Colossians 3:11

KJV

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

KJV (with Strong's)

Where {G3699} there is {G1762} neither {G3756} Greek {G1672} nor {G2532} Jew {G2453}, circumcision {G4061} nor {G2532} uncircumcision {G203}, Barbarian {G915}, Scythian {G4658}, bond {G1401} nor free {G1658}: but {G235} Christ {G5547} is all {G3956}, and {G2532} in {G1722} all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The new self allows no room for discriminating between Gentile and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, foreigner, savage, slave, free man; on the contrary, in all, the Messiah is everything.

Berean Standard Bible

Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.

American Standard Version

where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 3:11 powerfully declares that in Christ, all human distinctions—ethnic, religious, cultural, and socio-economic—are transcended and rendered irrelevant for defining one's identity or standing before God. Paul asserts that the new humanity created in Christ is characterized by a profound unity, because Christ Himself is the ultimate reality and unifying principle, indwelling and encompassing all believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 3:11 is a pivotal statement within Paul's larger exhortation to believers regarding their new life in Christ. Following the theological foundation laid in chapters 1 and 2 concerning Christ's supremacy and the believer's completeness in Him, chapter 3 shifts to practical living. Paul first calls believers to "seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God" ([Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Setting Affections on Things Above")) and to "mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth" ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Putting to Death Earthly Sins")). This involves putting off the "old man" with its sinful practices and putting on the "new man" ([Colossians 3:9-10](/colossians/3-9-10 "Colossians 3:9-10 - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New")), which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. Verse 11 directly follows this instruction, explaining the radical implications of this new identity: in this "new man," traditional human categories no longer hold sway because Christ is the defining reality for all.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient world, particularly the Roman Empire where Colossae was located, was deeply stratified by numerous distinctions. "Greek nor Jew" highlights the foundational ethnic and religious divide between the dominant Hellenistic culture and the Jewish people, a tension that frequently challenged the early church (cf. [Acts 6:1](/acts/6-1 "Acts 6:1 - Hellenists and Hebrews")). "Circumcision nor uncircumcision" refers to the ritual mark of the Abrahamic covenant, a critical boundary marker for Jewish identity and a major point of contention regarding Gentile inclusion in the early church (cf. [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council")). "Barbarian, Scythian" represents the spectrum of perceived civilization: "Barbarian" (`G915, bárbaros`) was a Greek term for anyone who did not speak Greek, often implying uncivilized or uncultured, while "Scythian" (`G4658, Skýthēs`) referred to nomadic tribes from the Black Sea region, notorious for their perceived savagery and brutality, representing the extreme end of "otherness." Finally, "bond nor free" addresses the pervasive institution of slavery, which determined a person's social status, rights, and economic standing. Paul's enumeration systematically dismantles the very categories that defined and divided people in their society.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 3:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Colossians. First and foremost, it underscores the **Supremacy of Christ**, demonstrating that His person and work transcend all human-made distinctions. Secondly, it elaborates on the theme of **New Life in Christ**, emphasizing that believers are a "new creation" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) where old identities are superseded by a shared identity in Him. This leads directly to the theme of **Radical Unity and Equality** within the body of Christ, dismantling barriers that historically separated people. The verse also serves as a foundational principle for the **Practical Living** section of Colossians, arguing that because of this profound spiritual unity, believers are called to live out their new identity by putting on virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience ([Colossians 3:12](/colossians/3-12 "Colossians 3:12 - Putting on Holy Virtues")), and above all, love ([Colossians 3:14](/colossians/3-14 "Colossians 3:14 - The Bond of Perfection")). This unity in Christ is not merely theoretical but demands a transformed community life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Greek (G1672, _Héllēn'_):** From Ἑλλάς, referring to a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension, a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew. This term signifies the dominant cultural and linguistic group in the Roman Empire, representing the Gentile world and highlighting the profound ethnic and cultural divide with Jewish people.
* **bond (G1401, _doûlos'_):** From δέω, meaning a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary); often used in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency. In this context, it refers to enslaved persons, representing the most extreme form of social and economic inequality prevalent in the ancient world, where one's status as enslaved or free dictated nearly every aspect of life.
* **all (G3956, _pâs'_):** Including all forms of declension, meaning all, any, every, the whole. This word emphasizes the comprehensive, universal, and absolute nature of Christ's presence and supremacy. When Paul states "Christ is all, and in all," it means Christ is the totality of what truly matters, the sum and substance of the new identity, and His pervasive presence indwells every believer without exception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free":** This opening clause systematically dismantles the major categories of human distinction prevalent in the ancient world. "Greek nor Jew" addresses ethnic and religious heritage. "Circumcision nor uncircumcision" speaks to ritual and covenantal identity, a significant point of contention in early Christianity. "Barbarian, Scythian" covers cultural and societal standing, moving from those merely outside Greek culture to those considered utterly savage. "Bond nor free" refers to socio-economic status, specifically the institution of slavery. The repeated "neither... nor" (implied "nor" between Barbarian/Scythian and bond/free due to the structure) emphatically declares that these former defining distinctions are nullified in the new spiritual reality.
* **"but Christ [is] all, and in all":** This concluding declaration provides the profound theological reason for the nullification of human distinctions. The Greek word "but" (`G235, allá`) introduces a strong contrast, shifting from what is absent to what is supremely present. "Christ is all" signifies His absolute supremacy and sufficiency; He is the sum total of all that truly matters for the believer's identity, value, and purpose. "and in all" emphasizes His pervasive indwelling presence within every single believer, regardless of their former earthly status. This means that Christ Himself is the unifying principle and the very substance of the new community.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Colossians 3:11 to convey his message of radical unity. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where he presents a series of contrasting pairs (Greek/Jew, circumcised/uncircumcised, bond/free) and a spectrum of cultural distinctions (Barbarian, Scythian) to highlight their irrelevance in Christ. This creates a **Merism**, where the extremes are mentioned to imply the whole, signifying that *all* human categories are dissolved. The structure moves from the culturally refined (Greek) to the religiously distinct (Jew), then to the ritually defined (circumcision/uncircumcision), and finally to the culturally marginalized (Barbarian/Scythian) and socially stratified (bond/free), creating a powerful **Climax** of dissolving distinctions. The verse culminates in a profound **Summary Statement** ("but Christ is all, and in all") that acts as the ultimate resolution and unifying principle, asserting Christ's comprehensive supremacy and pervasive presence as the single, overarching reality that defines the new humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 3:11 articulates a foundational truth of New Testament theology: the radical equality and unity of believers in Christ. This verse underscores that the new creation inaugurated by Christ's redemptive work transcends and nullifies all human-made distinctions that once served as barriers or sources of pride and prejudice. In the divine economy, one's identity is no longer rooted in ethnicity, religious ritual, cultural background, or socio-economic status, but solely in Christ. He is the new center of gravity for humanity, forming a single, unified body where every member is equally valued and indwelt by the same Spirit. This truth dismantles hierarchical thinking within the church and calls believers to embody a counter-cultural community where Christ's presence is the defining and unifying reality.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down Dividing Walls")
* [1 Corinthians 12:13](/1_corinthians/12-13 "1 Corinthians 12:13 - Baptized into One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 3:11 serves as a profound challenge and a liberating truth for believers today, calling us to actively live out the implications of our shared identity in Christ. In a world still deeply fractured by racial, ethnic, national, socio-economic, and political divisions, this verse reminds us that our primary allegiance and defining characteristic is our union with Christ. It compels us to examine our own hearts and communities: Do we truly see others through the lens of Christ, or do we allow worldly distinctions to create barriers, foster prejudice, or elevate some above others? Living out this truth means intentionally pursuing reconciliation, celebrating diversity as a manifestation of God's creative genius, and actively dismantling any structures or attitudes within the church that contradict the radical unity Christ has established. It calls us to cultivate a community where love, humility, and mutual respect prevail, demonstrating to the world that Christ truly is "all, and in all."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "distinctions" (ethnic, social, economic, political) in my own context or community do I still allow to create division or prejudice?**
* **How does my understanding of "Christ is all, and in all" practically change how I view and interact with people who are different from me?**
* **In what ways can my local church more fully embody the unity and equality described in Colossians 3:11?**
* **How might embracing this truth challenge my personal comfort zones or ingrained biases?**

### FAQ

**What does "Christ is all, and in all" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is the theological climax of the verse, meaning that Christ is the supreme and ultimate reality for believers, the sum total of all that truly matters. "Christ is all" signifies His absolute sufficiency and supremacy; He is the source, substance, and goal of our new life. "And in all" means that Christ's presence indwells every single believer, unifying them regardless of their former earthly distinctions. He is the common denominator and the pervasive presence that binds the new community together. It implies that every aspect of our identity, value, and purpose is now found in Him.

**Does this verse mean that cultural or ethnic identities are erased in Christianity?**

Answer: No, Colossians 3:11 does not advocate for the erasure of cultural or ethnic identities, but rather for their reordering and redefinition under the supremacy of Christ. It means that these identities no longer serve as barriers to fellowship or as a basis for superiority or inferiority within the body of Christ. While our cultural heritage remains, our primary and most defining identity becomes our shared identity in Christ. The church is a diverse tapestry, not a monochrome canvas, where people from "every nation, tribe, people and language" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")) worship together, unified by Christ, not uniformity. Our cultural distinctives can be celebrated within the context of Christian unity, enriching the body rather than dividing it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 3:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the embodiment of this radical unity and the new humanity. Through His incarnation, Jesus entered into all human experience, breaking down the spiritual and social barriers that separated humanity from God and from each other. His sacrificial death on the cross did not merely reconcile individuals to God, but also "broke down the dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new man in place of the two" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Jesus is the "firstborn over all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), the Head of the Church, and in Him "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")). He is the "all" in whom every believer finds their true identity, purpose, and belonging, and He indwells "in all" believers through the Holy Spirit, making the church a living testament to His unifying power. Thus, Christ is not just a concept or an ideal; He is the living reality who actively brings about and sustains the profound unity described in this verse, making it possible for diverse individuals to be "one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")).

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

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:29

And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

1 Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Romans 10:12

¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Ephesians 3:6

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Ephesians 1:23

Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Romans 9:24

Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?