Investigating a Shift in Style: Are There Grammatical Anomalies in Colossians 1:16-20?
Reframed Question for Clarity:
In the opening chapter of Colossians, the author uses precise language to refer to both YHVH (God) and Yeshua (Jesus), employing explicit titles and nouns such as “God the Father,” “Jesus the Anointed One,” and “the Son.” These references occur consistently from Colossians 1:1 to 1:16, where God is identified clearly seven times and Jesus six times. However, an abrupt stylistic change occurs in Colossians 1:16-20, where 13 pronouns like “he,” “him,” and “his” replace explicit titles, resulting in potential ambiguity about their referents.
This change seems to resolve after verse 20, as the text resumes its earlier pattern of explicit references in verses 24-29. Does the dramatic shift in writing style and reliance on pronouns in Colossians 1:16-20 suggest a grammatical anomaly, a deliberate rhetorical choice, or even a possible scribal intervention?—Josh Jones
Response to Reframed Question
The perceived shift in writing style in Colossians 1:16-20 and the heavy use of pronouns within this passage invites a closer textual and grammatical analysis. The question is whether this difference in style indicates scribal intervention or whether it reflects a deliberate rhetorical device by the original author. Below, we will analyze the text with precision, relying on the Historical-Grammatical method of interpretation, which focuses on the original context, language, and intent of the author, while preserving the integrity of scripture as inspired and authoritative.
Contextual Overview of Colossians 1:16-20
Colossians 1:16-20 forms part of a broader Christological hymn or passage, often considered one of the most elevated and theologically rich descriptions of the preeminence and supremacy of Jesus Christ. The use of pronouns within this section aligns with the natural flow of Greek syntax and emphasizes the unique relationship and actions of Christ in creation, redemption, and reconciliation.
Thematic Centrality of Christ
From verse 15, the focus shifts entirely to Jesus Christ as the “image of the invisible God” and the “firstborn of all creation.” This emphasis continues through verses 16-20, describing his cosmic role in creation, his sustaining power, his preeminence in the church, and his work in reconciliation. The pronouns in these verses consistently refer back to Jesus, whose identity was firmly established in verse 15.
Analysis of Pronouns in Colossians 1:16-20
The frequent use of pronouns such as “he,” “him,” and “his” in this passage is not uncommon in Greek, especially in poetic or hymn-like sections of scripture. The style serves a specific rhetorical and theological purpose: to maintain an intense focus on the subject (Christ) while avoiding redundancy. Repeated use of Jesus’ name or titles would have disrupted the lyrical and meditative quality of the passage.
Grammatical Precision in Greek
In Greek, the use of pronouns often depends on proximity to the antecedent (the person or thing to which the pronoun refers). In this case, the antecedent is Christ, introduced as the subject in verse 15. The absence of explicit names or titles in verses 16-20 does not create ambiguity because the pronouns have a clearly established referent. Each pronoun grammatically and contextually ties back to Christ without requiring restatement of his name.
Alternation Between Pronouns and Explicit Titles in Pauline Literature
Paul’s epistles often exhibit a deliberate alternation between the use of pronouns and explicit titles, particularly when transitioning between theological exposition and personal narrative. This stylistic feature serves to maintain both the rhythmic flow of his writing and the theological focus of his argument. Far from being anomalous, this alternation is a hallmark of Paul’s rhetorical technique, appearing consistently in other passages of his letters.
Example: Philippians 2:6-11
In Philippians 2:6-11, often referred to as the “Christ Hymn,” Paul begins by explicitly identifying Jesus Christ as the subject:
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
After this introductory mention, Paul employs pronouns throughout the hymn to sustain focus on Christ’s actions and nature:
“Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself… And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death…” (Philippians 2:6-8).
This technique mirrors the pronoun-heavy structure of Colossians 1:16-20. Just as Philippians 2 emphasizes Christ’s humility and exaltation through repetition of pronouns, Colossians 1 highlights Christ’s supremacy and role in creation using the same stylistic approach. The shift to pronouns underscores the centrality of Christ without redundant repetition of his name, preserving the lyrical and theological focus.
Example: Romans 8:28-39
A similar pattern is evident in Romans 8:28-39. After initially referring to “God” explicitly in verse 28, Paul transitions to using pronouns:
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all…” (Romans 8:31-32).
Here, the pronouns (“he,” “him,” “his”) allow Paul to sustain a reflective tone, keeping the focus on God’s actions and character. This technique reinforces the argument’s continuity while avoiding unnecessary repetition of explicit titles.
Application to Colossians 1:16-20
In Colossians 1:16-20, the alternation between explicit titles in the preceding verses and the pronoun-heavy hymn demonstrates a similar rhetorical purpose. Paul first establishes Jesus Christ as the subject in verse 15, then uses pronouns to underscore his active role in creation, redemption, and reconciliation. By the time he returns to explicit references in verses 24-29, the focus has shifted from theological exposition to personal narrative and ministry, requiring greater clarity about the subjects being discussed (e.g., “God” and “the anointed one”).
This stylistic alternation is therefore not a sign of inconsistency or scribal intervention, but a deliberate feature of Paul’s writing, consistent with his theological and rhetorical priorities across his epistles.
Key Features of Pronoun Usage
Hymnic Style: Colossians 1:16-20 is widely regarded as a hymn or creedal statement. Such forms of writing often employ repetitive structures, including pronouns, to create rhythm and cohesion. The pronouns draw attention to the subject’s actions and qualities without distraction.
Theological Focus: The passage emphasizes Christ’s active role in creation and redemption. The repetitive pronouns highlight his agency and preeminence while avoiding redundancy, which could dilute the theological impact.
Parallelism and Unity: The passage’s structure is tightly knit, with each pronoun contributing to the unity of the whole. For example:
Verse 16 emphasizes Christ’s role in creation: “For in him all things were created… all things have been created through him and for him.”
Verse 17 continues the theme of supremacy: “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Verse 18 introduces his role as the head of the church: “He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning…”
Each phrase builds on the last, and the pronouns ensure this cumulative effect remains centered on Christ.
Possible Scribal Intervention?
The suggestion of scribal intervention as a cause for the shift in style lacks strong evidence. Here are reasons why:
Manuscript Evidence: No textual variants in major manuscript traditions (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus) suggest alterations or additions in this passage. The Greek text is consistent across extant copies.
Stylistic Consistency: The shift in style from explicit titles to pronouns is not anomalous within Pauline writings. Paul often uses extended chains of pronouns when focusing intensely on a single subject (cf. Romans 8:28-39, Philippians 2:6-11).
Literary Function: The transition to pronouns in Colossians 1:16-20 aligns with the passage’s hymnic or poetic nature. It serves to sustain focus on Christ’s actions and attributes without repetitive naming.
No Theological Contradiction: The content and theology of the pronoun-rich section are fully consistent with the broader message of Colossians and Paul’s other letters. There is no doctrinal or linguistic marker of external interpolation.
Returning to “Regular Style”
The return to a more “regular” style with explicit names and titles in Colossians 1:24-29 reflects a shift in focus and genre. In these verses, Paul speaks autobiographically about his ministry and his proclamation of the gospel. Explicit references to “the God” and “the anointed one” (Christ) are necessary here for clarity, as the personal narrative involves multiple subjects (Paul, God, and Christ).
The alternation between styles reflects Paul’s rhetorical adaptability rather than a sign of multiple authors or scribal editing. Paul often transitions between theological exposition, personal narrative, and exhortation, each requiring a different approach to language.
Conclusion
The use of pronouns in Colossians 1:16-20 is a deliberate stylistic choice that enhances the theological focus on Christ’s supremacy in creation and redemption. Far from being a grammatical anomaly, it is a hallmark of Pauline theology and writing. The absence of significant textual variants or evidence of interpolation confirms the passage’s authenticity.
This shift in style aligns with the natural flow of thought in the epistle and serves the passage’s purpose within its literary and theological context. Scribal intervention is neither necessary nor supported by the evidence, as the stylistic choices reflect Paul’s intention to exalt Christ.
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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