Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Blotting out {G1813} the handwriting {G5498} of ordinances {G1378} that was against {G2596} us {G2257}, which {G3739} was {G2258} contrary {G5227} to us {G2254}, and {G2532} took {G142} it {G846} out of {G1537} the way {G3319}, nailing {G4338} it {G846} to his cross {G4716};
He wiped away the bill of charges against us. Because of the regulations, it stood as a testimony against us; but he removed it by nailing it to the execution-stake.
having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross!
having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;
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Isaiah 44:22
I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. -
Ephesians 2:14
¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; -
Ephesians 2:16
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: -
Isaiah 43:25
I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. -
Hebrews 8:13
In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away. -
Colossians 2:20
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, -
Hebrews 7:18
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
Commentary on Colossians 2:14 (KJV)
Colossians 2:14 is a powerful declaration of the profound work of Jesus Christ on the cross, emphasizing the believer's freedom from legalistic burdens and the condemning power of the Law. It encapsulates the heart of the Gospel: Christ’s complete victory over sin and its consequences.
Context
In Colossians chapter 2, the Apostle Paul is addressing the church in Colossae, warning them against various false teachings that threatened to undermine the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. These heresies included elements of Jewish legalism (insisting on adherence to the Mosaic Law, circumcision, dietary restrictions, and specific festivals) and Gnostic-like philosophies that promoted asceticism and worship of angels. Paul's message is clear: Christ alone is sufficient for salvation and spiritual maturity; there is no need for additional rituals or human philosophies.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "handwriting" is cheirographon (χειρόγραφον), which literally means "hand-written document" or "bond." It evokes the image of a legal certificate of debt or a list of obligations. The term "ordinances" is dogma (δόγμα), referring to decrees, regulations, or religious laws. Paul's use of these terms paints a picture of a formal, binding document that held humanity accountable, now utterly cancelled by Christ's decisive action.
Practical Application
For believers today, Colossians 2:14 offers immense comfort and assurance. It reminds us that our standing with God is not based on our performance or adherence to a list of rules, but entirely on the finished work of Christ. We are set free from the burden of legalism and the fear of condemnation. This freedom should lead not to license, but to a life of grateful obedience, motivated by love for the One who paid our debt. It encourages us to live in the reality of our new identity in Christ, embracing the grace by which we are saved.