Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

COLOSSIANS 1:13KJV
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Colossians 1:13 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:13 mean?

God the Father has rescued believers from the rule of darkness and brought them into the kingdom ruled by his beloved Son. Paul describes a change of rule and belonging that has already taken place.

The key is “hath translated”: μετέστησεν (metestēsen) means “transferred” or “moved from one place to another.” The KJV uses “translated” in that older sense. Paul is writing to believers in Colossae, and “who” refers to the Father named in the preceding verse. The Father has transferred “us”—Paul and the believers he addresses—into his Son’s kingdom.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:13

  • “delivered” — ἐρρύσατο (errysato): This means “rescued” or “delivered from danger.” The Father acts as the rescuer; believers are the people rescued from darkness’s control.

  • “power” — ἐξουσίας (exousias): The word means “authority,” “rule,” or “jurisdiction.” Here, “the power of darkness” describes darkness as a ruling authority under which people have been held.

  • “darkness” — σκότους (skotous): The word means “darkness.” Here darkness represents the evil realm opposed to God. The following verse connects the rescue with redemption and forgiveness of sins.

  • “his dear Son” — αὐτοῦ (autou), ἀγάπης (agapēs), υἱοῦ (huiou): These correspond to “his,” “dear,” and “Son.” The word behind “dear” is actually the noun “love.” The Greek expression is literally “the Son of his love,” meaning the Son whom the Father loves. “Dear” therefore expresses the Father’s love for the Son.

Why Colossians 1:13 matters

  • The verse describes a present belonging. “Hath delivered” and “hath translated” describe actions already accomplished. Paul speaks of believers as already brought into the Son’s kingdom.

  • The contrast is between two kinds of rule. “The power of darkness” stands opposite “the kingdom” of the Son. The rescue involves leaving one authority and coming under another.

  • The rescue leads directly into forgiveness. Verse 14 continues, “In whom we have redemption … even the forgiveness of sins.” The Son whose kingdom believers have entered is also the one in whom they have redemption.

Where else these words appear

“translated” Greek G3179 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Acts 19:26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

“delivered” Greek G4506 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
  • 2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

“darkness” Greek G4655 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Luke 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
  • Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

“power” Greek G1849 · used in 93 verses

  • Matthew 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
  • Luke 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: