Colossians 2:17

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

These things are [only] a shadow of future things, but the body [i.e., the real substance of things] belongs to Christ. [Note: The idea here is that the ritual observances of the Mosaic Law were like shadows pointing to the reality of life in Christ].

Cross References

Hebrews 10:1

For the Law of Moses was [only] a foreshadow of the good things that [were] to come [i.e., in the Messianic age], not the exact image of those things. It can never, by the same sacrifices, continually offered year after year, make [morally] perfect those who draw near [to God in worship].

Hebrews 8:5

These priests serve [in a sanctuary] that is [only] a copy and a foreshadow of the heavenly one. Now Moses was warned [by God] when he was about to build the Tabernacle, for God said [Ex. 25:40], “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain [i.e., Mount Sinai].”

John 1:17

For the Law was given through Moses; [but] God’s favor and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 9:9

[That Tabernacle] is symbolic of the present time, [indicating] that both gifts and [animal] sacrifices, which are offered [by the priests], are not able to give the worshiper a clear conscience