And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

COLOSSIANS 1:20KJV
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Colossians 1:20 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:20 mean?

Colossians 1:20 says that through Jesus’ death on the cross, God made peace and worked to bring all things—on earth and in heaven—back into a right relationship with Himself. The verse highlights that this reconciliation happens specifically through Jesus and the shedding of His blood.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, explaining how Jesus’ sacrifice has a cosmic reach, not just for people but for all creation. The verse comes in a section where Paul describes the greatness and central role of Jesus in God’s plan, showing that Jesus’ work on the cross is the way God restores harmony to everything that has been broken.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:20

  • The word for "peace" (εἰρήνη, eirēnē) often means more than just the absence of conflict; it carries the sense of wholeness or restoration, which fits the idea of God mending what was broken.
  • "Reconcile" (ἀποκαταλλάσσω, apokatallassō) means to fully restore a relationship that was estranged. In this verse, it shows that the work is complete and thorough, not partial.
  • "Through the blood of his cross" uses the word for "cross" (σταυρός, stauros), which directly points to Jesus’ crucifixion as the means of this peace and reconciliation, emphasizing the cost and reality of what was done.
  • The phrase "all things" (πάντα, panta) is broad, including not just people but everything in creation, which underlines the sweeping scope of what Jesus accomplished.

Why Colossians 1:20 matters

  • Colossians 1:20 clears up the idea that Jesus’ work was only for a select group; Paul says it affects all things, both earthly and heavenly, showing the universal scope of reconciliation.
  • The verse emphasizes that peace with God is not achieved by human effort but through Jesus’ sacrifice, pointing to the centrality of the cross in Christian belief.
  • In the wider context, this verse helps explain why Paul describes Jesus as supreme over all creation—because His work brings everything back into harmony with God.

Where else these words appear

“reconcile” Greek G604 · used in 3 verses

  • Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
  • Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

“cross” Greek G4716 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
  • Mark 15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

“whether” Greek G1535 · used in 29 verses

  • Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
  • 1 Corinthians 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
  • 2 Corinthians 12:3 And I knew such a man,(whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

“blood” Greek G129 · used in 92 verses

  • Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
  • Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
  • Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.