Colossians 3:25
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἠδίκησεν
for the wrong
G91
ἠδίκησεν
for the wrong
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
3 of 10
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
κομιεῖται
shall receive
G2865
κομιεῖται
shall receive
Strong's:
G2865
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, to provide for, i.e., (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain)
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἠδίκησεν
for the wrong
G91
ἠδίκησεν
for the wrong
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
6 of 10
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 10:34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:Romans 2:11For there is no respect of persons with God.2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.1 Thessalonians 4:6That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.Deuteronomy 10:17For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:Ephesians 6:9And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.Deuteronomy 1:17Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.2 Chronicles 19:7Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.1 Peter 1:17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:Hebrews 2:2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
Historical Context
Ancient society was profoundly hierarchical and unjust. The powerful exploited the weak with impunity; courts favored the wealthy and connected. Justice for slaves or poor was rare. Christianity's teaching of divine impartiality—God judging rich and poor, master and slave, by identical standard—was revolutionary and threatening to those benefiting from unjust systems. This doctrine sustained persecuted Christians and challenged powerful to repent.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God shows no favoritism affect how you treat people of different social status?
- What injustices in your life does God's impartial justice address—as victim or perpetrator?
- How would society change if Christians consistently lived out the truth that God respects no persons?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Paul warns both slaves (who might chafe under servitude) and masters (addressed in 4:1) that divine justice is impartial. "He that doeth wrong" (ho adikonōn, ὁ ἀδικῶν) refers to anyone—slave or master—acting unjustly. "Shall receive for the wrong" (komisetai ho ēdikēsen, κομίσεται ὃ ἠδίκησεν) promises recompense for injustice. God sees all; nothing escapes divine notice and judgment.
"There is no respect of persons" (ouk estin prosōpolēmpsia, οὐκ ἔστιν προσωληψία) means God shows no partiality, doesn't favor based on social status, wealth, or power. Masters can't escape accountability through earthly authority; slaves' faithfulness isn't unnoticed because of low status. This doctrine provided profound comfort to oppressed and solemn warning to oppressors. Divine impartiality guarantees ultimate justice when earthly justice fails.