Colossians 3

Colossians 3:1

If then ye were raised together with Christ (εουνσυνηγερθητετωΧριστω). Condition of the first class, assumed as true, like that in 2:20 and the other half of the picture of baptism in 2:12 and using the same form συνηγερθητε as then which see for the verb συνεγειρω. Associative instrumental case of Χριστω.

The things that are above (ταανω). “The upward things” (cf. Philippians 3:14), the treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20). Paul gives this ideal and goal in place of merely ascetic rules.

Seated on the right hand of God (ενδεξιατουθεουκαθημενος). Not periphrastic verb, but additional statement. Christ is up there and at God’s right hand. Cf. 2:3.

Colossians 3:2

Set your mind on (φρονειτε). “Keep on thinking about.” It does matter what we think and we are responsible for our thoughts.

Not on the things that are upon the earth (μηταεπτηςγης). Paul does not mean that we should never think the things upon the earth, but that these should not be our aim, our goal, our master. The Christian has to keep his feet upon the earth, but his head in the heavens. He must be heavenly-minded here on earth and so help to make earth like heaven.

Colossians 3:3

For ye died (απεθανετεγαρ). Definite event, aorist active indicative, died to sin (Romans 6:2).

Is hid (κεκρυπτα). Perfect passive indicative of κρυπτω, old verb, to hide, remains concealed, locked “together with” (συν) Christ, “in” (εν) God. No hellish burglar can break that combination.

Colossians 3:4

When Christ shall be manifested (οτανοΧριστοςφανερωθη). Indefinite temporal clause with οταν and the first aorist passive subjunctive of φανεροω, “whenever Christ is manifested,” a reference to the second coming of Christ as looked for and longed for, but wholly uncertain as to time. See this same verb used of the second coming in 1 John 3:2.

Ye also together with him (καυμειςσυναυτω). That is the joy of this blessed hope. He repeats the verb about us φανερωθησεσθε (future passive indicative) and adds ενδοξη (in glory). Not to respond to this high appeal is to be like Bunyan’s man with the muck-rake.

Colossians 3:5

Mortify (νεκρωσατε). First aorist active imperative of νεκροω, late verb, to put to death, to treat as dead. Latin Vulgate mortifico, but “mortify” is coming with us to mean putrify. Paul boldly applies the metaphor of death (Colossians 2:20; Colossians 3:3) pictured in baptism (2:12) to the actual life of the Christian. He is not to go to the other Gnostic extreme of license on the plea that the soul is not affected by the deeds of the body. Paul’s idea is that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

He mentions some of these “members upon the earth” like fornication (πορνειαν), uncleanness (ακαθαρσιαν), passion (παθος), evil desire (επιθυμιανκακην), covetousness (πλεονεξιαν) “the which is idolatry” (ητιςεστινειδωλολατρια). See the longer list of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, though covetousness is not there named, but it is in Ephesians 4:19; Ephesians 5:5.

Colossians 3:6

Cometh the wrath of God (ερχεταηοργητουθεου). Paul does not regard these sins of the flesh as matters of indifference, far otherwise. Many old MSS. do not have “upon the sons of disobedience,” genuine words in Ephesians 5:6.

Colossians 3:7

Walked aforetime (περιεπατησατεποτε). First aorist (constative) indicative referring to their previous pagan state.

When ye lived (οτεεζητε). Imperfect active indicative of ζαω, to live, “ye used to live” (customary action). Sharp distinction in the tenses.

Colossians 3:8

But now (νυνδε). Emphatic form of νυν in decided contrast (to ποτε in verse 7) in the resurrection life of Col 2:12; Colossians 3:1.

Put ye also away (αποθεσθεκαυμεις). Second aorist middle imperative of old verb αποτιθημ, to put away, lay aside like old clothes. This metaphor of clothing Paul now uses with several verbs (αποθεσθε here, απεκδυσαμενο in verse 9, ενδυσαμενο in verse 10, ενδυσασθε in verse 12).

All these (ταπαντα). The whole bunch of filthy rags (anger οργην, wrath θυμον, malice κακιαν, railing βλασφημιαν, shameful speaking αισχρολογιαν). See somewhat similar lists of vices in Colossians 3:5; Galatians 5:20; Ephesians 4:29-31. These words have all been discussed except αισχρολογιαν, an old word for low and obscene speech which occurs here only in the N.T. It is made from αισχρολογος (αισχρος as in 1 Corinthians 11:6 and that from αισχος, disgrace). Note also the addition of “out of your mouth” (εκτουστοματοςυμων). The word was used for both abusive and filthy talk and Lightfoot combines both ideas as often happens. Such language should never come out of the mouth of a Christian living the new life in Christ.

Colossians 3:9

Lie not to another (μηψευδεσθεειςαλληλους). Lying (ψευδος) could have been included in the preceding list where it belongs in reality. But it is put more pointedly thus in the prohibition (μη and the present middle imperative). It means either “stop lying” or “do not have the habit of lying.”

Seeing that ye have put off (απεκδυσαμενο). First aorist middle participle (causal sense of the circumstantial participle) of the double compound verb απεκδυομα, for which see 2:15. The απο has the perfective sense (wholly), “having stripped clean off.” The same metaphor as αποθεσθε in verse 8.

The old man (τονπαλαιονανθρωπον). Here Paul brings in another metaphor (mixes his metaphors as he often does), that of the old life of sin regarded as “the ancient man” of sin already crucified (Romans 6:6) and dropped now once and for all as a mode of life (aorist tense). See same figure in Ephesians 4:22. Παλαιος is ancient in contrast with νεος (young, new) as in Matthew 9:17 or καινος (fresh, unused) as in Matthew 13:52.

With his doings (συνταιςπραξεσιναυτου). Practice must square with profession.

Colossians 3:10

And have put on (καενδυσαμενο). First aorist middle participle (in causal sense as before) of ενδυνω, old and common verb (Latin induo, English endue) for putting on a garment. Used of putting on Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans 13:14).

The new man (τοννεον). “The new (young as opposed to old παλαιον) man” (though ανθρωπον is not here expressed, but understood from the preceding phrase). In Ephesians 4:24 Paul has ενδυσασθατονκαινον (fresh as opposed to worn out) ανθρωπον.

Which is being renewed (τονανακαινουμενον). Present passive articular participle of ανακαινοω. Paul apparently coined this word on the analogy of ανανεομα. Ανακαινιζω already existed (Hebrews 6:6). Paul also uses ανακαινωσις (Romans 12:2; Titus 3:5) found nowhere before him. By this word Paul adds the meaning of καινος to that of νεος just before. It is a continual refreshment (καινος) of the new (νεος, young) man in Christ Jesus.

Unto knowledge (ειςεπιγνωσιν). “Unto full (additional) knowledge,” one of the keywords in this Epistle.

After the image (κατ’ εικονα). An allusion to Genesis 1:26; Genesis 1:28. The restoration of the image of God in us is gradual and progressive (2 Corinthians 3:18), but will be complete in the final result (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2).

Colossians 3:11

Where (οπου). In this “new man” in Christ. Cf. Galatians 3:28.

There cannot be (ουκεν). Εν is the long (original) form of εν and εστιν is to be understood. “There does not exist.” This is the ideal which is still a long way ahead of modern Christians as the Great War proved. Race distinctions (Greek Hελλην and Jew Ιουδαιος) disappear in Christ and in the new man in Christ. The Jews looked on all others as Greeks (Gentiles). Circumcision (περιτομη) and uncircumcision (ακροβυστια) put the Jewish picture with the cleavage made plainer (cf. Ephesians 2). The Greeks and Romans regarded all others as barbarians (βαρβαρο, Romans 1:14), users of outlandish jargon or gibberish, onomatopoetic repetition (βαρ-βαρ).

A Scythian (Σκυθης) was simply the climax of barbarity, bar-baris barbariores (Bengel), used for any rough person like our “Goths and Vandals.”

Bondman (δουλος, from δεω, to bind),

freeman (ελευθερος, from ερχομα, to go). Class distinctions vanish in Christ. In the Christian churches were found slaves, freedmen, freemen, masters. Perhaps Paul has Philemon and Onesimus in mind. But labour and capital still furnish a problem for modern Christianity.

But Christ is all (αλλαπανταΧριστος). Demosthenes and Lucian use the neuter plural to describe persons as Paul does here of Christ. The plural παντα is more inclusive than the singular παν would be.

And in all (καενπασιν). Locative plural and neuter also. “Christ occupies the whole sphere of human life and permeates all its developments” (Lightfoot). Christ has obliterated the words barbarian, master, slave, all of them and has substituted the word αδελφος (brother).

Colossians 3:12

Put on therefore (ενδυσασθεουν). First aorist middle imperative of ενδυνω (verse 10). He explains and applies (ουν therefore) the figure of “the new man” as “the new garment.”

As God’s elect (ωςεκλεκτοτουθεου). Same phrase in Romans 8:33; Titus 1:1. In the Gospels a distinction exists between κλητος and εκλεκτος (Matthew 24:22; Matthew 24:24; Matthew 24:31), but no distinction appears in Paul’s writings. Here further described as “holy and beloved” (αγιοκαηγαπημενο). The items in the new clothing for the new man in Christ Paul now gives in contrast with what was put off (3:8). The garments include a heart of compassion (σπλαγχναοικτιρμου, the nobler viscera as the seat of emotion as in Luke 1:78; Philippians 1:8), kindness (χρηστοτητα, as in Galatians 5:22), humility (ταπεινοφροσυνην, in the good sense as in Philippians 2:3), meekness (πραυτητα, in Galatians 5:23 and in Ephesians 4:2 also with ταπεινοφροσυνη), long-suffering (μακροθυμιαν, in Galatians 5:22; Colossians 1:11; James 5:10).

Colossians 3:13

Forbearing one another (ανεχομενοαλληλων). Present middle (direct) participle of ανεχω with the ablative case (αλληλων), “holding yourselves back from one another.”

Forgiving each other (χαριζομενοεαυτοις). Present middle participle also of χαριζομα with the dative case of the reflexive pronoun (εαυτοις) instead of the reciprocal just before (αλληλων).

If any man have (εαντιςεχη). Third class condition (εαν and present active subjunctive of εχω).

Complaint (μομφην). Old word from μεμφομα, to blame. Only here in N.T. Note προς here with τινα in the sense of against for comparison with προς in 2:31.

Even as the Lord (καθωςκαοΚυριος). Some MSS. read Χριστος for Κυριος. But Christ’s forgiveness of us is here made the reason for our forgiveness of others. See Matthew 6:12; Matthew 6:14 where our forgiveness of others is made by Jesus a prerequisite to our obtaining forgiveness from God.

Colossians 3:14

And above all these things (εππασινδετουτοις). “And upon all these things.”

Put on love (τηναγαπην). See Lu 3:20. The verb has to be supplied (ενδυσασθε) from verse 12 as the accusative case αγαπην shows.

Which is (οεστιν). Neuter singular of the relative and not feminine like αγαπη (the antecedent) nor masculine like συνδεσμος in the predicate. However, there are similar examples of οεστιν in the sense of quod est (id est), “that is,” in Mark 14:42; Mark 15:42, without agreement in gender and number. So also Ephesians 5:5 where οεστιν = “which thing.”

The bond of perfectness (συνδεσμοςτηςτελειοτητος). See 2:19 for συνδεσμος. Here it is apparently the girdle that holds the various garments together. The genitive (τελειοτητος) is probably that of apposition with the girdle of love. In a succinct way Paul has here put the idea about love set forth so wonderfully in 1Co 13.

Colossians 3:15

The peace of Christ (ηειρηνητουΧριστου). The peace that Christ gives (John 14:27).

Rule (βραβευετω). Imperative active third singular of βραβευω, to act as umpire (βραβευς), old verb, here alone in N.T. See 1 Corinthians 7:15 for called in peace.

In one body (ενενσωματ). With one Head (Christ) as in Colossians 1:18; Colossians 1:24.

Be ye thankful (ευχαριστογινεσθε). “Keep on becoming thankful.” Continuous obligation.

Colossians 3:16

The word of Christ (ολογοςτουΧριστου). This precise phrase only here, though “the word of the Lord” in 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:1. Elsewhere “the word of God.” Paul is exalting Christ in this Epistle. Χριστου can be either the subjective genitive (the word delivered by Christ) or the objective genitive (the word about Christ). See 1 John 2:14.

Dwell (ενοικειτω). Present active imperative of ενοικεω, to make one’s home, to be at home.

In you (ενυμιν). Not “among you.”

Richly (πλουσιως). Old adverb from πλουσιος (rich). See 1 Timothy 6:17. The following words explain πλουσιως.

In all wisdom (ενπασησοφια). It is not clear whether this phrase goes with πλουσιως (richly) or with the participles following (διδασκοντεςκανουθετουντες, see 1:28). Either punctuation makes good sense. The older Greek MSS. had no punctuation. There is an anacoluthon here. The participles may be used as imperatives as in Romans 12:11; Romans 12:16.

With psalms (ψαλμοις, the Psalms in the Old Testament originally with musical accompaniment),

hymns (υμνοις, praises to God composed by the Christians like 1 Timothy 3:16),

spiritual songs (ωιδαιςπνευματικαις, general description of all whether with or without instrumental accompaniment). The same song can have all three words applied to it.

Singing with grace (ενχαριταιδοντες). In God’s grace (2 Corinthians 1:12). The phrase can be taken with the preceding words. The verb αιδω is an old one (Ephesians 5:19) for lyrical emotion in a devout soul.

In your hearts (ενταιςκαρδιαιςυμων). Without this there is no real worship “to God” (τωθεω). How can a Jew or Unitarian in the choir lead in the worship of Christ as Saviour? Whether with instrument or with voice or with both it is all for naught if the adoration is not in the heart.

Colossians 3:17

Whatsoever ye do (πανοτεανποιητε). Indefinite relative (everything whatever) with εαν and the present active subjunctive, a common idiom in such clauses.

Do all (παντα). The imperative ποιειτε has to be supplied from ποιητε in the relative clause. Παντα is repeated from παν (singular), but in the plural (all things). Παν is left as a nominative absolute as in Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:10. This is a sort of Golden Rule for Christians “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (ενονοματΚυριουΙησου), in the spirit of the Lord Jesus (Ephesians 5:20). What follows (directions to the various groups) is in this same vein. Sociological problems have always existed. Paul puts his finger on the sore spot in each group with unerring skill like a true diagnostician.

Colossians 3:18

Wives (καγυναικες). The article here distinguishes class from class and with the vocative case can be best rendered “Ye wives.” So with each group.

Be in subjection to your husbands (υποτασσεσθετοιςανδρασιν). “Own” (ιδιοις) is genuine in Ephesians 5:22, but not here. The verb υποτασσομα has a military air, common in the Koine for such obedience. Obedience in government is essential as the same word shows in Romans 13:1; Romans 13:5.

As is fitting in the Lord (ωςανηκενενΚυριω). This is an idiomatic use of the imperfect indicative with verbs of propriety in present time (Robertson, Grammar, p. 919). Wives have rights and privileges, but recognition of the husband’s leadership is essential to a well-ordered home, only the assumption is that the husband has a head and a wise one.

Colossians 3:19

Love your wives (αγαπατεταςγυναικας). Present active imperative, “keep on loving.” That is precisely the point.

Be not bitter (μηπικραινεσθε). Present middle imperative in prohibition: “Stop being bitter” or “do not have the habit of being bitter.” This is the sin of husbands. Πικραινω is an old verb from πικρος (bitter). In N.T. only here and Revelation 8:11; Revelation 10:9. The bitter word rankles in the soul.

Colossians 3:20

Obey your parents (υπακουετετοιςγονευσιν). Old verb to listen under (as looking up), to hearken, to heed, to obey.

In all things (καταπαντα). This is the hard part for the child, not occasional obedience, but continual. Surely a Christian father or mother will not make unreasonable or unjust demands of the child. Nowhere does modern civilization show more weakness than just here. Waves of lawlessness sweep over the world because the child was not taught to obey. Again Paul argues that this is “in the Lord” (ενΚυριω).

Colossians 3:21

Provoke not (μηερεθιζετε). Present imperative of old verb from ερεθω, to excite. Only twice in N.T., here in bad sense, in good sense in 2 Corinthians 9:2 (to stimulate). Here it means to nag and as a habit (present tense).

That they be not discouraged (ιναμηαθυμωσιν). Negative purpose (ιναμη) with the present subjunctive (continued discouragement) of αθυμεω, old verb, but only here in N.T., from αθυμος (dispirited, α privative, θυμος, spirit or courage). One does not have to read Jane Eyre or Oliver Twist to know something of the sorrows of childhood as is witnessed by runaway children and even child suicides.

Colossians 3:22

Your masters according to the flesh (τοιςκατασαρκακυριοις). “Lords” really, but these Christian slaves (δουλο) had Christ as lord, but even so they were to obey their lords in the flesh.

Not with eye-service (μηενοφθαλμοδουλιαις). Another Pauline word (here only and Ephesians 6:6), elsewhere only in Christian writers after Paul, an easy and expressive compound, service while the master’s eye was on the slave and no longer.

Men-pleasers (ανθρωπαρεσκο). Late compound only in LXX and Paul (here and Ephesians 6:6).

In singleness of heart (εναπλοτητκαρδιας). So in Ephesians 6:5. Old and expressive word from απλους (simple, without folds). See 2 Corinthians 11:3.

Fearing the Lord (φοβουμενοτονΚυριον). Rather than the lords according to the flesh.

Colossians 3:23

Whatsoever ye do (οεανποιητε). See same idiom in 3:17 except ο instead of πανοτ.

Heartily (εκψυχης). From the soul and not with mere eye service. In Ephesians 6:7 Paul adds μετ’ ευνοιας (with good will) in explanation of εκψυχης.

As unto the Lord (ωςτωΚυριω). Even when unto men. This is the highest test of worthwhile service. If it were only always true!

Colossians 3:24

Ye shall receive (απολημψεσθε). Future middle indicative of απολαμβανω, old verb, to get back (απο), to recover.

The recompense (ανταποδοσιν). “The full recompense,” old word, in LXX, but only here in N.T., but ανταποδομα twice (Luke 14:12; Romans 11:9). Given back (απο) in return (αντ).

Ye serve the Lord Christ (τοΚυριωΧριστωδουλευετε). As his slaves and gladly so. Perhaps better as imperatives, keep on serving.

Colossians 3:25

Shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done (κομισεταοηδικησεν). It is not clear whether οαδικων (he that doeth wrong) is the master or the slave. It is true of either and Lightfoot interprets it of both, “shall receive back the wrong which he did.” This is a general law of life and of God and it is fair and square.

There is no respect of persons (ουκεστινπροσωπολημψια). There is with men, but not with God. For this word patterned after the Hebrew see Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; James 2:1 The next verse should be in this chapter also.