Colossians 2:15 Meaning and Explanation
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Having disarmed the rulers and authorities, Christ exposed them publicly, triumphing over them by the cross.
What Does Colossians 2:15 Mean?
Paul shows the cross as a victory, not merely a payment. Christ spoiled principalities and powers -- stripped the hostile spiritual authorities of their weapons, disarming the forces that held people in fear.
Then he made a shew of them openly, putting them on public display as defeated, and triumphing over them in it -- the language of a victor leading conquered foes in a triumphal procession. The cross, which looked like Christ's defeat, was in fact the rout of every power arrayed against him. For Colossians anxious about unseen forces and tempted to appease them, this is liberating: those powers are already conquered, exposed, and led captive by Christ. The believer need not bargain with defeated enemies. The same cross that canceled our debt also broke the grip of every dark authority, and Christ stands openly victorious over them all.
Colossians 2:15 in the Original Language
Thriambeuo (θριαμβεύω), 'triumph over' -- to lead in a triumphal procession as a victor displays the conquered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colossians 2:15
What does Colossians 2:15 mean?
Having disarmed the rulers and authorities, Christ exposed them publicly, triumphing over them by the cross.