Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰρήνη
the peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
the peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
3 of 20
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ
of God
G2316
Θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
βραβευέτω
let
G1018
βραβευέτω
let
Strong's:
G1018
Word #:
6 of 20
to arbitrate, i.e., (genitive case) to govern (figuratively, prevail)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίαις
hearts
G2588
καρδίαις
hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
9 of 20
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἣν
the which
G3739
ἣν
the which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκλήθητε
ye are called
G2564
ἐκλήθητε
ye are called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
14 of 20
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
σώματι·
body
G4983
σώματι·
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
17 of 20
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 14:27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.Isaiah 26:3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.Romans 15:13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.1 Thessalonians 5:18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.Psalms 29:11The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.Romans 5:1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.Ephesians 5:20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;2 Corinthians 9:11Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
Historical Context
Ancient world featured constant anxiety: religious uncertainty, political instability, economic precarity, social conflict. Roman peace (Pax Romana) was imposed by military force. Christianity offered different peace—internal tranquility despite external circumstances, derived from relationship with Christ. This supernatural peace attracted those exhausted by anxiety and seeking rest for troubled souls. Early Christians' peace amid persecution testified powerfully to their faith's reality.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's peace function as umpire in your decision-making and emotional responses?
- What disrupts your peace—circumstances, relationships, or internal attitudes like ingratitude?
- How does your pursuit of peace affect your contribution to church unity and body life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. "Let the peace of God rule" (hē eirēnē tou Christou brabeuetō, ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Χριστοῦ βραβευέτω) uses athletic imagery: peace acts as umpire/referee making decisions "in your hearts" (en tais kardiais hymōn, ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν). When conflicting impulses compete, let Christ's peace arbitrate, choosing courses producing peace over those creating turmoil.
"To the which also ye are called" reminds believers their calling includes peace. "In one body" (en heni sōmati, ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι) locates this peace corporately—not merely individual tranquility but communal harmony. "Be ye thankful" (eucharistoi ginesthe, εὐχάριστοι γίνεσθε) commands cultivating gratitude as fundamental Christian posture. Thankfulness prevents complaining, entitlement, and bitterness that destroy peace.