Colossians 3:10
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐνδυσάμενοι
have put on
G1746
ἐνδυσάμενοι
have put on
Strong's:
G1746
Word #:
2 of 13
to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
man which
G3588
τοῦ
man which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νέον
the new
G3501
νέον
the new
Strong's:
G3501
Word #:
4 of 13
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
τοῦ
man which
G3588
τοῦ
man which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐπίγνωσιν
knowledge
G1922
ἐπίγνωσιν
knowledge
Strong's:
G1922
Word #:
8 of 13
recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement
κατ'
after
G2596
κατ'
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
9 of 13
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
εἰκόνα
the image of him
G1504
εἰκόνα
the image of him
Strong's:
G1504
Word #:
10 of 13
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
τοῦ
man which
G3588
τοῦ
man which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Psalms 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.Ezekiel 11:19And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:Colossians 3:14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.Ezekiel 36:26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.1 John 2:5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.Romans 13:14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Historical Context
Greek philosophy sought self-improvement through education and discipline. Judaism emphasized law-keeping. Christianity uniquely teaches new creation—not renovating old nature but receiving entirely new identity through union with Christ. This newness begins at conversion (justification) and progresses throughout life (sanctification), culminating in resurrection (glorification). The process is divine work, not human achievement, though believers cooperate through obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you pursue holiness through self-improvement or through deepening your new identity in Christ?
- What evidence of progressive renewal exists in your life—growing knowledge of God and conformity to Christ?
- How does recognizing you're being remade in God's image affect self-perception and purpose?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Conversion involves both negative (putting off) and positive (putting on). "Have put on" (endysamenoi, ἐνδυσάμενοι) continues clothing metaphor: believers clothed themselves with "the new man" (ton neon, τὸν νέον), the new identity in Christ. This isn't self-improvement but new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This new man "is renewed in knowledge" (anakainoumenon eis epignōsin, ἀνακαινούμενον εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν), present participle indicating ongoing renewal toward fuller knowledge of God. "After the image of him that created him" (kat' eikona tou ktisantos auton, κατ' εἰκόνα τοῦ κτίσαντος αὐτὸν) echoes Genesis 1:27—redemption restores humanity to God's image, marred by fall, progressively renewed until glorification. Christ is the perfect image (1:15); believers are being conformed to His likeness.