READING TIME: 2-3 MINUTES
February 6, 2020
What does the “firstborn” of all creation mean in Colossians 1:15?
In Colossians 1:15, Jesus is the “firstborn of all creation” in the sense that He is first in order of time and is preeminent in rank compared to the rest of creation. It is clear in the context that “firstborn” is a metaphor for sovereignty or rank. It echoes a psalm of David: “I will also make him My firstborn, greatest of the kings of the earth” (Ps 89:27).
The term suggests supremacy, not temporality and it distances Jesus from creation rather than subsuming Himself under it. He was before all creation in terms of time, and in terms of rank, He is supremely preeminent and sovereign. He exercises rule over His creation (cf. Hebrews 1:1-3). The right of the firstborn was the right of privilege and priority (compare Genesis 49:3-4). Compare also Hebrews 1:6 where the word “firstborn” is a Messianic title. In this verse, the “Firstborn” received the worship of all the angels, but creatures should not be worshiped (Exodus 20:4–5).
This expression does not mean that Jesus was the first created being (as the Arians and Jehovah’s Witnesses falsely teach) since according to Colossians 1:16, everything is created by Jesus. Therefore, He cannot be created Himself. Jehovah’s Witnesses incorrectly add the word “other” six times in this passage in their New World Translation. Therefore, they suggest that Christ created all other things after He was created! Of course, the major problem with this view is the word “other” is not in the Greek tense. Also, in Colossians 1:17 Jesus “is before all things” and He holds everything together. Paul described Jesus as unique beyond all creation (cf. Hebrews 1:3).
Sources Consulted
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