Colossians 4 5

Colossians 4:5 kjv

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Colossians 4:5 nkjv

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

Colossians 4:5 niv

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Colossians 4:5 esv

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

Colossians 4:5 nlt

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

Colossians 4 verses

Colossians 4 5 Meaning

Colossians 4:5 instructs believers to conduct themselves wisely towards non-believers, intentionally making the most of every God-given opportunity to witness or to live out their faith. It is a call for prudent, discerning, and purposeful living that reflects Christ's character and seeks to honour God in all interactions with those outside the faith, recognizing the limited nature of time.

Colossians 4 5 Context

Colossians 4:5 falls within the practical exhortations of Paul's letter, immediately following a call to devote themselves to prayer and to pray specifically for Paul's ministry (Col 4:2-4). Chapters 1 and 2 establish the supremacy of Christ over all creation and against false philosophies and legalistic practices (often referred to as the "Colossian heresy"), emphasizing that believers are complete in Christ. Chapter 3 transitions to ethical living, urging believers to "put off" the old self with its sinful practices and "put on" the new self, reflecting Christ-like virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 4 builds upon this, providing specific instructions for Christian conduct within their community and especially toward those outside the faith, tying spiritual growth to outward witness. The historical context includes the presence of Gnostic-leaning heresies in Colossae that promoted secret knowledge or asceticism as pathways to salvation, implicitly contrasting these with the true wisdom from God, which is demonstrated through everyday Christ-like conduct.

Colossians 4 5 Word analysis

• Walk (περιπατεῖτε - peripateite): This is a present imperative verb, meaning it's a continuous command: "keep on walking" or "continue to conduct yourselves." In the New Testament, "walk" is a common metaphor for one's overall manner of life, behaviour, or course of conduct (e.g., Eph 2:2, 10; Phil 3:17-18). It signifies how one lives daily, implying not just isolated acts but a consistent pattern.
• In wisdom (ἐν σοφίᾳ - en sophia): "Wisdom" here refers not to worldly cunning or intellectual prowess, but to spiritual discernment and practical understanding that flows from God (Jam 1:5, Prov 2:6). It's the ability to apply spiritual truth to everyday situations, making choices that are honouring to God and beneficial for one's witness. This is a contrast to the false "wisdom" promoted by the Colossian heretics, which was based on human philosophy or mystical experiences. True wisdom is demonstrated through Christ-like behaviour and witness.
• Towards those outside (τοὺς ἔξω - tous exō): This phrase specifically designates non-believers or people not belonging to the Christian community. Paul uses this terminology in other letters (1 Cor 5:12-13; 1 Thess 4:12) to distinguish between those inside the church (believers) and those outside (unbelievers). The instruction highlights that a believer's conduct has a significant impact on how non-Christians perceive Christ and the Gospel.
• Redeeming the time (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι τὸν καιρόν - exagorazomenoi ton kairon):
  • Redeeming / Making the most (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι - exagorazomenoi): This word literally means "buying out" or "buying up from the market," often with the implication of buying something out of slavery or peril. Here, it conveys an urgency and intentionality—to "buy up" or "take full advantage" of every single opportunity. It suggests a proactive, decisive seizing of moments, often at a cost.
  • The time (τὸν καιρόν - ton kairon): This refers to kairos, which signifies a specific, opportune, or decisive moment, rather than chronos, which is general, linear time (like seconds, minutes, hours). Kairos implies a divinely appointed season, an advantageous period for action, or a critical juncture. Thus, "redeeming the time" means discerning and seizing strategic opportunities God presents for sharing the Gospel, for demonstrating love, or for impacting those outside the faith positively. It implies that these opportunities are limited and must be grasped before they pass. This also suggests rescuing or salvaging these opportunities from being wasted or misused.

Colossians 4 5 Bonus section

The command to "walk in wisdom" while "redeeming the time" also implies a sense of mission. It's not merely about avoiding offense but proactively utilizing one's life as a spiritual asset in God's redemptive plan. The Greek word exagorazomenoi (redeeming) suggests a strong action, similar to "buying back" a slave's freedom. In this context, it is as if time and opportunities, which are constantly slipping away or are threatened by misuse, must be "bought back" or rescued through deliberate, Christ-centred action. This involves spiritual perception (wisdom) to discern which opportunities are worth "buying" and the spiritual discipline to seize them effectively. This verse strongly aligns with the theme of Christ's cosmic supremacy and completion as detailed earlier in the letter, meaning that wise living in the world demonstrates the all-sufficiency of Christ.

Colossians 4 5 Commentary

Colossians 4:5 is a vital exhortation for how Christians should engage with the world. It’s a direct instruction on practical Christian living that serves as a powerful witness. The "walking in wisdom" signifies a life lived with careful discernment, integrity, and purposeful behaviour. This wisdom isn't academic; it's a divine enabling to act righteously and speak appropriately, especially in contexts involving non-believers. Every interaction, every word spoken, and every action taken forms part of a continuous testimony.

"Redeeming the time" underscores the urgency and value of each moment. It calls believers to be astute observers of their environment, recognizing God-given opportunities for evangelism, compassion, or simply exemplifying Christ's character. These "times" are not endless; they are strategic "kairos" moments that demand intentional and diligent engagement before they are lost. It implies that living effectively for Christ means being proactive and wise stewards of our limited earthly journey, using every available window to bring glory to God and potentially draw others to Him. This instruction counters any tendency toward spiritual complacency or detachment from the world, calling Christians to be actively engaged yet discerningly different.

Examples for practical usage might include:

• A Christian patiently engaging in a difficult conversation with a skeptical colleague, offering a respectful perspective rather than an argumentative one.
• Someone in a professional setting consistently demonstrating integrity and excellence, subtly pointing to Christ through their work ethic and character.
• Being attentive to an unchurched neighbor's struggles and offering practical help or a listening ear when a door opens for genuine care.