Colossians 2:17

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

Complete Jewish Bible:

These are a shadow of things that are coming, but the body is of the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible:

These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.

American Standard Version:

which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Which^{G3739} are^{G2076} a shadow^{G4639} of things to come^{G3195}; but^{G1161} the body^{G4983} is of Christ^{G5547}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Colossians 2:17

Colossians 2:17 states: "These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ." This verse is part of the apostle Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, a city in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey). Paul is addressing the Colossian Christians, who were being influenced by various philosophies and religious practices that threatened to undermine their faith in Christ.

In this verse, Paul is referring to the Old Testament laws and rituals, including the festivals, new moon celebrations, and Sabbath days, which he describes as mere "shadows." These ceremonial aspects of the Jewish law were not ends in themselves but rather pointers to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. They foreshadowed the redemptive work that Christ would accomplish through His life, death, and resurrection.

The "body of Christ" in this context likely refers to the church, which is the physical manifestation of Christ's presence on earth after His ascension. It may also allude to the idea that believers are members of Christ's body, with Christ Himself being the head. Paul emphasizes that the substance, or the fulfillment of the Old Testament types and shadows, is found in Jesus Christ. This fulfillment includes the new covenant relationship with God, which is no longer based on adherence to the law but on faith in Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.

In summary, Colossians 2:17 conveys a significant theme in early Christian theology: the fulfillment of the Old Testament in Jesus Christ. Paul encourages the Colossian believers to hold fast to their faith in Christ, who is the true substance of what the Old Testament laws and rituals could only symbolize. This verse underscores the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, from shadow to reality, and from law to grace, which is central to the message of the New Testament.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G3739
   There are 1215 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὅς
   Transliteration: hós
   Pronunciation: ho
   Description: probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article ὁ); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:--one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also οὗ.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2076
   There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐστί
   Transliteration: estí
   Pronunciation: es-tee'
   Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
   
3. Strong's Number: G4639
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σκιά
   Transliteration: skiá
   Pronunciation: skee'-ah
   Description: apparently a primary word; "shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration)):-- shadow.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3195
   There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μέλλω
   Transliteration: méllō
   Pronunciation: mel'-lo
   Description: a strengthened form of μέλω (through the idea of expectation); to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation):--about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
6. Strong's Number: G4983
   There are 122 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σῶμα
   Transliteration: sōma
   Pronunciation: so'-mah
   Description: from σώζω; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave.
   
7. Strong's Number: G5547
   There are 530 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Χριστός
   Transliteration: Christós
   Pronunciation: khris-tos'
   Description: from χρίω; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.