Colossians 2 · Verse 17

Colossians 2:17

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Colossians 2:17, King James Version

Colossians 2:17 in other translations

BSBThese are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.
WEBwhich are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s.
ASVwhich are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s.
YLTwhich are a shadow of the coming things, and the body is of the Christ;
DARBYwhich are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
BBEFor these are an image of the things which are to come; but the body is Christ's.
WebsterWhich are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

What does Colossians 2:17 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
17. things to come--the blessings of the Christian covenant, the substance of which Jewish ordinances were but the type. Compare "ages to come," that is, the Gospel dispensation (Ep 2:7). He 2:5, "the world to come." the body is of Christ--The real substance (of the blessings typified by the law) belongs to Christ (He 8:5; 10:1).

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 17. Which are a shadow of things to come. Heb 8:5. Heb 10:1 They were only a dim outline of future things, not the reality.

But the body is of Christ. The reality, the substance. All that they signified is of or in Christ. Between those things themselves which are in Christ, and those which only represented or prefigured them, there is as much difference as there is between a body and a shadow--a solid substance and a mere outline. Having now, therefore, the thing itself, the shadow can be to us of no value; and that having come which was prefigured, that which was designed merely to represent it, is no longer binding.

(c) "shadow of things" Heb 8:5

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 17 Which are a shadow - All these things were types, and must continue in force till the Christ, whom they represented, came; the apostle therefore says that the body - the substance or design of them was of Christ - pointed him out, and the excellent blessings which he has procured. The word σκια, shadow, is often used to express any thing imperfect or unsubstantial; while the term σωμα, body, was used in the opposite sense, and expressed any thing substantial, solid, and firm. The law was but the shadow or representation of good things to come; none should rest in it; all that it pointed out is to be sought and obtained in Christ.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Colossians 2:8-17

There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties; a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful; and while it pleases men's fancies, hinders their faith: such are curious speculations about things above us, or no concern to us. Those who walk in the way of the world, are turned from…

Read the full comment on Colossians 2:8-17 →

Colossians 2:17 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ἅhawhichG3739
ἐστινestinareG1510
σκιὰskiaa shadowG4639
τῶνtōnof the [things]G3588
μελλόντων,mellontōncoming,G3195
τὸtotheG3588
δὲdehoweverG1161
σῶμαsōmabody [is]G4983
τοῦtou<the>G3588
Χριστοῦ.Christouof Christ.G5547

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Colossians 2:17

  • Hebrews 10:1

    For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

  • Hebrews 8:5

    Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

  • John 1:17

    For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

  • Hebrews 9:9

    Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

  • Hebrews 4:1-11

    Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. …

  • Matthew 11:28-29

    Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
a shadow.
Joh 1:17; Heb 8:5; 9:9; 10:1
the body.
Mt 11:28,29; Heb 4:1-11

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Colossians 2:16

    Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

  • Colossians 2:17

    Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

  • Colossians 2:18

    Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Read all of Colossians 2

Colossians 2:17 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Lo cual es la sombra de lo por venir; mas el cuerpo es de Cristo.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		qui sont une ombre des choses à venir; mais le corps est du Christ.
German
Elberfelder 1871		die ein Schatten der zukünftigen Dinge sind, der Körper aber ist Christi.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		quæ sunt umbra futurorum: corpus autem Christi.