Colossians 1:13
New International Version
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

New Living Translation
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,

English Standard Version
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

Berean Standard Bible
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Berean Literal Bible
who has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

King James Bible
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

New King James Version
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

New American Standard Bible
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

NASB 1995
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

NASB 1977
For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Legacy Standard Bible
Who rescued us from the authority of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son of His love,

Amplified Bible
For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Christian Standard Bible
He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.

American Standard Version
who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;

Contemporary English Version
God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son,

English Revised Version
who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, whom he loves.

Good News Translation
He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son,

International Standard Version
God has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of the Son whom he loves,

Majority Standard Bible
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

NET Bible
He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves,

New Heart English Bible
who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and transferred us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love;

Webster's Bible Translation
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his beloved Son:

Weymouth New Testament
It is God who has delivered us out of the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us into the Kingdom of His dearly-loved Son,

World English Bible
who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
who rescued us out of the authority of the darkness, and translated [us] into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

Berean Literal Bible
who has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Young's Literal Translation
who did rescue us out of the authority of the darkness, and did translate us into the reign of the Son of His love,

Smith's Literal Translation
Who saved us from the power of darkness, and transferred into the kingdom of the Son of his love:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love,

Catholic Public Domain Version
For he has rescued us from the power of darkness, and he has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love,

New American Bible
He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

New Revised Standard Version
He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And has delivered us from the power of darkness, and brought us to the kingdom of his beloved Son:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he has saved us from the power of darkness and brought us into The Kingdom of his Beloved Son;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
who has delivered us from the authority of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his beloved Son,

Godbey New Testament
who delivered us from the power of darkness, and transplanted us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;

Haweis New Testament
who hath plucked us out from the dominion of darkness, and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love:

Mace New Testament
who has deliver'd you from the state of darkness, and has translated you into the kingdom of his beloved son.

Weymouth New Testament
It is God who has delivered us out of the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us into the Kingdom of His dearly-loved Son,

Worrell New Testament
Who delivered us out of the dominion of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love;

Worsley New Testament
who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Thanksgiving and Prayer
12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.…

Cross References
Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,

Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

John 12:46
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.

1 John 1:5-7
And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Romans 13:12
The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

1 Thessalonians 5:5
For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

1 John 2:8-11
Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining. / If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. / Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. ...

Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

Isaiah 42:6-7
“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, / to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.

Isaiah 60:1-3
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Psalm 107:14
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains.


Treasury of Scripture

Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

delivered.

Isaiah 49:24,25
Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? …

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Matthew 12:29,30
Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house…

the power.

Luke 22:53
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

John 12:31,32
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out…

2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

and.

Luke 13:24
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Romans 6:17-22
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you…

the kingdom.

Psalm 2:6,7
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion…

Isaiah 9:6,7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace…

Daniel 7:13,14
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him…

his dear Son.

Isaiah 42:1
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Matthew 3:17
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 17:5
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Jump to Previous
Authority Beloved Darkness Dear Dearly-Loved Delivered Domain Dominion Evil Free Kingdom Love Power Reign Rescue Rescued Transferred Translate Translated
Jump to Next
Authority Beloved Darkness Dear Dearly-Loved Delivered Domain Dominion Evil Free Kingdom Love Power Reign Rescue Rescued Transferred Translate Translated
Colossians 1
1. After salutation Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith;
7. confirms the doctrine of Epaphras;
9. prays further for their increase in grace;
14. describes the supremacy of Christ;
21. encourages them to receive Jesus Christ, and commends his own ministry.














He has rescued us
The phrase "He has rescued us" emphasizes the divine initiative and action of God in salvation. The Greek word for "rescued" is "ἐρρύσατο" (errysato), which conveys the idea of delivering or saving from danger. This reflects the biblical theme of God as a deliverer, reminiscent of the Exodus narrative where God rescued the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. In a spiritual sense, this rescue is from the bondage of sin and death, highlighting God's grace and mercy.

from the dominion of darkness
The "dominion of darkness" refers to the realm of sin and evil under Satan's influence. The Greek word "ἐξουσία" (exousia) for "dominion" implies authority or power. Darkness symbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God. Historically, darkness has been associated with chaos and evil, contrasting with the light of God's truth and holiness. This phrase underscores the believer's previous state before salvation, living under the oppressive rule of sin.

and brought us into
The transition "and brought us into" signifies a change of status and position. The Greek word "μετέστησεν" (metestēsen) means to transfer or move from one place to another. This reflects the transformative power of salvation, where believers are not only rescued but also relocated into a new realm. It is a divine act of repositioning, moving from a state of spiritual death to life.

the kingdom of His beloved Son
The "kingdom of His beloved Son" represents the realm of Christ's rule and authority. The Greek word "βασιλεία" (basileia) for "kingdom" denotes a royal dominion or reign. This kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The term "beloved" (ἀγαπητοῦ, agapētou) highlights the unique and eternal love between the Father and the Son, emphasizing the Son's worthiness and the preciousness of the kingdom into which believers are brought. This kingdom is not just a future hope but a present reality for those in Christ, signifying a new identity and allegiance.

[2.The Doctrine of Christ.

(1) His SALVATION AND REDEMPTION of us all (Colossians 1:13-14).

(2) His NATURE AS THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD, the creator and sustainer of all things heavenly and earthly (Colossians 1:15-17).

(3) His HEADSHIP OF THE CHURCH (Colossians 1:18).

(4) His MEDIATION, reconciling all to God, first generally stated, then applied especially to the Colossians (Colossians 1:19-23).] . . .

Verse 13. - Who (sc. the Father) rescued us from the dominion of the darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love (Ephesians 5:8; Ephesians 6:12; Romans 7:14-8:4; 1 Corinthians 15:56, 57; 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 10; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 1:5-7; 1 John 2:7-11). To "rescue" (ῤύομαι: 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 7:24; 2 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:17, 18, - to be carefully distinguished from other Greek verbs rendered "deliver") implies the evil state of the rescued, the superior power of the rescuer, and a conflict issuing in deliverance. St. Paul repeatedly associates the figure of darkness with the language of warfare (Ephesians 6:12; Romans 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; comp. John 1:5, R.V. margin). "Dominion of darkness" - same as "dominion of Satan" (Acts 26:18). Αξουσία, as distinguished from δύναμις ("power," vers. 11, 29), is "right," "authority" (comp. 1 Corinthians 9:4-6; John 1:12;. 17:2): the power of Satan is not mere external force, but takes the form of established and (as it were) legalized dominion (1 Corinthians 15:56; Luke 4:6; John 12:31). "The darkness" is precisely opposed to "the light" (ver. 12), being the region of falsehood and hatred, whether in this world or outside of it, where Satan rules (Ephesians 6:12; Ephesians 5:8, 11; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 2:8-11; Matthew 8:12; Luke 22:53; John 3:19, 20; John 12:35). To "translate" (μεθίστημι) is to remove from one place, office, etc., to another; Josephus ('Ant.,' 9:11, 1) uses it of the deportation of the Israelites by the Assyrian king. The Father, rescuing his captive children, brings them "into the kingdom of the Son of his love." Here we touch the central and governing idea of this Epistle, that of the supreme lordship of Christ (vers. 15-20; Colossians 2:6, 10, 19, etc.); and this passage affords a clue which will, we trust, guide us through some of the greatest difficulties which follow. (On "the kingdom of the Son," comp. Ephesians 1:20-23; Philippians 2:6-11; Romans 14:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Corinthians 15:24 28; Hebrews 1:1-4; Hebrews 2:5-10; Revelation 1:5-7, 18; Revelation 5, etc.; John 5:22-27; John 17:2; John 18:36; Matthew 25:31-46; Matthew 28:18-20.) Only here and in Ephesians 5:5; 2 Timothy 4:1, 18; 1 Corinthians 15:24, 25, does the apostle speak of the kingdom as Christ's; otherwise as God's (and future). The "Son of his love" is not simply the "beloved Son" (Ephesians 1:6; Matthew 3:17, etc.), but the representative and depositary of his love: "Who is his love made manifest" (Augustine, Lightfoot; see ver. 2, note; John 3:16; John 17:26; 1 John 4:8, 9, 14-16; Ephesians 2:4; Titus 3:4-6; Romans 5:8), being at once our "Redeemer King "(ver. 13, 14) and the" Image of the invisible God" (ver. 15).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
He
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

has rescued
ἐρρύσατο (errysato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4506: To rescue, deliver (from danger or destruction).

us
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

dominion
ἐξουσίας (exousias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.

of darkness
σκότους (skotous)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4655: Darkness, either physical or moral. From the base of skia; shadiness, i.e. Obscurity.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

brought [us]
μετέστησεν (metestēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3179: Methistano meth-is-tan'-o from meta and histemi; to transfer, i.e. Carry away, depose or exchange, seduce.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλείαν (basileian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

beloved
ἀγάπης (agapēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.

Son,
Υἱοῦ (Huiou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.


Links
Colossians 1:13 NIV
Colossians 1:13 NLT
Colossians 1:13 ESV
Colossians 1:13 NASB
Colossians 1:13 KJV

Colossians 1:13 BibleApps.com
Colossians 1:13 Biblia Paralela
Colossians 1:13 Chinese Bible
Colossians 1:13 French Bible
Colossians 1:13 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Colossians 1:13 Who delivered us out of the power (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 1:12
Top of Page
Top of Page