And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

COLOSSIANS 1:17KJV
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Colossians 1:17 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:17 mean?

Colossians 1:17 says that Christ existed before anything else and that everything holds together because of him. This verse points to Jesus’ unique role in both the beginning of creation and its ongoing existence.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, explaining who Jesus truly is. In this part of his letter, Paul emphasizes that Jesus is not just another created being but is before all things and is the reason everything continues to exist. This helps the readers see Jesus as central to everything, not just a part of the story but the one holding it all together.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:17

  • πρὸ (pro) — "before": This word means "in front of" or "prior to" in time or position. Here, it highlights that Jesus is not only present at creation but already existed before anything else did.
  • συνέστηκεν (synestēken) — "consist": This verb carries the sense of things being held together, maintained, or sustained. It suggests that Jesus is actively keeping all things in order, not just that he started them and left them alone.

Why Colossians 1:17 matters

  • Colossians 1:17 clears up the idea that Jesus is only important for salvation; Paul shows that Jesus is also essential for the ongoing existence of everything.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ authority and power, setting him apart from all created things and showing that he is not just part of creation but its source and sustainer.
  • In the context of the letter, this statement strengthens Paul’s argument against teachings that might downplay Jesus’ importance or suggest that other spiritual beings are equal to him.

Where else these words appear

“consist” Greek G4921 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 9:32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
  • 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

“before” Greek G4253 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
  • Romans 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.