And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

COLOSSIANS 2:10KJV
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Colossians 2:10 (KJV)

What does Colossians 2:10 mean?

Colossians 2:10 says that believers are made complete in Christ, who is the supreme authority over every ruler and power. This means that nothing is lacking for those who belong to Christ, because he is above all spiritual and earthly authorities.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, reminding them that they do not need anything beyond Christ to be spiritually whole. Some people in their community were teaching that extra spiritual practices or secret knowledge were needed, but Paul insists that Christ himself is fully sufficient and in charge of every other power.

The Greek behind Colossians 2:10

  • The word "complete" (πληρόω, plēroō) means to be filled up or made whole. Paul is saying that in Christ, nothing is missing or lacking for the believer.
  • The word "head" (κεφαλή, kephalē) points to Christ as the leader or source, not just a figurehead. He has real authority over every "principality" (ἀρχή, archē) and "power" (ἐξουσία, exousia), which often refer to spiritual beings or authorities.
  • The phrase "all principality and power" (πᾶς ἀρχή καὶ ἐξουσία, pas archē kai exousia) shows that Christ’s authority is total, not limited to one realm or group.

Why Colossians 2:10 matters

  • Colossians 2:10 clears up the idea that Christians need something extra—like rituals, secret teachings, or other spiritual powers—to be truly complete.
  • The verse emphasizes that Christ’s authority is not just symbolic; he is actually in charge of every other power, both seen and unseen.
  • This connects to the wider passage, where Paul warns against teachings that pull people away from relying fully on Christ. It reassures believers that their relationship with Christ is enough.

Where else these words appear

“principality” Greek G746 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
  • Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

“head” Greek G2776 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

“are” Greek G2075 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • John 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
  • 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

“complete” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Acts 19:21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.