Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

COLOSSIANS 1:26KJV
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Colossians 1:26 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:26 mean?

Colossians 1:26 says that there was a secret plan from God, hidden for a long time from all previous ages and generations, but now this plan has been revealed to God’s people. The verse highlights a turning point: something once unknown is now openly shown to those who follow God.

Paul, the author, is writing to believers in Colossae, explaining that God’s “mystery” is no longer hidden. In the context of the letter, Paul is talking about the message of Christ and salvation being made clear, especially to people who were not originally part of God’s chosen people. The verse sets up the idea that something new and important is being shared with the saints—those who trust in Jesus.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:26

  • μυστήριον (mystērion, G3466): This word means “mystery” or “secret.” In Paul’s letters, it often refers to a truth God kept hidden in the past but has now revealed, especially about Jesus and the inclusion of all people in God’s plan.
  • ἀποκεκρυμμένον (apokekrymmenon, G613): This is translated “hid” and means something kept secret or concealed. The Greek here carries the sense of something intentionally kept out of sight until the right time.
  • αἰῶνες (aiōnes, G165) and γενεαί (geneai, G1074): These words mean “ages” and “generations.” Paul is emphasizing just how long this secret was kept—from all past periods and groups of people.
  • ἐφανερώθη (ephanerōthē, G5319): This word means “made manifest” or “revealed.” It signals that what was once hidden is now clearly shown and understood.

Why Colossians 1:26 matters

  • Colossians 1:26 clarifies that God’s plan was not an afterthought but something intentionally hidden until the right moment, showing God’s control over history.
  • The verse highlights that the “mystery” is now open to all believers, not just a select few, which would have been a surprising and encouraging message to early Christians, especially non-Jews.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme in Colossians of Christ being central and God’s promises being fulfilled in Him, helping readers see the unity of God’s plan across time.

Where else these words appear

“hid” Greek G613 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

“now” Greek G3570 · used in 21 verses

  • Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
  • 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
  • Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

“mystery” Greek G3466 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
  • Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

“generations” Greek G1074 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
  • Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.