Colossians 3:14

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

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

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

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

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

Context

The Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians is a profound theological treatise, moving from the supremacy of Christ in the early chapters to practical instructions for Christian living. Colossians 3 shifts emphasis from doctrine to daily discipleship, urging believers to "put off" the old sinful nature (Colossians 3:8-9) and "put on" the new, Christ-like self (Colossians 3:10). Verse 14 culminates a list of essential virtues—such as mercies, kindness, humbleness, meekness, and longsuffering—introduced in Colossians 3:12-13, positioning "charity" as the crowning and unifying virtue.

Key Themes

  • The Supremacy of Love: This verse highlights love as the preeminent virtue, superior to all others mentioned previously. It isn't just one virtue among many, but the one that binds and completes them.
  • Unity and Completeness: "The bond of perfectness" signifies that love acts as a unifying force, holding together all other Christian virtues and bringing them to maturity. Without love, individual virtues may be present, but they lack coherence and completeness.
  • Christian Character and Community: Love is presented as the essential characteristic of a mature believer and the foundational element for harmonious community life among God's people. It's what makes the "new man" truly integrated and functional.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's use of "charity" for the Greek word agape (ἀγάπη) is significant. Agape does not refer to mere sentimental affection or romantic love, but to a divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial love. It is the love that God demonstrates towards humanity and the love He calls His followers to exhibit. This kind of love is an act of the will, a deliberate choice to seek the highest good of another, regardless of their deservingness.

The phrase "bond of perfectness" clarifies love's role. The Greek word for "bond" is syndesmos (σύνδεσμος), which refers to a ligament or a strong connecting tie. Just as ligaments hold the body's parts together, agape love binds all other virtues, making them function harmoniously. "Perfectness" is from the Greek teleiotes (τελειότης), which denotes completeness, maturity, or wholeness, rather than sinless perfection. Thus, agape love brings the Christian character to its full, mature expression.

Practical Application

Colossians 3:14 calls believers to actively "put on" love as the ultimate spiritual garment. This means:

  • Prioritizing Love: In all interactions and spiritual endeavors, love should be the guiding principle. It's not enough to be kind, humble, or patient; these virtues must be animated and held together by agape love.
  • Fostering Unity: Love is the key to resolving conflicts, promoting forgiveness, and building strong, unified communities. When true Christian love is present, it overcomes divisions and binds believers together in peace and harmony.
  • Striving for Maturity: Embracing and practicing this divine love is a lifelong journey towards spiritual maturity. It transforms individual character and enables believers to live out their calling as the new creation in Christ. As 1 Corinthians 13:13 states, "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." Love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10) and the defining mark of Christ's disciples (John 13:35).
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.

  • 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.
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