Definition: And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really beautiful and important verse from the Bible: “Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.” Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, this verse says that God has completely reconciled everything – past, present, and future – to Himself. Let's unpack that: “Having made peace through the blood of his cross…” : This is the key part. “Blood of his cross” means Jesus’ sacrifice – His death on the cross. It wasn’t just a sad event; it was a powerful act that permanently sets us free from sin and separation from God. Think of it like a giant, permanent bridge built over a deep divide. “by him to reconcile all things unto himself…” : This is the result of that peace. “Reconcile” means to bring something back together or make it whole again. Jesus’ sacrifice reconciles us with God, meaning we are no longer separated from Him. He makes us part of His plan and purpose. “by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.” : This is a really clever phrase! “Whether things in earth, or things in heaven” means everything – including our lives, our families, our bodies, even our future after death - are all connected to and part of God’s plan. It suggests that everything is ultimately under His control and that there's a grand, eternal purpose. In simpler terms: Jesus died for us, and his sacrifice has made it possible for us to be reconciled with God and have a relationship with Him forever. It doesn’t just mean a temporary peace; it’s a permanent restoration of our relationship. What does this all mean practically? It means we are given a second chance at being in a right relationship with God, and that relationship is eternal. It's about trusting in Jesus and accepting His sacrifice to be forgiven and loved eternally. Resources if you want to delve deeper: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/charts/quote/Colossians%201:20](https://www.biblegateway.com/charts/quote/Colossians%201:20) – This lets you read the verse with a translation and see how it’s interpreted in different translations. The Bible Project: [https://thebibletproject.com/colossian-1-20/](https://thebibletproject.com/colossian-1-20/) - This has a great, accessible explanation with visuals and insights. Do you want me to: Explain something in more detail? Give you a related verse?