Colossians 1:16 – By Him All Things are Created | Colossians Bible Study
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him." — Colossians 1:16
Introduction
Colossians 1:16 is one of the strongest declarations in Scripture of the deity, sovereignty, and creative power of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote this letter to correct false teachers who diminished Christ, presenting Him as merely one among many spiritual beings. Paul answers by declaring that Christ is not a created being—He is the Creator of everything that exists.
This verse reveals Christ's relationship to all creation, both the visible world and the unseen spiritual realm.
1. "For by Him were all things created"
The phrase "by Him" comes from the Greek en autō (ἐν αὐτῷ), meaning "in Him" or "by means of Him." It emphasizes that all creation has its source and existence in Christ.
The Greek word for "created" is ktizō (κτίζω), meaning:
To create
To bring into existence
To establish something that did not previously exist
Paul declares that Jesus is the divine Creator. This agrees with:
John 1:3 – "All things were made by him..."
Hebrews 1:2 – God made the worlds through the Son.
Genesis 1:1, understood in light of the New Testament, reveals the Son's active role in creation.
2. "Things in Heaven"
This includes everything in the heavenly realm:
Angels
Archangels
Cherubim
Seraphim
Heavenly hosts
The heavenly dwelling places
Nothing in heaven exists apart from Christ's creative work.
3. "Things in Earth"
This refers to everything in the physical universe:
Humanity
Animals
Plants
Mountains
Seas
Stars
Galaxies
Every living creature
Jesus is Lord over the entire created order.
4. "Visible and Invisible"
Paul divides creation into two categories.
Visible
Everything seen with human eyes:
The natural world
The universe
Human beings
Material creation
Invisible
Everything beyond physical sight:
Angels
Demons
Spiritual beings
Heavenly realms
Although invisible to us, these realities are still part of God's creation and remain under Christ's authority.
5. "Whether They Be Thrones"
The Greek word is thronoi (θρόνοι).
This refers to positions of authority and rule. Depending on the context, it can include heavenly ranks of angels and earthly seats of authority.
No throne exists independently of Christ.
6. "Dominions"
The Greek word is kyriotētes (κυριότητες).
It means:
Lordships
Dominions
Ruling authorities
These describe ranks of authority within the spiritual realm. Whether faithful or fallen, all owe their existence to Christ.
7. "Principalities"
The Greek word is archai (ἀρχαί).
It means:
First rulers
Chief authorities
Ruling powers
These are high-ranking spiritual authorities. In some passages the term refers to holy angels, while in others it refers to fallen spiritual rulers. Paul does not distinguish between them here because his purpose is to show that every rank of authority is subordinate to Christ.
8. "Powers"
The Greek word is exousiai (ἐξουσίαι).
It means:
Authorities
Delegated power
Jurisdiction
All authority—whether earthly or spiritual—is under Christ's sovereign rule.
9. "All Things Were Created by Him"
The Greek phrase di' autou (δι' αὐτοῦ) means "through Him."
Christ is the divine agent through whom the Father created all things.
Creation came into existence through His power and will.
10. "And for Him"
The Greek phrase eis auton (εἰς αὐτόν) means:
For Him
Unto Him
For His purpose
For His glory
Everything exists to glorify Christ.
Creation is not ultimately centered on humanity but on the glory of God revealed in His Son.
As Romans 11:36 declares:
"For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
Ethiopian and Ge'ez Christian Understanding
The Ethiopian Orthodox tradition proclaims Christ as the eternal Word of God through whom all creation came into being. Angels, heavenly hosts, and all spiritual orders were created by Him and remain under His sovereign authority. Because Christ is the Creator, He cannot be numbered among created beings. This understanding affirms both His full deity and His lordship over the visible and invisible worlds.
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry explains that Paul magnifies Christ by showing that He is the Creator of everything. Since all things were made by Him and for Him, Christ cannot be a mere creature or one angel among many. Even the highest angelic beings derive their existence from Him. Henry emphasizes that the universe exists for Christ's glory and that believers should therefore worship Him alone.
Practical Application
Worship Christ as the eternal Creator, not merely as a great teacher.
Trust His authority over every visible and invisible power.
Remember that every aspect of creation ultimately exists for His glory.
Find comfort in knowing that the One who redeemed you is also the One who created and sustains all things.
Live with the purpose of glorifying Christ, because you were created by Him and for Him.
Reflection Questions
What does Colossians 1:16 teach about the deity of Jesus Christ?
Why is it significant that Christ created both the visible and invisible realms?
How does knowing Christ is Lord over every principality and power strengthen your faith?
What does it mean that all things were created "for Him"?
How should this truth shape your worship, obedience, and daily life?
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