Colossians 1:19-20
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The verse emphasizes that it was a deliberate choice of God the Father that all the fullness of His divine nature would reside in Christ. This isn't just a partial sharing, but a complete indwelling, establishing Christ as the ultimate, inexhaustible source for everything we need.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is continuing his praise of Christ, building on the previous verses that established Christ as the image of God, the firstborn of all creation, and the Creator and sustainer of everything. He's explaining why Christ holds such supreme authority and preeminence—because the Father actively chose to place all of God's fullness within Him. This divine endowment is the source of Christ's power to reconcile all things back to God, which Paul will elaborate on in the following verses.
Ever wondered why God chose Jesus to be the central figure in His plan? It wasn't a last-minute decision!
The verse states, "For it pleased the Father that in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell." This phrase "it pleased the Father" (or "God was well-pleased") points to a deliberate, sovereign decision made by God the Father. This wasn't an accident or a reactive measure; it was a foundational part of God's eternal plan.
What does it truly mean for 'all the fullness' to dwell in Jesus? It's more than just power; it's the essence of God!
The term "fullness" (pleroma) here isn't just about having a lot of something; it signifies the totality, the complete sum of God's attributes, perfections, and divine nature. It's the very essence of deity residing in Christ.
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Jesus isn't just a temporary vessel; His connection to God's fullness is foundational and lasting.
The word used for "dwell" (katoikeō) implies more than just a brief stay; it suggests a permanent residence, a settled habitation. This is crucial for understanding Christ's unique relationship with the divine fullness.
Understand the original words
plērōma · Greek Noun
The entirety of divine nature and attributes; the completeness of God's essence. It declares that Christ is fully, essentially, and completely God.
apokatallaxai · Greek Verb
The restoration of a broken relationship or state of hostility to one of harmony and friendship. Biblically, it refers to the removal of the barrier of sin that separated humanity from God.
eirēnēn · Greek Noun
The state of wholeness, well-being, and harmony, both between God and man and between human beings. It is the result of Christ's work on the cross, ending the enmity caused by sin.
haimatos tou staurou · Greek Noun phrase
The sacrificial death of Jesus; the instrument of substitutionary atonement. The "blood" represents the shedding of His life-force to pay the penalty for sin.
This passage describes the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, full of grace and truth, echoing the idea of divine fullness residing in Christ.
Colossians 2:9This verse directly states that 'in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,' reinforcing the concept of Christ embodying all of God's nature and attributes.
Ephesians 1:23This verse calls the church 'his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all,' highlighting Christ's encompassing role and how His fullness is expressed through His people.
Hebrews 1:3This passage describes Jesus as the 'radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature,' showing how Christ perfectly represents and embodies God's fullness.
barnesColossians 1:19: "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;"
For it pleased the Father - The words "the Father" are not in the original, but they are not improperly supplied. Some word must be understood, and as the apostle in Colossians 1:12 referred to "the Father" as having a claim to the thanks of his people for what he had done, and as the great favor for which they ought to be thankful is that which he immediately specifies - the exaltation of Christ, it is not impro…
meyerColossians 1:19: "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;"
Colossians 1:19 .[43] ὍΤΙ ] Confirmatory of the ἽΝΑ ΓΈΝΗΤΑΙ Κ.Τ.Λ. , just said: “about which divinely intended ΓΊΓΝΕΣΘΑΙ ἘΝ ΠᾶΣΙΝ ΑὐΤῸΝ ΠΡΩΤΕΎΟΝΤΑ there can be no doubt, for it has pleased , that in Him , etc.” How could He, who was thus destined to be possessor of the divine fulness and reconciler of the world, have been destined otherwise than to become ἐν πᾶσιν πρωτεύων ! This confirmation, therefore, does not…
The verse emphasizes that it was a deliberate choice of God the Father that all the fullness of His divine nature would reside in Christ. This isn't just a partial sharing, but a complete indwelling, establishing Christ as the ultimate, inexhaustible source for everything we need.
Paul is continuing his praise of Christ, building on the previous verses that established Christ as the image of God, the firstborn of all creation, and the Creator and sustainer of everything. He's explaining why Christ holds such supreme authority and preeminence—because the Father actively chose to place all of God's fullness within Him. This divine endowment is the source of Christ's power to reconcile all things back to God, which Paul will elaborate on in the following verses.
Paul is continuing his praise of Christ, building on the previous verses that established Christ as the image of God, the firstborn of all creation, and the Creator and sustainer of everything. He's explaining why Christ holds such supreme authority and preeminence—because the Father actively chose to place all of God's fullness within Him. This divine endowment is the source of Christ's power to reconcile all things back to God, which Paul will elaborate on in the following verses.
"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." — The verse emphasizes that it was a deliberate choice of God the Father that all the fullness of His divine nature would reside in Christ. This isn't just a partial sharing, but a complete indwellin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
