twenty Elders fell downe and worshipped him that liueth for euer and euer.
- Ephesians 6:12Rank 24 from verse 16
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.
12For wee wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darknes of this world, against ‖spirituall wickednes in ‖high places.
- Isaiah 40:9–12Rank 25 from verse 16
9¶ O 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.
12¶ Who 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?
9¶ ‖‖O Zion, that bringest good tydings, get thee vp into the high mountaine: O Ierusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift vp thy voyce with strength, lift it vp, be not afraid: say vnto the cities of Iudah; Behold your God.
10‖*‖Behold, the LORD God will come with strong hand, and his arme shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his worke before him.
11*‖He shall feede his flocke like a shepheard: he shall gather the lambes with his arme; and carie them in his bosome, and shall gently lead those that are with yoong.
12¶ †Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand? and meted out heauen with the spanne, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountaines in scales, and the hilles in a balance?
- Romans 8:38Rank 26 from verse 16
From verse 17
- Hebrews 1:3Rank 1 from verse 17
3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
3*Who being the brightnesse of his glory, and the expresse image of his person, and vpholding all things by the word of his power, when hee had by himselfe purged our sinnes, sate down on y e right hand of the Maiestie on high,
- 1 Corinthians 8:6Rank 2 from verse 17
- Acts 17:28Rank 3 from verse 17
- John 1:1–3Rank 4 from verse 17
1IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2The same was in the beginning with God.
3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
1¶ In the beginning was the Word, & the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2*The same was in the beginning with God.
3*All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
- Colossians 1:15Rank 7 from verse 17
- Psalms 75:3Rank 8 from verse 17
- Revelation 1:8Rank 9 from verse 17
- Isaiah 44:6Rank 10 from verse 17
- Proverbs 8:22–23Rank 11 from verse 17
22The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23I was set vp from euerlasting, from the beginning, or euer the earth was.
- Isaiah 43:11–13Rank 12 from verse 17
11I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.
12I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.
13Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?
11*I, euen I am the LORD, and beside me there is no Sauiour.
12I haue declared, and haue saued, and I haue shewed, when there was no strange God among you: therefore yee are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.
13†*Yea before the day was, I am hee; and there is none that can deliuer out of my hand: I will worke, and who shall let it?
- Revelation 1:17Rank 13 from verse 17
- Hebrews 13:8Rank 14 from verse 17
- Revelation 2:8Rank 15 from verse 17
- 1 Samuel 2:8Rank 16 from verse 17
8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.
8*He raiseth vp the poore out of the dust, and lifteth vp the begger from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORDs, and hee hath set the world vpon them.
2But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
2*†But thou Beth-leem Ephratah, though thou bee little among the thousands of Iudah, yet out of thee shall he come foorth vnto mee, that is to be ruler in Israel: whose goings foorth haue bene from of old, from euerlasting.
- John 5:17–18Rank 18 from verse 17
17¶ But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
18Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
17¶ But Iesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, & I worke.
18Therefore the Iewes sought the more to kill him, not onely because hee had broken the Sabbath, but said also, that God was his father, making himselfe equall with God.
- Revelation 1:11Rank 19 from verse 17
11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and what thou seest, write in a booke, and send it vnto the seuen Churches which are in Asia, vnto Ephesus, and vnto Smyrna, and vnto Pergamos, and vnto Thyatira, and vnto Sardis, and Philadelphia, and vnto Laodicea.
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
Open a word for its full definition and concordance.
DEFINED WORDS
Colossians 1:15
A likeness, resemblance, representation, figure, or corresponding form.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Unable to be seen; imperceptible to sight.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
The one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Each individual or member of the class, group, place, time, side, or kind named; all distributively.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: A being or thing made or created. Sense 2: Created beings or the created order collectively. Sense 3: In the phrase 'new creature,' a person or state made new in Christ.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
DEFINED WORDS
Colossians 1:16
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Past-tense or past-participial form of create. Sense 1: Caused to exist, made, or formed. Sense 2: Brought into a new state or character.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The firmament or expanse above the earth, including the sky and the region of the sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, and flying creatures. Sense 2: The realm above spoken of as God's throne and dwelling place, and as the place of angels, heavenly beings, and the righteous. Sense 3: By metonymy, God, heavenly authority or source, or those who dwell there.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: The world in distinction from heaven. Sense 2: Dry land, ground, soil, or dust. Sense 3: A land, region, or its inhabitants.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Able to be seen.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604 · Webster 1828
Unable to be seen; imperceptible to sight.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: Which of two. Sense 2: Introducing alternatives or uncertainty.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Royal seats; by extension, sovereign rule or authority.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Ruling powers or realms. 2. Invisible created orders of authority.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
principalities
Dominions, ruling powers, ranks of authority, or territories governed by princes.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Colossians 1:17
Earlier than in time; in front of; in the presence of; or prior in order or rank.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To subsist, hold together, or remain established.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893
FOLLOW THE THEME
Related Concepts
Choose a connected KJV word or phrase to find where it appears in scripture.
heaven and eternal life
READ BEFORE AND AFTER
Surrounding Verses
Nearby Scripture remains separate from the selected passage until you add it.
14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
14In whom we haue redemption through his blood, euen the forgiuenesse of sinnes:
15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
15Who is the image of the inuisible God, the first borne of euery creature.
Selected passage16For 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:
16For by him were all things created that are in heauen, and that are in earth, visible and inuisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.
Selected passage17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
17*And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Selected passage18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
18And hee is the head of the body, the Church: who is the beginning, the first borne from the dead, that ‖in all things he might haue the preeminence: