Colossians 3:10 kjv
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Colossians 3:10 nkjv
and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
Colossians 3:10 niv
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Colossians 3:10 esv
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Colossians 3:10 nlt
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
Colossians 3 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 1:26 | Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion...” | Humanity created in God's image. |
| Gen 1:27 | So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. | Affirmation of creation in God's image. |
| Rom 8:29 | For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. | Conformed to Christ's image (God's image). |
| 2 Cor 3:18 | But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. | Progressive transformation into Christ's image. |
| Eph 4:22 | that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, | Command to put off the old man. |
| Eph 4:23 | and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, | Renewal of the mind. |
| Eph 4:24 | and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. | Put on the new man, created in God's image. |
| 2 Cor 5:17 | Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. | The radical transformation of a new creation. |
| Gal 6:15 | For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. | New creation supersedes outward distinctions. |
| Rom 12:2 | And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. | Transformation through mind renewal. |
| Titus 3:5 | not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, | Regeneration and renewal by the Spirit. |
| 1 Cor 15:49 | And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. | Bearing the image of the heavenly Adam (Christ). |
| 1 Pet 1:15 | but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, | Call to reflect God's holiness. |
| Heb 12:14 | Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: | Pursuing holiness as a reflection of God. |
| 2 Pet 1:3 | as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, | True knowledge (epignosis) of God for godliness. |
| 2 Pet 1:8 | For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. | Fruitfulness through knowledge of Christ. |
| Col 1:9 | For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; | Paul's prayer for spiritual knowledge. |
| Col 1:10 | that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; | Increasing in the knowledge of God. |
| Php 3:10 | that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, | Desiring deeper knowledge and conformity to Christ. |
| Col 3:11 | where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. | All believers united in the new creation. |
| Rom 6:4 | Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. | Newness of life through identification with Christ. |
| Isa 43:7 | Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed and made. | Created for God's glory, echoing creation theme. |
| Col 2:8 | Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. | Caution against false philosophies (contrasting false knowledge). |
Colossians 3 verses
Colossians 3 10 Meaning
Colossians 3:10 speaks of the profound spiritual transformation believers undergo in Christ. It describes the new spiritual identity that is "put on" after renouncing the old sinful self. This "new man" is continuously being transformed and perfected, renewed in full and accurate knowledge of God. This renewal aims to conform the believer to the very image of God, who is the Creator of all. It signifies a progressive sanctification, moving closer to God's original design for humanity.
Colossians 3 10 Context
Colossians chapter 3 calls believers to live a life reflective of their new identity in Christ. Verses 1-4 establish the believer's spiritual union with the risen Christ, emphasizing that their true life is hidden with Him in God. Verses 5-9 then exhort believers to "put to death" or "put off" the "old man" and its sinful practices, which are characteristics of their former, unregenerate life. These include sexual immorality, impurity, evil desires, covetousness, anger, wrath, malice, slander, and lying. Verse 10 naturally follows as the positive command, telling believers what to "put on" – the "new man" – the transformed self that reflects their spiritual regeneration. The subsequent verses (3:11-17) elaborate on the virtues and communal life that define this "new man." Historically, this teaching contrasted sharply with both pagan hedonism and legalistic Judaism present in Colossae, as well as emergent Gnostic tendencies that either promoted asceticism or libertinism, often tied to a false sense of superior "knowledge" or "fullness."
Colossians 3 10 Word analysis
- and have put on: The Greek is endýsasthai (ἐνδύσασθαι), an aorist middle participle, signifying an action completed in the past with ongoing effects, a definitive act of conversion or spiritual rebirth. This metaphor of "clothing" is common in Paul's writings, indicating a decisive change in identity and conduct. It's a spiritual garment, distinct from external actions alone, rooted in a new inner reality.
- the new man: The Greek ton neon (τὸν νέον) or ho kainos anthrōpos. Neon (new) here emphasizes what is fresh, qualitatively different, and renovated, in contrast to what is old and corrupt. This "new man" refers to the regenerated self in Christ, infused with divine life and aligned with God's purposes, rather than a reformed version of the old. It speaks to a profound re-orientation of one's being.
- who is renewed: From the Greek anakainoumenon (ἀνακαινούμενον), a present participle, indicating a continuous, ongoing process of renewal. It signifies being made new again or continually restored. This highlights sanctification as a progressive work of the Holy Spirit, transforming the believer from glory to glory. It's not a one-time event but a life-long process of conforming to God's will.
- in knowledge: The Greek word is eis epignōsin (εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν). Epignosis denotes a full, precise, or experiential knowledge, deeper than mere intellectual assent (gnosis). It is not just information about God, but an intimate, transforming comprehension of Him, His will, and His truth. This type of knowledge affects the entire being and guides one's behavior, leading to godliness. Paul likely uses epignōsis to counter the false "knowledge" boasted by Gnostic philosophies potentially influencing Colossae.
- according to the image: Kat' eikona (κατ’ εἰκόνα) emphasizes conformity to a pattern or likeness. "Image" refers to a representation or likeness. This directly echoes Gen 1:26-27, where humanity was created in God's image. The fall distorted this image, but Christ, as the perfect image of God (Col 1:15), restores it in believers through spiritual renewal. This means moral, spiritual, and relational resemblance to God, particularly Christlikeness.
- of Him who created him: Tou ktisantos auton (τοῦ κτίσαντος αὐτόν). "The one who created him" explicitly points to God as the Creator, underscoring His sovereign design and authority over humanity. It anchors the renewal in divine creation, reiterating that the goal of renewal is restoration to the original divine design. This also serves as a strong refutation against any dualistic thought that denigrates the material creation, emphasizing that the Creator God is good and the source of true life and renewal.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "have put on the new man": This phrase encapsulates the spiritual act of identifying with Christ's death and resurrection (Rom 6:4). It implies a complete change of wardrobe, discarding the sinful past and embracing a new nature bestowed by God. It is a decisive break from the former life (Col 3:8-9) and adoption of a Christ-centered existence.
- "who is renewed in knowledge": This highlights the dynamic and intellectual aspect of spiritual growth. The renewal is not merely external behavior modification but an internal, continuous transformation of one's understanding, leading to a deeper apprehension of divine truth. This epignosis involves the whole person and directs their will.
- "according to the image of Him who created him": This essential phrase provides the ultimate purpose and standard for the renewal. The "new man" is progressively being shaped to reflect the character, nature, and glory of the Creator. This points back to the original design of humanity at creation (Gen 1:26-27), now being restored and perfected in Christ, whose image is the perfect embodiment of the invisible God. It means becoming more like God in holiness, righteousness, and truth.
Colossians 3 10 Bonus section
The "new man" described here is fundamentally the person reborn in Christ, whose identity is no longer defined by their past sins or earthly distinctions, but by their spiritual union with God. This spiritual reality leads to practical unity in the Church, as highlighted in the subsequent verse (Col 3:11), where ethnic, social, or economic distinctions fade in significance because "Christ is all and in all." The concept of epignosis is vital; it's not intellectual ascent leading to arrogance, but transformative knowledge leading to worship and righteous living. It means recognizing Christ as the perfect Image of God (Col 1:15) and understanding that our renewal is to grow into His image, reflecting God's character more and more. This ongoing renewal ensures believers are not static but dynamically living out their new life in holiness and wisdom.
Colossians 3 10 Commentary
Colossians 3:10 encapsulates the profound change inherent in Christian life. Having shed the "old man" (verse 9), the believer has now "put on" the "new man." This is not merely an external behavioral adjustment, but a deep, qualitative transformation of one's very being. The "new man" is characterized by an ongoing process of "renewal" (anakainoumenon), indicating that spiritual growth is a continuous journey, not a destination achieved at conversion. This renewal takes place specifically "in knowledge" (eis epignōsin). This isn't just accumulating facts; it's a transformative, intimate understanding of God that affects one's values, desires, and actions. It contrasts sharply with any false, superficial, or speculative "knowledge" that does not lead to godly living.
Crucially, the goal of this renewal is conformity "to the image of Him who created him." This ties directly back to God's original intention for humanity in Genesis, where mankind was made in God's image. Sin marred this image, but through Christ, believers are being restored to resemble their Creator in righteousness, holiness, and true wisdom. The explicit mention of "Him who created him" underscores God's sovereignty over humanity and creation, validating the inherent goodness of God's design and refuting dualistic worldviews that devalued the physical world. This verse beautifully bridges creation, fall, redemption, and sanctification, showing that spiritual renewal is fundamentally about rediscovering and growing into the divine likeness that was lost but is now being perfectly restored in Christ.