Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Colossians 2:11 · King James Version
Meaning
Colossians 2:11 addresses the spiritual concept of circumcision, which was an important physical act in the Jewish tradition. However, in this verse, the apostle Paul explains that believers are circumcised in a spiritual sense through their faith in Christ. This circumcision is not performed by human hands, but by Christ Himself. This spiritual circumcision represents a removal of the sinful nature of the flesh, symbolizing a cutting away of our old selves and being made new in Christ. It signifies a transformation of the heart and a separation from the ways of the world. Through the act of faith in Christ, believers are united with Him in His death and resurrection, and as a result, they are set free from the power of sin and given a new life in Him. This verse highlights the importance of identifying with Christ and being transformed by His power to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Theological Overview
When studying the theological interpretation of Colossians 2:11, it is important to note that the concept of circumcision was significant in the Old Testament as a physical sign of the covenant between God and His people. However, in the New Testament, Paul uses the imagery of circumcision to represent a spiritual reality. In this verse, the apostle Paul explains that believers are not circumcised with a physical circumcision performed by human hands, but with a spiritual circumcision performed by Christ. This spiritual circumcision signifies the cutting away of the old sinful nature, symbolized by the removal of the foreskin in physical circumcision. Through this spiritual circumcision, believers are set free from the power of sin and are able to live in newness of life. This interpretation highlights the work of Christ in redeeming and transforming believers, emphasizing the spiritual nature of their union with Him.
Colossians 2:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;
World English Bible
in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;
Douay-Rheims
In whom also you are circumcised with circumcision not made by hand in despoiling of the body of the flesh: but in the circumcision of Christ.
Geneva Bible (1599)
In whome also yee are circumcised with circumcision made without handes, by putting off the sinfull body of the flesh, through the circumcision of Christ,