Colossians 3:12

¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Put on {G1746} therefore {G3767}, as {G5613} the elect {G1588} of God {G2316}, holy {G40} and {G2532} beloved {G25}, bowels {G4698} of mercies {G3628}, kindness {G5544}, humbleness of mind {G5012}, meekness {G4236}, longsuffering {G3115};

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with feelings of compassion and with kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:12 (KJV) serves as a powerful exhortation to believers, outlining the virtues that should characterize those who have embraced their new identity in Christ. Paul transitions from urging believers to "put off" sinful behaviors to instructing them on what to "put on" as evidence of their transformed lives.

Context

This verse follows a crucial theological section in Colossians, beginning in Colossians 3:1, where Paul calls believers to "seek those things which are above." He then contrasts the "old man" (sinful nature) with the "new man" (transformed self). Verses 5-9 list the vices believers must "mortify" or "put off," such as fornication, uncleanness, evil concupiscence, covetousness, wrath, anger, malice, blasphemy, and lying. Immediately preceding our verse, Colossians 3:10 speaks of putting on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:12, therefore, details the specific garments of righteousness that comprise this new identity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • New Identity in Christ: The opening phrase, "as the elect of God, holy and beloved," underscores the believer's chosen, consecrated, and cherished status in God's eyes. This identity is the foundation for the virtues that follow; it's not about earning God's favor, but living out what He has already made us.
  • Transformation and Virtue: Paul calls believers to "put on" these virtues, implying an active choice and daily cultivation. This is a practical outworking of spiritual transformation, moving from abstract faith to tangible character.
  • Essential Christian Virtues: The list provided is not exhaustive but highlights core qualities vital for healthy Christian living and community:
    • Bowels of Mercies: This speaks to deep, heartfelt compassion and tender pity. It's mercy that originates from the deepest parts of one's being.
    • Kindness: A benevolent, gentle, and gracious disposition towards others.
    • Humbleness of Mind: Humility, a realistic and modest view of oneself, free from arrogance or pride.
    • Meekness: Often misunderstood as weakness, meekness (or gentleness) is strength under control, a humble and patient submission to God and a gentle demeanor towards others.
    • Longsuffering: Patience and endurance, especially in the face of provocation, injury, or difficulties. It's the ability to bear with others' faults and weaknesses over time.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "bowels of mercies" translates the Greek `splagchna oiktirmou` (σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ). `Splagchna` literally refers to the inward parts (intestines, heart), which were considered the seat of deep emotions and affections in ancient thought. Thus, "bowels of mercies" conveys a profound, visceral, and heartfelt compassion, not just a superficial sympathy.

"Humbleness of mind" comes from the Greek `tapeinophrosunē` (ταπεινοφροσύνη), a virtue highly valued in Christian ethics, contrasting sharply with the pride often celebrated in the Greco-Roman world. It signifies a humble disposition and a lowliness of spirit.

"Meekness" is `prautēs` (πραΰτης) in Greek, denoting a gentle strength, not weakness, but a controlled power that is patient and submissive to God's will and considerate of others.

"Longsuffering" is `makrothymia` (μακροθυμία), meaning "long-tempered," patience, especially with people who are irritating or difficult. It implies enduring hardship or provocation without resentment or anger.

Practical Application

Colossians 3:12 provides a clear roadmap for daily Christian living. As those chosen and loved by God, believers are called to actively cultivate and display these virtues in all their interactions. This means:

  • Actively seeking opportunities to show compassion and understanding to others, even to those who may not deserve it.
  • Practicing kindness in words and actions, reflecting God's own benevolence.
  • Cultivating humility, recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves (see Philippians 2:3).
  • Responding to difficult situations and people with gentle strength and patience, rather than anger or bitterness. Many of these qualities are also listed as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, indicating their divine origin and necessity for spiritual maturity.

This verse reminds us that our spiritual identity in Christ should manifest in tangible, Christ-like character, making us living examples of God's grace and love in the world.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 4:32

    And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

  • Ephesians 4:2

    ¶ With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

  • 1 John 4:19

    We love him, because he first loved us.

  • 2 Peter 1:5

    ¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

  • 2 Peter 1:8

    For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

  • Galatians 5:23

    Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
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