Colossians 1:14

KJV

In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

KJV (with Strong's)

In {G1722} whom {G3739} we have {G2192} redemption {G629} through {G1223} his {G846} blood {G129}, even the forgiveness {G859} of sins {G266}:

Complete Jewish Bible

It is through his Son that we have redemption — that is, our sins have been forgiven.

Berean Standard Bible

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

American Standard Version

in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 1:14 succinctly encapsulates the profound reality of Christian salvation, declaring that believers possess both redemption and the forgiveness of sins exclusively "in Christ." This verse underscores the foundational truth that spiritual liberation from sin's bondage and its guilt is achieved solely through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, specifically through the shedding of His blood on the cross, establishing Him as the indispensable source of all spiritual blessings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 1:14 is nestled within Paul's opening prayer and thanksgiving for the Colossian believers, immediately following his declaration of God's deliverance of them "from the power of darkness" and their transfer "into the kingdom of his dear Son" in [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Deliverance into God's Kingdom"). This verse thus serves as the theological explanation for *how* this radical transfer and deliverance occur, grounding it in the finished work of Christ. It sets the stage for the subsequent exalted description of Christ's preeminence in creation and reconciliation found in [Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - The Supremacy of Christ"), establishing the foundation of salvation before elaborating on the Savior's cosmic significance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Colossae was situated in Phrygia, a region known for its syncretistic religious tendencies and philosophical currents, including nascent Gnostic-like ideas that threatened to diminish Christ's unique role. Paul's letter directly addresses these emerging heresies by emphasizing Christ's absolute supremacy and the sufficiency of His work. The concepts of "redemption" (Greek: *apolýtrōsis*) and "forgiveness" (Greek: *áphesis*) would have resonated with both Jewish and Gentile audiences. For Jews, redemption evoked the Exodus liberation and the sacrificial system. For Gentiles, it related to the common practice of ransoming slaves or paying off debts, a familiar socio-economic reality. The emphasis on "blood" would have been understood as the life-force, signifying a costly, ultimate sacrifice, echoing ancient sacrificial practices and covenant ratification.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Colossians. Foremost is the **Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ**, asserting that all salvation and spiritual blessings flow directly from Him. It also highlights the theme of **Radical Transformation**, as believers are not merely improved but are fundamentally transferred from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom. The emphasis on "redemption through his blood" underscores the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, portraying Christ's death as the necessary and effective means by which humanity's broken relationship with God is restored. This foundational truth counters any attempts to add human effort or other spiritual practices to Christ's complete work, a central concern throughout Paul's argument in [Colossians](/colossians/1 "The Book of Colossians").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **redemption (Greek, _apolýtrōsis_):** From the provided Strong's data (G629), this term denotes "ransom in full" and "riddance," specifically referring to "Christian salvation" and "deliverance." It carries the powerful imagery of being bought back or set free from a state of captivity, often through the payment of a price. In the context of Colossians 1:14, it signifies liberation from the slavery of sin and its consequences, achieved by Christ's atoning sacrifice.
* **through (Greek, _diá_):** As per Strong's G1223, this preposition indicates "the channel of an act," signifying "by reason of," "by occasion of," or "by." Here, it establishes the instrumental means by which redemption is accomplished. It is not merely "with" or "alongside" but "by means of" Christ's blood, emphasizing the direct causal link between His sacrifice and our salvation.
* **blood (Greek, _haîma_):** Strong's G129 defines this as "blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred." In this verse, "his blood" specifically refers to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is the life poured out, the ultimate payment, signifying the covenant established through His atoning work, which alone has the power to redeem and cleanse.
* **forgiveness (Greek, _áphesis_):** According to Strong's G859, this word means "freedom" and "pardon," also translated as "deliverance, liberty, remission." It literally implies "a sending away" or "release." In the context of sin, it means a complete pardon, a cancellation of debt, and the removal of guilt and condemnation. It is not merely overlooking sin but a judicial act of God, made possible by Christ's redemptive work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In whom we have redemption":** This opening phrase immediately establishes Jesus Christ as the singular and exclusive source of salvation. The preposition "in" (Greek: *en*, G1722) denotes a fixed position or state, implying that our redemption is not merely *from* Him but *within* Him, signifying a deep, relational union. The verb "have" (Greek: *échō*, G2192) indicates a present possession – believers *presently* and *actually* possess this redemption, it is not a future hope but a current reality. This "redemption" (Greek: *apolýtrōsis*) refers to the act of being bought back or set free from the bondage of sin, its penalty, and its power, implying a ransom has been paid.
* **"through his blood":** This crucial phrase specifies the means by which redemption is accomplished. The preposition "through" (Greek: *diá*) denotes the channel or instrument. "His blood" (Greek: *haîma*) is a powerful metonymy for Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. It signifies the ultimate price paid, the life given, to secure our freedom. This emphasizes the costly, substitutionary nature of Christ's atonement, where His innocent life was offered to satisfy divine justice and reconcile humanity to God.
* **"[even] the forgiveness of sins:":** This clause clarifies and amplifies the nature of the redemption received. The KJV's "even" (not present in the original Greek but implied) indicates that the forgiveness of sins is either synonymous with or a direct, integral consequence of redemption. "Forgiveness" (Greek: *áphesis*) means a complete pardon, a release from the guilt and penalty of transgressions (Greek: *hamartía*, G266). It signifies that the debt owed for sin has been fully paid, and the sinner is acquitted before God, highlighting the comprehensive nature of Christ's saving work.

#### Literary Devices
Colossians 1:14 employs several powerful literary devices. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "through his blood," where "blood" stands for Christ's sacrificial death. This is a common biblical idiom that powerfully conveys the cost and efficacy of atonement. There is also clear **Parallelism** between "redemption" and "the forgiveness of sins," suggesting that these two concepts are inextricably linked, perhaps even two facets of the same salvific reality. The construction emphasizes that one leads to or is defined by the other. Furthermore, the verse uses **Conciseness** to pack profound theological truth into a few words, making it a memorable and impactful statement on the core of the Gospel. The phrase "In whom" serves as a powerful **Emphasis** on Christ's centrality, acting as an anchor for all the blessings that follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 1:14 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the doctrine of atonement and the nature of salvation. It unequivocally declares that salvation is not earned but is a gift received through Christ's finished work. The concept of "redemption through his blood" aligns perfectly with the Old Testament sacrificial system, which foreshadowed the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. This verse underscores the necessity of Christ's death for the remission of sins, linking directly to the New Covenant where His blood inaugurates a new relationship with God. It affirms the substitutionary nature of His atonement, where He bore the penalty for our sins, securing our freedom and pardon. This profound truth forms the basis for our reconciliation with God and our hope for eternal life.

* [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Remission")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed with the Precious Blood of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 1:14 offers profound comfort and a solid foundation for the believer's assurance. To truly grasp that our redemption and the complete forgiveness of our sins are not dependent on our fluctuating performance, but are a secure possession "in Christ" through His perfect sacrifice, liberates us from the burden of guilt and the futility of self-effort. This truth should ignite a deep, abiding gratitude, transforming our perspective on God's grace and our identity in Him. It calls us to live lives that reflect this freedom—no longer enslaved to sin, but empowered by the Spirit to walk in obedience and love. Our response to such a costly salvation should be one of worship, humble submission, and a zealous desire to make Christ known as the sole source of true liberation and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that "redemption" is a present possession "in whom" (Christ) impact your daily sense of security and identity?**
* **What does the emphasis on "his blood" reveal about the cost and seriousness of sin, and the depth of God's love for you?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to add to Christ's finished work for your salvation, and how does this verse correct that tendency?**
* **How can the truth of "forgiveness of sins" empower you to extend grace and forgiveness to others?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to have "redemption through his blood"?**

Answer: "Redemption" (Greek: *apolýtrōsis*) means to be bought back or set free from a state of bondage or slavery through the payment of a price. In the biblical context, humanity is enslaved to sin, its power, and its penalty. "Through his blood" refers to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. His life, poured out as a perfect, unblemished offering, served as the ransom price. Therefore, "redemption through his blood" means that believers are liberated from the dominion and condemnation of sin because Christ, through His death, paid the ultimate price, securing our freedom and reconciliation with God. This is a central theme in the New Testament, echoed in passages like [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood") and [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed with the Precious Blood of Christ").

**Is "redemption" the same as "forgiveness of sins" in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related and often used in conjunction, "redemption" and "forgiveness of sins" are distinct yet complementary aspects of salvation. "Redemption" emphasizes the act of liberation from bondage through a ransom payment, focusing on the *cost* and the *freedom* gained. "Forgiveness of sins" (Greek: *áphesis*) emphasizes the cancellation of debt, the pardon of guilt, and the removal of condemnation, focusing on the *judicial aspect* and the *clean slate* before God. In Colossians 1:14, the phrase "[even] the forgiveness of sins" clarifies *what* the redemption entails or *how* it is experienced—it is the practical outcome of being redeemed. You are set free *from* sin's power and penalty, and that freedom includes the full pardon of all your transgressions. Both are made possible by Christ's atoning work, as highlighted in [Romans 3:24-25](/romans/3-24-25 "Romans 3:24-25 - Justification by His Blood").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 1:14 stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's absolute centrality in the plan of salvation, revealing Him as the sole and sufficient means by which humanity finds redemption and forgiveness. This verse points directly to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament types and shadows concerning sacrifice and atonement. He is the Lamb of God, whose blood, unlike the temporary animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant, provides a perfect and eternal cleansing for sin, as profoundly articulated in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). In Christ, the ancient prophecies of a redeemer are realized, and the promise of a new covenant, sealed by His very blood, is established ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")). Our "redemption through his blood" is not merely a theological concept but a living reality found exclusively in our union with Him, the One who "loved us and gave himself up for us" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). He is the embodiment of God's grace, the very source of our freedom from sin's tyranny, and the guarantor of our eternal pardon, making Him the Alpha and Omega of our salvation ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 1:7

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Romans 3:24

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 3:25

Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1 Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Hebrews 9:22

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Hebrews 9:12

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].