Colossians 3:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Colossians 3:10
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Chapter Context
Colossians 3 is a christological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, covenant, creation. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Syncretistic philosophy threatened to compromise the sufficiency of Christ.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Colossians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Colossians 3:10
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Creation: Psalms 51:10, Ephesians 2:10
- Parallel theme: Colossians 3:12, 3:14, Ezekiel 11:19, 36:26, Romans 12:2, 13:14