Colossians 3:14

KJV

And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} above {G1909} all {G3956} these things {G5125} put on charity {G26}, which {G3748} is {G2076} the bond {G4886} of perfectness {G5047}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Above all these, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together perfectly;

Berean Standard Bible

And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.

American Standard Version

and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 3:14 serves as the climactic exhortation in Paul's practical instructions for Christian living, urging believers to "put on" love (charity) above all other virtues. This divine love is presented not merely as one virtue among many, but as the unifying principle that binds together all other Christian graces, bringing them to their full expression and maturity, thereby forming a complete and harmonious Christian character and community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 3 marks a pivotal transition in Paul's letter, moving from profound Christological doctrine (chapters 1-2) to practical ethical imperatives for Christian living. Having established the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ as the head of the church and the source of all spiritual life, Paul now calls believers to live in accordance with their new identity "in Christ." The chapter begins with the command to "seek those things which are above" ([Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Seek Things Above")) and to "put off" the old sinful nature with its vices ([Colossians 3:5-9](/colossians/3-5-9 "Colossians 3:5-9 - Put Off the Old Man")) and "put on" the new self, which is being renewed in the image of its Creator ([Colossians 3:10-11](/colossians/3-10-11 "Colossians 3:10-11 - Put On the New Man")). Verse 14 culminates a list of specific virtues—including mercies, kindness, humbleness, meekness, and longsuffering ([Colossians 3:12-13](/colossians/3-12-13 "Colossians 3:12-13 - Virtues for the Elect"))—by elevating love as the supreme and essential quality that integrates and perfects all others.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote to the church in Colossae, a city in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey), likely around AD 60-62 while imprisoned in Rome. The Colossian church was grappling with a syncretistic heresy that combined elements of Gnosticism (emphasizing special knowledge), Jewish legalism (observance of rituals, dietary laws), asceticism (severe self-discipline), and possibly angel worship. This false teaching diminished the unique sufficiency and supremacy of Christ. In response, Paul meticulously articulates Christ's preeminence over all creation and spiritual powers. The ethical exhortations in chapter 3, particularly the call to unity and love, directly counter the divisive and self-righteous tendencies fostered by the heresy. In a society where social cohesion was paramount, Paul's emphasis on love as the "bond of perfectness" would resonate deeply, highlighting its role in forging a truly unified and mature Christian community distinct from the surrounding pagan or syncretistic influences.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 3:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter. Firstly, the **Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ** is foundational; because Christ is all in all, believers are empowered to live a new life rooted in Him. Secondly, the theme of the **New Humanity in Christ** is central, as believers are called to shed their old, fallen nature and embody a new identity characterized by divine virtues. This leads to the third theme, **Practical Godliness and Ethical Transformation**, where theological truth is translated into daily conduct. Finally, and most directly related to verse 14, is the theme of **Unity and Community in the Body of Christ**. Love is presented as the essential ingredient for harmonious relationships within the church, ensuring that the diverse members function together as a cohesive body, reflecting the unity found in Christ. This echoes Paul's broader teaching on the church as Christ's body, as seen in [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity of the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **charity (Greek, _agápē'_):** From *agapáō*, this term signifies a divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial love. Unlike mere affection or romantic love, *agápē* is a deliberate act of the will, a benevolent concern for the well-being of others, regardless of their worthiness. It is the love that God demonstrates towards humanity and the love He commands His followers to embody.
* **bond (Greek, _sýndesmos'_):** Derived from *sýn* (together) and *desmón* (bond, chain), *sýndesmos* literally refers to a joint tie or ligament. Figuratively, it denotes a uniting principle or control. In this context, it illustrates how love acts as the cohesive force, holding together all other virtues mentioned previously, ensuring their proper function and preventing disintegration.
* **perfectness (Greek, _teleiótēs'_):** From *téleios* (complete, mature), *teleiótēs* denotes completeness, maturity, or wholeness, rather than sinless perfection. It describes the state of being fully developed or brought to its intended purpose. Here, it implies that *agápē* love is what brings the Christian character, composed of various virtues, to its full, mature, and integrated expression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And above all these things put on charity":** This clause serves as a powerful concluding imperative to the preceding list of virtues (mercies, kindness, humbleness, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness). The phrase "above all these things" emphasizes the preeminence and supreme importance of *agápē* love. It is not just another virtue to be added, but the crowning garment that covers and encompasses all others. The command "put on" (ἐνδύσασθε, *endysasthe*) is a vivid metaphor, urging believers to actively clothe themselves with this quality, making it an evident and integral part of their new identity in Christ. This implies a conscious, intentional choice and cultivation of this divine love.
* **"which is the bond of perfectness":** This explanatory clause defines the unique and indispensable role of *agápē*. As the "bond" (*sýndesmos*), love functions like a ligament, holding together all the individual virtues (kindness, humility, patience, etc.) that constitute the Christian character. Without this unifying force, these virtues, though good in themselves, might remain disparate or even become distorted. Love ensures their harmonious operation and brings them to "perfectness" (*teleiótēs*), meaning their full maturity, completeness, and wholeness. It is the quality that brings the believer's character to its intended, Christ-like state of spiritual maturity, enabling them to function effectively as part of the body of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the imagery of "putting on" a garment. Just as one dresses oneself, believers are to intentionally clothe themselves with love, making it an outward expression of their inner, renewed identity. This metaphor is extended with the phrase "bond of perfectness," which uses the **Analogy** of a ligament or tie that holds disparate parts together, ensuring their proper function and integrity. This highlights love's role as the unifying and integrating force among all other virtues. Furthermore, the phrase "above all these things" functions as a form of **Climax** or **Emphasis**, positioning love as the supreme and culminating virtue in the list, underscoring its unparalleled importance and foundational role in Christian character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 3:14 profoundly articulates the theological truth that love is the essence of God's character and the supreme expression of the Christian life. It is not merely an emotion but an active, self-giving commitment that fulfills the very heart of God's law. When love is present, it harmonizes and elevates all other virtues, ensuring that acts of kindness, humility, and forgiveness are rooted in genuine care rather than mere obligation or self-righteousness. This divine love, *agápē*, is the distinguishing mark of Christ's disciples and the ultimate goal of spiritual maturity, reflecting God's own nature.

* [1 Corinthians 13:13](/1-corinthians/13-13 "1 Corinthians 13:13 - The Greatest of These Is Love")
* [Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")
* [John 13:35](/john/13-35 "John 13:35 - Love as a Mark of Discipleship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 3:14 is a powerful call to action, urging believers to actively cultivate and prioritize *agápē* love in every aspect of their lives. This isn't a passive sentiment but a dynamic, self-sacrificial commitment that shapes our interactions, attitudes, and motivations. To "put on charity" means to intentionally choose to act with benevolent concern towards others, even when it's difficult, inconvenient, or undeserved. It means allowing love to be the guiding principle that informs our humility, patience, and forgiveness, binding them all together into a coherent and mature Christian character. In a world often marked by division and strife, embracing this divine love is essential for fostering true unity within the church and for demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel to those outside. It challenges us to move beyond superficial displays of virtue to a deep, Christ-like love that seeks the highest good of others and builds up the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does "putting on charity" differ from merely feeling loving emotions?**
* **In what specific ways does *agápē* love act as a "bond" in your relationships, both within and outside the church?**
* **Which other Christian virtues do you find most challenging to integrate with love, and how might prioritizing love help?**
* **How can your community of faith more intentionally embody love as "the bond of perfectness"?**

### FAQ
**What does "charity" mean in Colossians 3:14, and why is it called "the bond of perfectness"?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "charity" translates the Greek word *agápē* (ἀγάπη), which signifies a divine, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love. Unlike mere affection or romantic love, *agápē* is an act of the will, a deliberate choice to seek the highest good of another. It is the very nature of God, as seen in [1 John 4:8](/1-john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love"). It is called "the bond of perfectness" because, like a ligament (*sýndesmos*) that holds the body together, *agápē* binds all other Christian virtues (such as kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness, mentioned in [Colossians 3:12-13](/colossians/3-12-13 "Colossians 3:12-13 - Virtues for the Elect")) into a cohesive, complete, and mature Christian character. Without love, these individual virtues might remain fragmented or lack their full spiritual impact; love unifies them, bringing them to their intended "perfectness" or wholeness (*teleiótēs*).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 3:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Christ Himself. The *agápē* love that believers are commanded to "put on" is not a humanly generated emotion but a divine attribute that flows from the indwelling Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied this self-sacrificial love throughout His earthly ministry, culminating in His death on the cross, where He demonstrated the greatest love by laying down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). His resurrection and ascension confirm His victory, and through the Holy Spirit, He enables believers to partake in this very love. Therefore, to "put on charity" is to put on Christ, allowing His love to permeate and define every aspect of our new identity. It is Christ's love that empowers us to forgive as He forgave ([Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Forgive One Another")) and to live in harmony, making His body, the church, a unified and mature expression of His presence in the world ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Walk in Love, as Christ Loved Us")). The "perfectness" to which love binds us is ultimately conformity to the image of Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of divine love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

1 Corinthians 13:1

¶ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:13

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.

Colossians 2:2

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Romans 13:8

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.