Colossians 2:13

¶ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

And {G2532} you {G5209}, being {G5607} dead {G3498} in {G1722} your sins {G3900} and {G2532} the uncircumcision {G203} of your {G5216} flesh {G4561}, hath he quickened together {G4806} with {G4862} him {G846}, having forgiven {G5483} you {G5213} all {G3956} trespasses {G3900};

You were dead because of your sins, that is, because of your “foreskin,” your old nature. But God made you alive along with the Messiah by forgiving you all your sins.

When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses,

And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you, I say, did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses;

Commentary

Colossians 2:13 is a powerful declaration of the spiritual transformation experienced by believers in Christ. Paul emphasizes the radical shift from a state of spiritual death and alienation to one of vibrant new life and complete forgiveness, all made possible through God's work in Christ.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader argument in the letter to the Colossians against false teachings that were threatening the church. These errors often mixed elements of Jewish legalism (like the necessity of physical circumcision) and philosophical asceticism with Christian faith. Paul asserts the absolute sufficiency of Christ for salvation and spiritual completeness, countering any notion that believers need additional rituals or mystical experiences beyond Christ's work. The "you" specifically refers to the Gentile believers in Colossae, highlighting that their Gentile status (their "uncircumcision of your flesh") was no barrier to God's grace, as all are saved through Christ.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Death to Life: The verse vividly describes humanity's prior state as "dead in your sins". This isn't physical death, but a spiritual separation from God, a state of inability to respond to Him or produce righteousness. The miraculous intervention is that God has "quickened together with him" (made alive with Christ), signifying a spiritual resurrection and a new nature.
  • Complete Forgiveness: Central to this spiritual quickening is the profound and complete forgiveness of sins. Paul states, "having forgiven you all trespasses." This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's grace through Christ's atonement, removing the guilt and power of sin. This total forgiveness is the foundation for the new life believers receive. See also Ephesians 1:7.
  • Inclusion Beyond Circumcision: The phrase "the uncircumcision of your flesh" directly addresses the Gentile background of many Colossian believers. It underscores that God's covenant blessings and salvation are not limited to those physically circumcised under the Old Covenant, but are extended to all who believe in Christ, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "quickened" is syzoopoieō (συνζωοποιέω), which means "to make alive together with." The prefix syn- (συν) emphasizes this idea of being made alive with Christ, indicating a profound union with Him in His death and resurrection. This isn't merely a revival, but a participation in Christ's own life-giving power. The term "trespasses" comes from paraptōma (παράπτωμα), meaning a false step, a deviation from the right path, or a transgression, emphasizing specific acts of sin that separate us from God.

Practical Application

Colossians 2:13 offers immense comfort and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that our past sins, no matter how numerous or severe, have been fully forgiven through Christ's work on the cross. We are no longer spiritually dead but have been given new life in Him. This truth should lead to:

  • Deep Gratitude: A profound appreciation for God's mercy and the radical transformation He has wrought in our lives.
  • Secure Assurance: Confidence in our standing with God, knowing that our forgiveness is complete and our spiritual life is secure in Christ.
  • Empowered Living: Living from our new identity in Christ, empowered by His life within us, rather than being defined by our past failures or spiritual inadequacy. This new life empowers believers to walk in obedience and holiness, not to earn salvation, but in joyful response to the salvation already given.
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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 2:5 (17 votes)

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

  • Ephesians 2:6 (17 votes)

    And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:

  • Ephesians 2:1 (11 votes)

    ¶ And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

  • Romans 8:11 (11 votes)

    But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:6 (8 votes)

    ¶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

  • Hebrews 9:14 (7 votes)

    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 (7 votes)

    To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.