Colossians 3:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Colossians 3:12
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Chapter Context
Colossians 3 is a christological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, redemption, fellowship. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 3:12
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Analysis
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. "Therefore" (oun, οὖν) draws practical implications from new identity (vv. 9-11). "Put on" (endysasthe, ἐνδύσασθε) continues clothing metaphor, aorist imperative demanding decisive action. Believers must actively clothe themselves with Christian virtues matching their identity.
Paul addresses them with three titles: "elect of God" (eklektoi tou theou, ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ θεοῦ, God's chosen), "holy" (hagioi, ἅγιοι, set apart), "beloved" (ēgapēmenoi, ἠγαπημένοι, divinely loved). These establish the basis for obedience—identity motivates conduct. The virtue list includes: "bowels of mercies" (splanchna oiktirmou, σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, deep compassion), "kindness" (chrēstotēta, χρηστότητα), "humbleness of mind" (tapeinophrosynēn, ταπεινοφροσύνην), "meekness" (praütēta, πραΰτητα, gentle strength), "longsuffering" (makrothymian, μακροθυμίαν, patient endurance).
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture prized pride, dominance, honor, and vengeance. Humility was considered weakness; meekness was despised. Paul's virtue list inverted cultural values, reflecting Christ's character (Matthew 11:29). Early Christianity attracted many precisely because it offered dignity to the humble and weak, valuing character qualities that enabled communal harmony rather than individual advancement through competition and domination.
Reflection
- Which Christian virtues on Paul's list do you find most difficult to embody consistently?
- How does knowing you're elect, holy, and beloved enable you to practice humility, compassion, and patience?
- What would change in your relationships if you actively 'put on' these virtues daily?
Word Studies
- Elect: ἐκλεκτός (Eklektos) G1588 - Elect, chosen
Cross-References
- References God: Ephesians 4:32
- Love: Jeremiah 31:3, Ezekiel 16:8, 2 Corinthians 6:6, Galatians 5:6, Ephesians 4:2, 1 John 4:19
- Parallel theme: Colossians 3:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, 2 Peter 1:10