Colossians 3 13

Colossians 3:13 kjv

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Colossians 3:13 nkjv

bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Colossians 3:13 niv

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 esv

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Colossians 3:13 nlt

Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3 verses

Colossians 3 13 Meaning

This verse instructs believers to patiently endure each other's flaws and, when specific grievances arise, to actively forgive one another. The motivation and standard for this reciprocal forgiveness is Christ's perfect and gracious forgiveness of believers, setting a divine precedent that His followers are commanded to imitate.

Colossians 3 13 Context

Colossians chapter 3 outlines the ethical implications of a believer's new identity in Christ. Having established that believers are raised with Christ and spiritually dead to the world's ways (Col 3:1-4), Paul calls them to "put off" their old, sinful self with its earthly practices (Col 3:5-9). This includes sexual immorality, impurity, evil desires, covetousness, anger, wrath, malice, slander, and lying. Directly following this command to divest themselves of ungodliness, the apostle transitions to "putting on" the virtues of the "new self" (Col 3:10-12). Forgiveness (Col 3:13) is a vital aspect of this new creation, foundational for the love and peace that should govern their relationships within the body of Christ. Historically, this counsel was particularly pertinent to the diverse house churches in Colossae, where friction could easily arise from different cultural backgrounds, previous religious practices, or the emerging divisive teachings that Paul countered in the letter. The command for mutual forgiveness reinforces unity and counters any form of spiritual pride or exclusivity among believers.

Colossians 3 13 Word analysis

• bearing with (ἀνέχεσθε, anechesthe): A present imperative, indicating an ongoing command to continuously "put up with," "endure," or "tolerate" others. It suggests patience and restraint in the face of minor annoyances or personality differences, fostering communal harmony before grievances even escalate.
• one another (ἀλλήλων, allēlōn): A reciprocal pronoun emphasizing the mutual nature of this endurance. It applies equally to all members within the community of believers.
• and (καί, kai): Connects the general act of bearing with to the more specific act of forgiveness for particular complaints.
• if one has a complaint (ἐάν τις ἔχῃ μομφὴν, ean tis echē momphēn): Introduces a specific condition. Monphē means "blame," "complaint," "fault," or "grievance." It signifies a legitimate ground for accusation or dissatisfaction, moving beyond general patience to concrete offense.
• against another (κατά τινος, kata tinos): Indicates the direct target of the complaint, solidifying the idea of an interpersonal conflict.
• forgiving (χαριζόμενοι, charizomenoi): A present participle, indicating a continuous action. Rooted in charis (grace), it means to "show favor," "freely give," or "graciously pardon." It implies releasing someone from a debt or offense without demanding repayment, reflecting divine generosity.
• each other (ἑαυτοῖς, heautois): Again, emphasizing the reciprocal, mutual nature of this active forgiveness within the community.
• as (καθὼς, kathōs): Introduces a pattern, standard, or example. This little word is profoundly significant, establishing Christ's forgiveness as the model and motivation.
• the Lord (ὁ Κύριος, ho Kyrios): Here, specifically refers to Jesus Christ. It highlights His divine authority and supreme example.
• has forgiven (ἐχαρίσατο, echarisato): An aorist tense verb, denoting a past, completed, decisive act. This emphasizes the finality and settled nature of Christ's forgiveness towards believers. It is a historical reality and a done deal for those in Him.
• you (ὑμῖν, hymin): Plural, indicating the collective body of believers at Colossae, and by extension, all believers. The forgiveness they received is personal and transformative.
• so you also (οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς, houtōs kai hymeis): A strong correlative phrase meaning "in the same way" or "likewise, you too." It underscores the direct implication of Christ's forgiveness for our actions. Because He forgave you in a completed, gracious act, you are now commanded to reflect that same pattern.
• must forgive (χαρίζεσθε, charizesthe): A present imperative, a command for ongoing, habitual forgiveness. The form is the same as the previous "forgiving" participle, but now used imperatively, indicating it's not just a quality, but a required continuous action for believers.

Colossians 3 13 Bonus section

The passive reception of God's forgiveness in Christ transforms the believer into an active agent of forgiveness towards others. This is not about feeling an emotion but enacting a Christ-like will. The very word for "forgive" (charizomai) is infused with the concept of grace (charis), meaning that Christian forgiveness is always a gracious gift, extended freely, rather than a mere obligation or conditional pardon. This act of forgiveness aligns with "putting on" Christ-like attributes mentioned in Col 3:12: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Forgiveness is not about minimizing the offense but maximizing God's grace by mirroring His response to human sin. This teaching serves as a potent antidote to resentment, bitterness, and division within the body of Christ, fostering true community where peace can rule (Col 3:15).

Colossians 3 13 Commentary

Colossians 3:13 builds upon the call for believers to embody their new identity in Christ by demonstrating active love and unity within the community. It presents a two-tiered approach to interpersonal relationships: firstly, general patience and endurance with daily interactions ("bearing with one another"); and secondly, specific and gracious pardon when a direct offense or grievance occurs ("forgiving each other"). The pivotal command is not merely ethical but theological: believers are to forgive as the Lord has forgiven them. This divine act of Christ's forgiveness serves as both the foundational motive (because we have been forgiven) and the perfect model (how we are to forgive—freely, completely, without conditions of worthiness on the part of the offender). This truth ensures that Christian forgiveness is radical, transcending human expectations or feelings, and fostering genuine reconciliation that glorifies God and unifies His people. Practical application might involve actively listening to another's perspective before judgment, choosing to release resentment after a hurt, or intentionally praying for someone who has offended you, following the example of Christ on the cross (Lk 23:34).