Colossians 2:11

KJV

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

KJV (with Strong's)

In {G1722} whom {G3739} also {G2532} ye are circumcised {G4059} with the circumcision {G4061} made without hands {G886}, in {G1722} putting off {G555} the body {G4983} of the sins {G266} of the flesh {G4561} by {G1722} the circumcision {G4061} of Christ {G5547}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Also it was in union with him that you were circumcised with a circumcision not done by human hands, but accomplished by stripping away the old nature’s control over the body. In this circumcision done by the Messiah,

Berean Standard Bible

In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.

American Standard Version

in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 2:11 reveals that believers in Christ have undergone a profound spiritual transformation, a "circumcision made without hands." This divine work, accomplished through union with Christ, signifies the decisive "putting off the body of the sins of the flesh," liberating them from the dominion of their old, sinful nature. Paul contrasts this internal, spiritual reality with the external, physical rite of circumcision, emphasizing that true completeness and purity are found solely in Christ's finished work, not in human rituals or legalistic observances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 2:11 is situated within Paul's broader argument against various false teachings that were infiltrating the church in Colossae. Beginning in [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Warning Against False Philosophy"), Paul warns the believers not to be captivated by "philosophy and empty deceit" that is "according to human tradition." He then establishes the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in [Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9-10 "Colossians 2:9-10 - The Fullness of Christ"), declaring that "in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him." Verse 11 logically extends this truth, explaining *how* believers are made complete in Christ, specifically addressing the issue of circumcision, which was likely promoted by Judaizing teachers as necessary for spiritual maturity or salvation. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, linking the believer's spiritual status to Christ's work and setting the stage for the discussion of baptism in [Colossians 2:12](/colossians/2-12 "Colossians 2:12 - Buried and Raised with Christ").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, particularly within Judaism, physical circumcision was the foundational sign of the Abrahamic covenant, marking male Israelites as belonging to God's chosen people ([Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")). For Jewish Christians and Judaizing teachers, it remained a significant marker of identity and righteousness. The false teachers in Colossae likely advocated for the necessity of physical circumcision, along with other Old Testament laws and ascetic practices, as a means to attain a higher spiritual standing. Paul's audience, which included both Jewish and Gentile believers, would have understood the profound implications of his statement. By declaring that believers have a "circumcision made without hands," Paul directly challenged the cultural and religious assumptions of his day, asserting that the new covenant reality in Christ transcends and fulfills the old covenant signs.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Colossians and Pauline theology. Foremost is the **Sufficiency of Christ**, emphasizing that all spiritual blessings and completeness are found in Him alone, rendering external rituals unnecessary for salvation or sanctification. It highlights the distinction between **Spiritual Reality and Physical Ritual**, arguing that the true transformation God desires is an internal work of the heart, not an outward performance. This aligns with Old Testament prophecies of a "circumcision of the heart" ([Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Deuteronomy 30:6 - Circumcision of the Heart")) and Paul's teaching in [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision is of the Heart"). The verse also underscores the theme of **Union with Christ**, as the spiritual circumcision is experienced "in whom" (Christ), signifying the believer's identification with His death and resurrection. Finally, it addresses **Victory Over Sin**, as the "putting off the body of the sins of the flesh" points to the believer's liberation from the dominion and power of the sinful nature through Christ's redemptive work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **circumcised (Greek, _peritémnō'_):** This verb, meaning "to cut around," specifically refers to the physical rite of circumcision. Paul uses this term to draw a direct parallel, but immediately redefines its nature for believers in Christ, shifting its meaning from a physical act to a spiritual reality.
* **made without hands (Greek, _acheiropoíētos'_):** This crucial adjective emphasizes that the circumcision believers experience is not a human work or ritual, but a divine, supernatural act. It stands in direct opposition to anything performed by human effort, highlighting God's sole agency in this spiritual transformation.
* **putting off (Greek, _apékdysis'_):** This noun signifies a "divestment" or "stripping off." It conveys the powerful imagery of removing something completely, like taking off old clothing. Here, it refers to the decisive severance from the old, unregenerate self and its sinful desires.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** In this context, "flesh" refers to human nature in its fallen, unredeemed state, characterized by its weaknesses, passions, and propensity to sin. The "body of the sins of the flesh" represents the totality of this sinful human nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In whom also ye are circumcised":** This opening phrase immediately centers the spiritual reality on Christ. The believer's participation in this "circumcision" is not an independent act but is entirely dependent on their union with Him. It signifies that this spiritual cutting away is something that has already occurred for those who are in Christ.
* **"with the circumcision made without hands":** This clause clarifies the nature of this circumcision. It is not the physical rite practiced under the Old Covenant, which involved human hands. Instead, it is a spiritual, internal work performed by God Himself, marking a new covenant reality that transcends external rituals.
* **"in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh":** This phrase explains the profound effect and essence of this spiritual circumcision. It describes a decisive and complete severance from the power and dominion of the sinful nature. The "body of the sins of the flesh" refers to the totality of the fallen human condition, which is enslaved to sin. This "putting off" is a radical spiritual separation from the old self.
* **"by the circumcision of Christ":** This final phrase identifies the ultimate source and means of this spiritual transformation. It is not a circumcision performed *by* Christ on us in a literal sense, but rather a circumcision that is *characterized by* or *effected through* Christ's own work, particularly His death and resurrection. Through His sacrifice, Christ dealt decisively with sin and the power of the flesh, enabling believers to be liberated from its dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in Colossians 2:11 to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the familiar concept of physical circumcision is used to describe an internal, spiritual cutting away of the sinful nature. This allows Paul to leverage an Old Testament concept to explain a New Testament reality. Closely related is **Contrast**, as Paul explicitly distinguishes the "circumcision made without hands" from its physical counterpart (implied "made with hands"), highlighting the superiority of the spiritual over the ceremonial. Furthermore, the phrase "body of the sins of the flesh" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where "body" represents the entire person or the totality of the sinful human nature. This vivid imagery of "putting off" (divestment) provides a powerful visual for the radical transformation that occurs when one is united with Christ, emphasizing a decisive break from the old life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 2:11 stands as a pivotal statement in Pauline theology, marking a profound shift from external, ceremonial righteousness to internal, spiritual transformation. It asserts that the Old Covenant sign of physical circumcision, which marked one as belonging to God's people, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual reality in Christ. Through union with Him, believers experience a divine "cutting away" of their sinful nature, a radical severance from the dominion of sin that no human ritual could ever achieve. This spiritual circumcision is not a work performed *by* the believer, but a work *done to* the believer by God through Christ, signifying a new creation and a new identity free from the power of the flesh. It underscores the New Covenant's emphasis on a changed heart and spirit, rather than mere outward conformity to laws.

* [Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Deuteronomy 30:6 - Circumcision of the Heart")
* [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision is of the Heart")
* [Philippians 3:3](/philippians/3-3 "Philippians 3:3 - True Worshippers in Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 2:11 offers immense spiritual liberation and a clear call to live in alignment with our new identity in Christ. It reminds us that our standing with God is not based on external rituals, adherence to legalistic rules, or self-effort, but on the profound, internal work God has already accomplished within us through Christ. This truth frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor or prove our righteousness through religious performance. Instead, our focus shifts to living out the reality of our spiritual circumcision: actively "putting off" the old patterns of sin and embracing the new life Christ has given us. It calls us to examine where we might still be relying on outward displays or human achievements for our spiritual security, rather than resting fully in the completeness we have in Christ. Our spiritual disciplines, worship, and service should flow from this secure identity, not be a means to attain it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "circumcision made without hands" impact your view of external religious rituals and practices today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you still struggle with "putting off the body of the sins of the flesh," and how can you more intentionally rely on Christ's work in those struggles?**
* **How does the truth of your completeness in Christ (Colossians 2:10-11) encourage you to live in freedom and assurance, rather than striving for acceptance?**

### FAQ
**What is the "circumcision made without hands" mentioned in Colossians 2:11?**

Answer: The "circumcision made without hands" refers to a spiritual transformation that occurs in believers through their union with Christ. Unlike the physical rite of circumcision performed by human hands, this is an internal, divine work that signifies the cutting away or "putting off" of the sinful nature, also described as "the body of the sins of the flesh." It is God's act of cleansing and setting apart a person for Himself, liberating them from the dominion of sin.

**How does this spiritual circumcision relate to the physical circumcision practiced in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Physical circumcision was an outward sign of the Old Covenant, marking God's people and pointing forward to a deeper, spiritual reality. In Colossians 2:11, Paul explains that this spiritual reality has now come in Christ. The "circumcision made without hands" is the New Covenant fulfillment of what the Old Covenant sign foreshadowed. It signifies that true belonging to God and true purity are now achieved not through a physical ritual, but through an internal work of God in Christ, making the physical sign obsolete for believers. This concept is also echoed in [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision is of the Heart"), where Paul states that "circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter."

**Does this verse mean that Christians should not be baptized?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. Colossians 2:11-12 often go together. While the "circumcision made without hands" describes the *internal* spiritual reality of being freed from sin's dominion, [Colossians 2:12](/colossians/2-12 "Colossians 2:12 - Buried and Raised with Christ") immediately connects this to baptism. Baptism is understood as the *outward symbol* or public declaration of this inward spiritual transformation. Just as physical circumcision was an outward sign, baptism serves as the outward sign of the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, which is the very means by which the "body of the sins of the flesh" is "put off."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 2:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "circumcision of Christ" is not merely a ritual performed *by* Christ, but the decisive spiritual reality accomplished *through* His atoning death and victorious resurrection. It is in Christ's crucifixion that the "body of the sins of the flesh" was decisively dealt with, as He bore the full penalty for sin and broke its power. Our spiritual circumcision, "made without hands," is our participation in His death to sin and His resurrection to new life. As believers, we are united with Christ, meaning His death becomes our death to the old self, and His resurrection becomes our new, Spirit-empowered life. This profound truth is articulated throughout the New Testament, particularly in passages like [Romans 6:3-7](/romans/6-3-7 "Romans 6:3-7 - Buried with Christ in Baptism"), where Paul explains that through baptism, we are "buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." Similarly, [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ") declares, "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." Thus, the spiritual circumcision of Colossians 2:11 is the glorious reality of our union with the crucified and risen Christ, liberating us from the power of sin and empowering us to live a life transformed by His Spirit.

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

Romans 2:29

But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

Philippians 3:3

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Romans 6:6

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.