Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
2 of 30
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νουθετοῦντες
admonishing
G3560
νουθετοῦντες
admonishing
Strong's:
G3560
Word #:
14 of 30
to put in mind, i.e., (by implication) to caution or reprove gently
ἑαυτοὺς
one another
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
one another
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
15 of 30
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ψαλμοῖς
psalms
G5568
ψαλμοῖς
psalms
Strong's:
G5568
Word #:
16 of 30
a set piece of music, i.e., a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a "psalm"); collectively, the book of the psalms
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὕμνοις
hymns
G5215
ὕμνοις
hymns
Strong's:
G5215
Word #:
18 of 30
probably akin to g0103; compare h5667); a "hymn" or religious ode (one of the psalms)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ᾠδαῖς
songs
G5603
ᾠδαῖς
songs
Strong's:
G5603
Word #:
20 of 30
a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially
πνευματικαῖς
spiritual
G4152
πνευματικαῖς
spiritual
Strong's:
G4152
Word #:
21 of 30
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
χάριτι
grace
G5485
χάριτι
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
23 of 30
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
hearts
G2588
καρδίᾳ
hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
27 of 30
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
Cross References
Psalms 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.Ephesians 5:19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;John 15:7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.Romans 10:17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.1 John 2:24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.Jeremiah 15:16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.Ephesians 1:17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:Job 23:12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.2 John 1:2For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
Historical Context
Early Christianity was singing movement—hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs featured prominently in worship and daily life. Some NT portions may be early hymns (Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15-20). Music embedded theology in memory, making truth accessible to illiterate believers and creating corporate worship experience. Pagan critics noted Christian singing even noted by pagan critics. This singing culture sustained believers through persecution and transmitted faith across generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How richly does Christ's word dwell in you—occasional interaction or saturating abundance?
- How do you use music for mutual teaching and admonition versus mere entertainment?
- What practical steps would fill your mind and heart more richly with Scripture?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (ho logos tou Christou enoikeitō en hymin plousiōs, ὁ λόγος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐνοικείτω ἐν ὑμῖν πλουσίως) commands making Scripture central to Christian life. "Dwell richly" indicates abundant, saturating presence—not occasional Scripture reading but continuous engagement transforming mind and life.
This Scripture-saturation produces community effects: "teaching and admonishing one another" (didaskontes kai nouthetountes heautous, διδάσκοντες καὶ νουθετοῦντες ἑαυτούς)—mutual instruction and correction. The medium: "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" encompassing various musical forms. "Singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (en tē chariti adontes en tais kardiais hymōn tō theō, ἐν τῇ χάριτι ᾄδοντες ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν τῷ θεῷ) indicates music's dual direction: vertical (to God) and horizontal (mutual edification).