Colossians 3:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Colossians 3:9
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Chapter Context
Colossians 3 is a christological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, sacrifice, discipleship. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 3:9
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Analysis
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds. The command "lie not" (mē pseudesthe, μὴ ψεύδεσθε) uses present imperative with negative particle, prohibiting continuing action: "stop lying." The horizontal orientation ("one to another," eis allēlous, εἰς ἀλλήλους) emphasizes Christian community—believers must maintain truthfulness in church relationships. Truth-telling builds trust; lying destroys fellowship.
Paul provides theological basis: "ye have put off the old man with his deeds" (apekdysamenoi ton palaion anthrōpon syn tais praxesin autou, ἀπεκδυσάμενοι τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον σὺν ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτοῦ). Aorist participle indicates completed action: at conversion, believers stripped off the "old man"—former identity characterized by sin. If that identity is gone, its practices (including lying) should be abandoned. Continuing in sin contradicts conversion's reality.
Historical Context
Roman culture stratified by class and power, making deception a survival tool for the powerless and manipulation technique for the powerful. Commercial life involved routine dishonesty; political life featured propaganda and false promises. Christian insistence on absolute truthfulness was both revolutionary and practically challenging, requiring believers to trust God's provision rather than securing advantage through deception.
Reflection
- Where do you still lie or shade truth—white lies, exaggerations, selective honesty, or outright deception?
- How does remembering you 'put off the old man' at conversion motivate present holiness?
- What would change in your church community if absolute truthfulness characterized all relationships?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 19:11, Zephaniah 3:13, John 8:44, Romans 6:6, Ephesians 4:22, 4:25