Colossians 2:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 2:17 serves as a pivotal theological statement, clarifying the relationship between Old Testament ceremonial practices and the person of Jesus Christ. Paul asserts that the dietary laws, festivals, and Sabbaths of the Mosaic Law were not ends in themselves but rather served as prophetic "shadows," prefiguring the ultimate spiritual realities found in Christ. He is the "body" or substance, embodying the fullness and truth to which these Old Covenant observances pointed, thereby liberating believers from legalistic adherence to practices that have found their complete fulfillment in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct explanation of the preceding verse, [Colossians 2:16](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16 - Freedom from Legalism"), where Paul instructs believers not to allow anyone to judge them concerning food, drink, religious festivals, New Moons, or Sabbath days. The flow of Paul's argument in [Colossians 2](/colossians/2 "Colossians 2 - Warning Against False Teaching") is a strong warning against false teaching that threatened the Colossian church. These teachings likely combined elements of Jewish legalism (emphasizing ceremonial law), asceticism, and a form of mystical philosophy that diminished the unique supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. Paul has already established that believers are "complete in Him" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Completeness in Christ")), having been "buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith" ([Colossians 2:12](/colossians/2-12 "Colossians 2:12 - Buried and Raised with Christ")). The ceremonial laws, therefore, are presented as obsolete in light of Christ's finished work, particularly His triumph over spiritual powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Colossae was situated in Phrygia, a region known for its syncretistic religious environment, where various philosophical and religious ideas mingled. The specific false teaching confronting the Colossian church appears to have been a blend of Jewish legalism (insisting on adherence to Mosaic ceremonial laws like dietary restrictions and Sabbath observance), Hellenistic philosophical asceticism (self-denial for spiritual purity), and possibly elements of Gnosticism or a nascent form of angel worship (as hinted at in [Colossians 2:18](/colossians/2-18 "Colossians 2:18 - Warning Against False Humility")). These teachers likely presented their practices as a higher form of spirituality or a necessary means to attain a deeper relationship with God, thereby undermining the all-sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross. Paul's letter vigorously counters these influences by reasserting the absolute supremacy and completeness found in Christ alone.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 2:17 powerfully contributes to several major themes within Paul's letter and the broader New Testament. The most prominent is the **Shadow vs. Substance** distinction, where the Old Testament ceremonial law is presented as merely a temporary, illustrative "shadow" pointing to the ultimate, enduring "body" or reality found in Christ. This theme highlights the **Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ**, asserting that He is the culmination and fulfillment of all God's redemptive purposes and promises. He did not abolish the law but brought it to its intended completion, revealing its true purpose and meaning, as He Himself stated in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Christ Fulfills the Law"). Consequently, this verse also underscores **Christian Freedom from Legalism**, liberating believers from the burden of rigidly adhering to ceremonial laws that have been fulfilled. True spiritual growth and righteousness are found in a living relationship with Christ, not in external observances or human-made rules, a concept also strongly articulated in [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ"). Implicitly, it points to the **Superiority of the New Covenant** established by Christ over the Old Covenant, where the Old served its preparatory purpose, but the New brings the full reality of God's grace and salvation, as extensively developed in [Hebrews 8](/hebrews/8 "Hebrews 8 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shadow (Greek, _skiá_):** This word denotes an outline, a faint resemblance, or a mere image. It implies something that lacks substance and is an imperfect representation of the real thing. In the context of the Old Testament law, it signifies that the ceremonial observances were not the ultimate reality but merely a preliminary sketch or prefigurement.
* **things to come (Greek, _méllō_):** This verb, often translated as "to be about to be" or "to intend," carries the idea of expectation and future realization. It emphasizes that the "shadows" were forward-looking, anticipating a future reality that had not yet fully arrived. This highlights the prophetic nature of the Old Covenant rituals, pointing to a future fulfillment.
* **body (Greek, _sōma_):** In this context, "body" stands in direct contrast to "shadow" and signifies the substance, reality, or complete form. Paul uses it to convey that Christ is the tangible, solid, and ultimate reality to which the Old Testament types and rituals pointed. He is the full, three-dimensional embodiment of all that the shadows depicted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which are a shadow of things to come;":** The antecedent of "Which" refers to the ceremonial observances mentioned in [Colossians 2:16](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16 - Don't Be Judged on Observances")—food and drink regulations, festivals, New Moons, and Sabbaths. These elements of the Mosaic Law are declared to be a "shadow" (_skiá_), an outline or a prefigurement, not the full reality. They were temporary, illustrative pointers to "things to come" (_méllō_), indicating that their purpose was to anticipate future spiritual realities that would be inaugurated by the Messiah. They were preparatory and symbolic, designed to instruct and guide God's people toward the ultimate fulfillment.
* **"but the body [is] of Christ.":** The conjunction "but" (_dé_) introduces a strong contrast, emphasizing the distinction between the temporary shadow and the enduring reality. The "body" (_sōma_) here signifies the substance, the reality, the full and complete embodiment. This clause asserts that Christ Himself is the ultimate reality to which all the Old Testament shadows pointed. His person, His life, His atoning death, and His resurrection are the tangible, complete, and perfect fulfillment of all the types, prophecies, and rituals of the Old Covenant. He is the substance, rendering the shadows obsolete as means of salvation or spiritual perfection.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the contrasting metaphors of "shadow" (_skiá_) and "body" (_sōma_). The Old Testament ceremonial law is metaphorically described as a "shadow," an insubstantial outline that lacks the full reality of the object casting it. In stark contrast, Christ is presented as the "body," signifying the complete, tangible, and ultimate reality. This creates a strong **Antithesis** or contrast, highlighting the qualitative difference between the temporary, preparatory nature of the Old Covenant rituals and the permanent, fulfilling nature of Christ's work. Furthermore, the verse functions within a broader biblical **Typology**, where elements, persons, or events in the Old Testament (the "types" or "shadows") are divinely designed to prefigure and anticipate greater realities in the New Testament (the "anti-types" or "body"), culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 2:17 is a cornerstone for understanding the relationship between the Old and New Covenants, asserting Christ's ultimate supremacy as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Theologically, it teaches that the ceremonial law was never intended to be an end in itself, but a divinely ordained pedagogical tool, guiding humanity towards the Messiah. The sacrifices, feasts, and rituals were not arbitrary rules but prophetic symbols, each pointing to a facet of Christ's person or work. With Christ's advent, these shadows have met their substance, and their preparatory function has been completed. This means that righteousness and salvation are found not in adherence to these now-fulfilled rituals, but solely through faith in Christ, who is the full and final revelation of God's grace.

* [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")
* [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Christ Fulfills the Law")
* [Galatians 3:24-25](/galatians/3-24-25 "Galatians 3:24-25 - The Law as a Guardian Leading to Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 2:17 offers profound insights for contemporary Christian living. It calls us to fix our gaze on Christ as the ultimate reality and substance of our faith, rather than becoming entangled in external observances or human-made traditions that detract from His finished work. This verse serves as a timeless warning against legalism in all its forms, reminding us that true spirituality is not about what we eat or drink, or which days we observe, but about a living, transformative relationship with Jesus. While the Old Testament ceremonial law no longer binds us, this passage encourages a deeper appreciation for its prophetic value, recognizing how beautifully it foreshadowed Christ. Living in the freedom Christ provides means understanding that our righteousness comes through faith in Him, not through works of the law, allowing us to serve God out of love and gratitude, not out of fear or obligation to shadows.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to pursue "shadows" (external rituals, human traditions, or self-effort) instead of focusing on the "body" of Christ (His person and finished work)?**
* **How does understanding Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament deepen your appreciation for His unique identity and the completeness of His redemptive work?**
* **What practical implications does Christian freedom from legalism have for your daily walk with God and your interactions within the church community?**

### FAQ

**What specific "things to come" does Colossians 2:17 refer to as being shadowed by the Old Testament?**

Answer: The "things to come" primarily refer to the spiritual realities and blessings of the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus Christ, which were prefigured by the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law. These include the new way of salvation through faith in Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, direct access to God, and the new spiritual identity of believers in Christ. The specific "shadows" mentioned in [Colossians 2:16](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16 - Don't Be Judged")—food and drink regulations, religious festivals, New Moons, and Sabbath days—were all symbolic. For example, the sacrificial system pointed to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, the Passover to His atoning death, and the Sabbath rest to the spiritual rest found in Him.

**Does Colossians 2:17 mean the Old Testament is irrelevant or abolished for Christians?**

Answer: No, Colossians 2:17 does not mean the Old Testament is irrelevant or abolished. Instead, it clarifies its purpose and fulfillment. The verse specifically addresses the *ceremonial* aspects of the law (like dietary rules and festival observances), stating that their prophetic function has been fulfilled in Christ. The Old Testament remains divinely inspired and incredibly valuable for Christians. It provides the historical context for God's redemptive plan, reveals God's character, contains moral principles (like the Ten Commandments, which are reiterated in the New Testament), and is rich with prophecies and types that beautifully illustrate the coming of Christ. It is the "shadow" that helps us understand and appreciate the "body," Jesus Christ. As [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed") states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 2:17 is a profound declaration of Christ's centrality and supremacy, revealing Him as the ultimate fulfillment of all that the Old Testament system anticipated. Every sacrifice, every feast, every ritual, and every temple ordinance was a divinely orchestrated "shadow," pointing forward to the perfect "body" of Christ. He is the true [Passover Lamb](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") whose blood secures our redemption, the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who offered Himself as the [perfect and final sacrifice](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") for sins once for all. The physical temple, with its holy of holies, was a shadow of Christ's own body, through which we now have [direct access to God](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ"). The Sabbath rest, which pointed to a spiritual cessation from works, finds its ultimate reality in the [spiritual rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary") and peace that believers find in Him. In Christ, the [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant") has been established, rendering the old system of shadows obsolete because the substance has arrived. He is the complete and final revelation of God, in whom "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Deity in Christ")), and in Him, we are made complete ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Completeness in Christ")).

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

Hebrews 10:1

¶ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Hebrews 8:5

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

John 1:17

For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 9:9

Which [was] a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

Hebrews 4:1

¶ Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

Hebrews 4:11

¶ Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.