Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Let {G1774} the word {G3056} of Christ {G5547} dwell {G1774} in {G1722} you {G5213} richly {G4146} in {G1722} all {G3956} wisdom {G4678}; teaching {G1321} and {G2532} admonishing {G3560} one another {G1438} in psalms {G5568} and {G2532} hymns {G5215} and {G2532} spiritual {G4152} songs {G5603}, singing {G103} with {G1722} grace {G5485} in {G1722} your {G5216} hearts {G2588} to the Lord {G2962}.

let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.

Commentary

Colossians 3:16 is a profound instruction on the spiritual life of believers, both individually and corporately. It follows Paul's exhortation to live out the new identity in Christ, having set one's affection on things above and put on the new man. This verse provides practical ways for the "peace of God" (Colossians 3:15) to rule in their hearts.

Context

In Colossians chapter 3, Paul shifts from theological exposition to practical living. He urges believers to shed their old, sinful nature and embrace their new life in Christ, characterized by love, peace, and gratitude. Verse 16 serves as a key command for fostering spiritual maturity and community edification within the church, directly following the call to let the peace of God rule in their hearts. It outlines how the spiritual transformation should manifest in the collective life of believers.

Key Themes

  • The Centrality of Christ's Word: The command to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" emphasizes the vital role of Scripture in a believer's life. It's not merely about intellectual assent but allowing God's truth to deeply permeate and guide all thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This rich indwelling leads to "all wisdom," equipping believers to live righteously.
  • Mutual Edification and Discipleship: The phrase "teaching and admonishing one another" highlights the communal aspect of Christian growth. Believers are responsible for nurturing each other in faith, sharing insights, offering gentle correction, and providing encouragement. This reciprocal ministry builds up the body of Christ, fostering a healthy spiritual environment.
  • Worship as a Vehicle for Truth: "In psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" points to the use of music as a powerful means of worship and instruction. Psalms are ancient Hebrew sacred songs, hymns are songs of praise to God, and spiritual songs are broader Christian compositions. Through these, theological truth is conveyed, emotions are expressed, and faith is strengthened in a corporate setting.
  • Heartfelt Worship: "Singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" underscores that true worship is an inward disposition, not just an outward performance. The "grace" here implies gratitude, joy, and a heart transformed by God's favor, leading to sincere and Spirit-filled praise.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "dwell richly" (enoikeitล plousiลs) suggests more than just a passing presence; it means for something to make its home, to be abundant, to thoroughly permeate. This implies a deep and pervasive influence of Christ's word on one's entire being. "Admonishing" (nouthetountes) carries the sense of gently warning, instructing, or counseling with the aim of correcting the mind or behavior, always for the good of the person and with a spirit of love.

Reflection and Application

This verse provides practical guidance for a vibrant Christian life and community:

  • Personal Growth: Prioritize deep engagement with the Bible. Dedicate time to truly meditate on and memorize Scripture, allowing it to shape your worldview and decisions. Consider how Christ's words can truly abide in you, leading to spiritual fruitfulness.
  • Community Engagement: Actively participate in Christian fellowship, seeking opportunities to teach, encourage, and humbly correct others, and to receive the same. This reciprocal care fosters spiritual maturity, echoing the sentiments in Ephesians 4:16 about the body building itself up.
  • Meaningful Worship: Engage in worship, especially through singing, with understanding and sincerity. Let the lyrics of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs instruct your mind and stir your heart towards the Lord. This verse has a strong parallel in Ephesians 5:19 regarding singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

By letting the word of Christ dwell richly within us, we are equipped to build up one another and offer heartfelt praise, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives and in our Christian communities.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 119:11 (91 votes)

    ยถ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

  • John 15:7 (75 votes)

    If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

  • Ephesians 5:19 (73 votes)

    Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

  • Romans 10:17 (55 votes)

    So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

  • 1 John 2:24 (52 votes)

    Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

  • Jeremiah 15:16 (51 votes)

    Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

  • Hebrews 4:12 (50 votes)

    For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.