Colossians 1:18
"And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everyt..." — Colossians 1:18 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations.
“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”Colossians 1:18 (NIV)
Compare NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB side by side →
Surrounding verses
Read Colossians 1:18 with the verses next to it, then open Colossians 1 in full.
When people use this verse
People often open Colossians 1:18 when they are looking for Scripture on a new beginning.
Related topics
Get another verse
Same randomizer as the rest of the site — tap for another NIV verse from this book, a related topic, or the priority collection.
“The Word Became FleshIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
— John 1:1
What is this verse about?
Colossians 1:18 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Colossians. This verse comes from chapter 1, which can be read in full at the Colossians chapter 1 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How people apply it
As you reflect on Colossians 1:18, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.
Related verses
Curated from this site's topic lists — not a keyword scan of the verse text.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
Isaiah 41:4Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord—with the first of them and with the last—I am he.”
Isaiah 41:26Who told of this from the beginning, so we could know, or beforehand, so we could say, ‘He was right’? No one told of this, no one foretold it, no one heard any words from you.
John 15:27And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.
1 John 1:1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
1 John 2:7Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard.
1 John 2:14I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:24See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.
A short prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in Colossians 1:18. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Quick answers
What does Colossians 1:18 mean?
"And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everyt..." — Colossians 1:18 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations. The original biblical context enriches our understanding of how this verse applies today.
What is the context of Colossians 1:18?
Colossians 1:18 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Colossians. This verse comes from chapter 1, which can be read in full at the Colossians chapter 1 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How does Colossians 1:18 read in other translations?
Colossians 1:18 is available in NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB on this page. Open the compare view to read them side by side.