Colossians 3 25

Colossians 3:25 kjv

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Colossians 3:25 nkjv

But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

Colossians 3:25 niv

Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

Colossians 3:25 esv

For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Colossians 3:25 nlt

But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

Colossians 3 verses

Colossians 3 25 Meaning

Colossians 3:25 teaches a foundational principle of divine justice: anyone who acts wrongly will certainly receive a just recompense for their wrong actions. This judgment applies universally and without any favoritism or partiality, regardless of social status, position, or any other human distinction. God's judgment is righteous and equitable for all.

Colossians 3 25 Context

Colossians 3:25 appears within a section of Paul's letter known as the "household code" (Col 3:18-4:1). Following exhortations for Christian wives, husbands, children, and fathers, this verse directly addresses the relationship between slaves and masters (Col 3:22-4:1). For slaves, Paul commanded obedience and sincere service "as to the Lord." For masters (Col 4:1), he instructed them to "grant to your bondservants justice and fairness." Colossians 3:25 acts as a powerful deterrent against unjust behavior, especially by those in positions of authority, by highlighting the ultimate divine judgment. Historically, in the Roman world, social status often dictated treatment and legal outcomes. Masters held immense power over slaves. This verse dramatically overturns that worldly perspective by stating that God does not acknowledge human social hierarchies when it comes to accountability for wrongdoing. It stands as a polemic against the prevalent social norms that excused or minimized the wrongdoings of the powerful.

Colossians 3 25 Word Analysis

• For (Greek: γάρ, gar): This connective particle indicates a reason, explanation, or confirmation of what precedes. It assures the listener of the certainty and divine rationale behind the earlier instructions on conduct for slaves and masters.

• he who does wrong (Greek: ὁ ἀδικῶν, ho adikōn):

  • ho is the definite article, functioning as "the one who" or "he who."
  • adikōn is the present active participle of adikeō (ἀδικέω), meaning "to do wrong, to be unjust, to harm, to injure, to deal wickedly." It describes someone who habitually or actively commits acts of injustice. In this context, it covers any form of unrighteous behavior, oppression, neglect of duty, or misuse of authority, whether by master or slave.

• will receive back (Greek: κομίσεται, komisētai):

  • This is the future passive indicative of komizō (κομίζω), meaning "to carry away, bring back, recover, receive what is due." The passive voice emphasizes that the repayment is received from an external agent (God), not self-generated. The future tense denotes certainty and inevitability. It's a guaranteed divine consequence.

• what he has done wrong (Greek: ὃ ἠδίκησεν, ho ēdikēsen):

  • ho is a relative pronoun, "that which."
  • ēdikēsen is the aorist active indicative of adikeō, meaning "he wronged, he acted unjustly." The aorist tense indicates a completed past action. This phrase makes it clear that the repayment is specific to, and proportionate to, the actual wrong committed. The consequence directly corresponds to the misdeed.

• and there is no partiality (Greek: καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολημψία, kai ouk estin prosopolēmpsia):

  • kai (καὶ) is "and," linking the consequence to its universal application.
  • ouk estin (οὐκ ἔστιν) means "there is not," a strong negation.
  • prosopolēmpsia (προσωπολημψία): This significant Greek word is a compound of prosopon (πρόσωπον, "face, appearance") and lambanō (λαμβάνω, "to take, to receive"). It literally means "face-taking" or "respecting a person's face/outward appearance." The term signifies showing favoritism or prejudice based on external factors like social status, wealth, ethnicity, or outward distinction. It denotes an unjust bias. By stating "there is no partiality," the verse firmly declares that God's justice is utterly unbiased and fair, applying equally to every individual.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "he who does wrong will receive back what he has done wrong": This phrase encapsulates the immutable principle of divine retribution or repayment. Every action, good or bad, will incur a proportionate consequence from God. It highlights accountability before a just Creator. It serves as a stern warning and a foundation for understanding divine recompense throughout Scripture, emphasizing that consequences are directly tied to actions.
  • "and there is no partiality": This emphatic declaration levels all human distinctions before God's judgment seat. It dismantles societal hierarchies and human prejudices, asserting God's perfect equity. It means God judges character and conduct, not status, wealth, power, or origin. This phrase is a crucial counter-cultural statement within the hierarchical Roman world.

Colossians 3 25 Bonus Section

This verse offers a profound theological comfort and a sobering warning. For the downtrodden, it guarantees that their injustices will not go unnoticed or unpunished by God. For the privileged or powerful, it demands humility and righteous conduct, dispelling any illusion that status provides impunity before God's judgment. It powerfully reflects the counter-cultural nature of the gospel, where Christ's Lordship redefines all earthly relationships and brings true equality and justice. The principle of no partiality also reinforces the concept that salvation is not based on lineage, national identity, or human merit, but on Christ alone, making every believer equally dependent and equally valued by God. It calls all believers to mirror God's impartiality in their own lives and dealings with others, treating everyone with equity and justice, knowing they too are subject to the same impartial judgment.

Colossians 3 25 Commentary

Colossians 3:25 serves as a potent conclusion to Paul's instructions regarding conduct within the household, especially for slaves and masters. It unequivocally establishes God as the supreme and ultimate judge, whose justice operates independently of human societal distinctions. The core message is that wrongdoing, regardless of the perpetrator's status—whether a powerful master or an exploited slave—will inevitably meet with divine retribution. This principle acts as a crucial leveling agent in a society structured by profound inequality. For the masters, it’s a direct warning not to abuse their authority, knowing they are ultimately accountable to a higher Master who does not tolerate injustice. For the slaves, it offers reassurance that their struggles and any wrongs they suffer, or even any wrong they might commit, are seen by a just God who will render true fairness. This verse underscores the impartial character of God, ensuring believers that justice is not subject to human bias, but perfectly administered according to God's righteous standard for all humanity.