Colossians 3:14
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπὶ
above
G1909
ἐπὶ
above
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τούτοις
these things
G5125
τούτοις
these things
Strong's:
G5125
Word #:
4 of 11
to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπην
put on charity
G26
ἀγάπην
put on charity
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
6 of 11
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
σύνδεσμος
the bond
G4886
σύνδεσμος
the bond
Strong's:
G4886
Word #:
9 of 11
a joint tie, i.e., ligament, (figuratively) uniting principle, control
Cross References
1 Peter 4:8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.Ephesians 5:2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.Colossians 2:2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;John 13:34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.Romans 13:8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.Ephesians 4:3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.2 Peter 1:7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.1 John 4:21And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.1 Timothy 1:5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:1 Thessalonians 4:9But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
Historical Context
Greek distinguished multiple love words: eros (romantic/sexual), philia (friendship), storge (familial), agape (self-giving commitment). Christianity elevated agape—the love God shows in Christ, choosing others' good despite cost. This love type was relatively rare in pagan literature but became Christianity's defining characteristic (John 13:35). Early Christians were noted for caring for sick, poor, and marginalized—practical agape that testified to gospel truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does love function as 'bond of perfectness' in your spiritual life—integrating and perfecting other virtues?
- What's the difference between agape love and natural affection or emotional feeling?
- Where do you practice other Christian virtues without love, making them empty or distorted?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. Paul climaxes the virtue list with agapēn (ἀγάπην, "charity/love"), the supreme Christian virtue. "Above all these things" (epi pasin de toutois, ἐπὶ πᾶσιν δὲ τούτοις) means either "in addition to" or "over" these virtues—love crowns them all, the outer garment completing the outfit. "Put on" continues clothing metaphor.
Love is "the bond of perfectness" (syndesmos tēs teleiotētos, σύνδεσμος τῆς τελειότητος), literally "the binding element of maturity/completeness." Love unifies all virtues, holding them together and bringing believers to maturity. Without love, other virtues become distorted: compassion without love is condescension; humility without love is false modesty; patience without love is passive aggression. Love perfects and integrates all Christian character.