Colossians 2:11-12
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse emphasizes that true spiritual circumcision isn't a physical act but a divine process happening in Christ. This "stripping off" of the sinful flesh isn't something we do ourselves, but a result of our union with Christ, a complete transformation that replaces the old way of life with a new one.
In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is arguing against false teachers who are mixing Jewish traditions, like circumcision, with the gospel. He's just explained how believers are "complete in Christ," who is the head of all powers, and therefore doesn't need any extra rituals or human philosophies. This verse builds on that by explaining that the spiritual reality symbolized by circumcision has already been accomplished in Christ for believers.
The Apostle Paul confronts a common practice of his day, but he redefines it entirely. What looked like a physical act to some became a radical inner transformation for believers.
In Colossians 2:11, Paul talks about a "circumcision made without hands." This is a powerful contrast to the literal circumcision practiced under the Old Covenant. While that involved a physical cutting of the flesh, Paul explains that the true "circumcision" for followers of Christ is internal. It's not about an outward ceremony but an inward work of God's Spirit.
This spiritual circumcision is about:
Paul emphasizes this to counter false teachings that might insist on outward rituals for salvation. He's saying that true spiritual identity and transformation are found in Christ alone, not in human-made rituals.
What does it really mean to 'put off the body of the flesh'? This isn't just about stopping bad habits; it's a profound declaration of freedom from sin's dominion.
The phrase "putting off the body of the flesh" is a vivid metaphor for the radical change that happens when we are united with Christ. The "body of the flesh" here refers to our entire being as it is dominated by sin and its desires – our corrupt, fallen nature.
Ask a follow-up
This concept highlights that our identity in Christ means we are no longer slaves to the desires of our fallen nature. We are called to actively live out this freedom.
Understand the original words
peritomē · Greek Noun
The sign of the covenant between God and the nation of Israel. Spiritually, it signifies the removal of the old nature and dedication to God.
sarx · Greek Noun
Refers to the sinful nature or the fallen human condition that is alienated from God and prone to rebellion.
baptisma · Greek Noun
An ordinance signifying the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It symbolizes the washing away of sin and the transition from the old life to the new.
pistis · Greek Noun
Trusting in and relying upon the person and work of Jesus Christ; the means by which one receives the benefits of salvation.
The false teachers in Colossae were likely pressuring believers to adopt Old Testament practices like circumcision, possibly as a way to achieve spiritual maturity or favor with God. Paul counters that true spiritual transformation—a 'circumcision of the heart'—has already been accomplished in Christ, rendering outward rites unnecessary and even obstructive to the fullness found in Him.
c. 1446 BC
The Abrahamic Covenant and Circumcision
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, commanding circumcision as its sign. This rite marked male Israelites as God's chosen people and signified a commitment to God's covenant.
c. 586 BC
Exile and Loss of Identity
The Babylonian exile led to a crisis of identity for many Jews, raising questions about covenant signs and God's promises amidst national disaster. This period saw a greater emphasis on internal adherence to the Law.
c. 1st Century AD
Rise of Syncretism and Asceticism
The Hellenistic world was characterized by diverse philosophical schools (like Gnosticism) and mystery religions, often blending various beliefs. Some groups promoted ascetic practices and claimed secret knowledge as paths to salvation.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Writing of Colossians
While imprisoned, likely in Rome or Caesarea, Paul writes letters, including Colossians, to combat false teachings threatening the churches. These teachings likely blended Jewish legalism, Hellenistic philosophy, and possibly early Gnostic ideas.
This passage speaks of 'circumcision of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter,' directly paralleling the spiritual circumcision described in Colossians 2:11, emphasizing inner transformation over outward ritual.
Deuteronomy 10:16This Old Testament command to 'circumcise your heart and be no longer stubborn' shows the long-standing prophetic call for an inner change, which Paul presents as being fulfilled in Christ.
Galatians 5:24This verse states, 'And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires,' which directly reflects the 'putting off the body of the flesh' mentioned in Colossians 2:11.
Philippians 3:3Here Paul writes, 'For we are the true circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,' reinforcing the idea that true spiritual circumcision is Christ-centered and Spirit-led, not based on external practices.
Colossians 2:12Immediately following, this verse speaks of being 'buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him,' linking the spiritual circumcision to the death and resurrection represented in baptism, the New Covenant sign.
barnesColossians 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:"
In whom - In connection with whom, or in virtue of whose religion. Ye are circumcised - You have received that which was designed to be represented by circumcision - the putting away of sin; Notes, Philippians 3:3. With the circumcision made without hands - That made in the heart by the renunciation of all sin. The Jewish te…
meyerColossians 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 . Respecting the connection and its reference to the false teachers, so far as they “Iegem evangelio miscebant” (Calvin), see on Colossians 2:10 . ἐν ᾧ ] like ἐν αὐτῷ in Colossians 2:10 : on whom it also causally depends that ye, etc. This applies to the point of time of their entrance into the union with Chr…
The verse emphasizes that true spiritual circumcision isn't a physical act but a divine process happening in Christ. This "stripping off" of the sinful flesh isn't something we do ourselves, but a result of our union with Christ, a complete transformation that replaces the old way of life with a new one.
Paul is arguing against false teachers who are mixing Jewish traditions, like circumcision, with the gospel. He's just explained how believers are "complete in Christ," who is the head of all powers, and therefore doesn't need any extra rituals or human philosophies. This verse builds on that by explaining that the spiritual reality symbolized by circumcision has already been accomplished in Christ for believers.
Paul is arguing against false teachers who are mixing Jewish traditions, like circumcision, with the gospel. He's just explained how believers are "complete in Christ," who is the head of all powers, and therefore doesn't need any extra rituals or human philosophies. This verse builds on that by explaining that the spiritual reality symbolized by circumcision has already been accomplished in Christ for believers.
"In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in t…" — The verse emphasizes that true spiritual circumcision isn't a physical act but a divine process happening in Christ. This "stripping off" of the sinful flesh isn't something we do ourselves, but a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
