Colossians 3 12

Colossians 3:12 kjv

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:12 nkjv

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:12 niv

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12 esv

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

Colossians 3:12 nlt

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3 verses

Colossians 3 12 Meaning

Colossians 3:12 commands believers to live out their new identity in Christ by embodying a specific set of virtues. Having been chosen, set apart, and deeply loved by God, they are exhorted to "clothe themselves" with character qualities such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. This imperative arises directly from their spiritual reality: because they are who God declares them to be, they are to act in a manner consistent with that divine calling, reflecting the very character of God and Christ in their interactions.

Colossians 3 12 Context

Colossians 3:12 falls within Paul's practical exhortations concerning the "new life in Christ." Chapters 1-2 establish the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, contrasting His complete work with various false teachings that sought to undermine Him (e.g., philosophical speculations, asceticism, mysticism, angel worship). Chapter 3 transitions from doctrine to duty, starting with the believer's spiritual union with Christ (Col 3:1-4): because Christ is risen and they are united with Him, their minds should be set on heavenly things. This leads directly to the call to "put off" the old self and its sinful practices (Col 3:5-9) – effectively dismantling the former way of life based on sin and earthly desires. Verse 12 then serves as a strong, positive imperative to "put on" the new self (Col 3:10-11) by embodying specific Christ-like virtues, establishing what Christian living truly looks like. The subsequent verses (Col 3:13-17) continue to elaborate on these virtues, particularly focusing on love, forgiveness, and peace, concluding with the centrality of Christ in all things. Historically, this section also implicitly counters the Colossian heresy, which might have led to judgmentalism or spiritual pride, by emphasizing virtues of compassion, humility, and unity over mere outward observances.

Colossians 3 12 Word analysis

• Therefore (οὖν - oun): This conjunction signifies a logical consequence, linking the command to "clothe yourselves" directly to the preceding truths about the believer's new identity in Christ and the need to put off the old self. It marks a transition from who they are to how they should live.
• as (ὡς - hōs): Indicates the basis or manner. Believers are to act in accordance with their established identity, not to earn it.
• God's chosen people (ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ - eklektoi tou Theou):
  • eklektoi: Refers to those divinely selected, picked out, or elect. This emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and grace in salvation. It shifts identity from human merit to divine call.
  • tou Theou: Signifies belonging to God. This phrase evokes the Old Testament concept of Israel as God's chosen people (Deut 7:6), now extended to all believers in Christ.
• holy (ἅγιοι - hagioi):
  • hagioi: Means "saints" or "those set apart." It denotes a positional holiness – believers are consecrated to God because of their union with Christ – which then demands a corresponding practical holiness in life (1 Pet 1:15-16).
• and dearly loved (καὶ ἠγαπημένοι - kai ēgapēmenoi):
  • ēgapēmenoi: Passive participle in the perfect tense, meaning they are loved and have been loved, an abiding state of being cherished by God. This unconditional love is the ultimate motivation and enabling power for living the Christian life, flowing from their relationship with the Father through Christ (Eph 1:6).
• clothe yourselves (ἐνδύσασθε - endyusasthai):
  • A powerful metaphor, an aorist imperative, implying a decisive and intentional act. Just as one chooses clothes to wear, believers are to actively "put on" these virtues as their outward appearance and inner disposition. This is not passive assimilation but deliberate practice. It represents the transformation of one's entire demeanor and character.
• with compassion (σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ - splagchna oiktirmou):
  • splagchna: Literally "bowels" or "inward parts," used in ancient cultures as the seat of deep emotions and affections.
  • oiktirmou: Deep mercy, pity, and tenderheartedness, often referring to God's compassion (Luke 1:78).
  • This implies a deep-seated, gut-level empathy that moves one to action, rather than superficial sympathy.
• kindness (χρηστότητα - chrēstotēta):
  • chrēstotēta: Active moral goodness and graciousness. It's benignity and generosity expressed in a pleasant disposition. It describes a readiness to do good to others, going beyond mere fairness.
• humility (ταπεινοφροσύνην - tapeinophrosynēn):
  • tapeinophrosynēn: "Lowliness of mind" or humbleness. While often viewed negatively in Greco-Roman culture as abasement, Christian humility is self-abasement before God and considering others better than oneself (Phil 2:3). It acknowledges dependence on God and recognizes human fallenness without diminishing self-worth derived from Christ.
• gentleness (πραΰτητα - prautēta):
  • prautēta: Often translated as "meekness," but better understood as "strength under control." It is not weakness or passivity, but power yielded to divine will and used for gracious purposes. It endures insult and injury without resentment or retaliation, capable of quiet patience and humble instruction (2 Tim 2:25).
• and patience (μακροθυμίαν - makrothymian):
  • makrothymian: "Long-suffering." The ability to endure challenging people or difficult circumstances over an extended period without giving in to anger, revenge, or despair. It reflects God's own attribute of being "slow to anger" (Rom 2:4).

Words-group analysis:

• "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved": This phrase serves as the theological grounding for the ensuing command. It highlights the believer's secure, Spirit-imparted identity (the indicative) as the profound basis and enabling power for Christian living (the imperative). It underscores that living a virtuous life is a response to divine grace and election, not a means to earn it. This collective identity (people, plural) also points to the virtues' significance for community life.
• "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience": This group outlines the practical outworking of the new self in relation to others. The "clothing" metaphor implies that these virtues are to be an observable, integrated, and continuous aspect of their character. This list of virtues represents a fundamental aspect of Christ-likeness and fosters unity, peace, and loving interactions within the believing community, standing in direct contrast to the vices of the old self (Col 3:8).

Colossians 3 12 Bonus section

The order of virtues presented by Paul often reflects a flow, with one leading to or enabling another, contributing to relational harmony. "Compassion" (deep empathy) might initiate benevolent action, leading to practical "kindness." Both compassion and kindness require "humility" to overcome pride and self-interest. "Gentleness" (strength under control) prevents harshness when interacting with others, especially those who err. And "patience" is the bedrock virtue that allows for consistent practice of all others, particularly in sustained, challenging relationships or difficult circumstances. Together, these virtues form a cohesive "garment" for the "new self," emphasizing the corporate aspect of Christian living; they are essential for fostering true peace and unity within the Christian community, countering any tendency towards division or self-righteousness fueled by false teachings. This ethical instruction underscores the Pauline emphasis that spiritual reality must always be lived out in tangible, moral transformation, glorifying God and edifying the church.

Colossians 3 12 Commentary

Colossians 3:12 is a foundational command for practical Christian living, intrinsically linked to the believer's identity in Christ. Paul first establishes who believers are ("chosen people, holy, dearly loved by God") – an identity secured by divine grace and sovereign election – before exhorting them how to live. The command to "clothe yourselves" with specific virtues is a strong metaphorical call for an intentional, daily appropriation and display of these qualities. These virtues—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—are not arbitrary but define the Christ-like character and are essential for harmonious community life within the body of Christ. They stand in stark opposition to the self-centered vices characteristic of the "old self" that believers have already put off (Col 3:5-9). This verse emphasizes that transformation flows from a true understanding of one's identity in God; it is the fruit of their relationship with Christ, enabling them to reflect God's own attributes.

Examples:

• Compassion: Extending help to a stranger in need, even when inconvenient, mirroring the Good Samaritan.
• Kindness: Choosing gracious words and actions even when provoked, seeking to build up rather than tear down.
• Humility: Acknowledging one's weaknesses and valuing others' contributions, putting personal ego aside for the greater good.
• Gentleness: Responding calmly and wisely in conflict, exercising control over one's spirit rather than lashing out.
• Patience: Bearing with the annoying habits or slowness of others without complaint, offering grace instead of frustration.