Colossians 3:25

KJV

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he that doeth wrong {G91} shall receive {G2865} for the wrong {G91} which {G3739} he hath done {G91}: and {G2532} there is {G2076} no {G3756} respect of persons {G4382}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t worry — whoever is doing wrong will be paid in kind for his wrong, and there is no favoritism shown.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

American Standard Version

For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 3:25 delivers a profound declaration of divine justice and impartiality, serving as a climactic statement within Paul's practical ethical instructions to the Colossian believers concerning household relationships. It asserts that every individual, regardless of their earthly status or position, will be held accountable by God for their actions, receiving due recompense for any wrongdoing, because God judges all with absolute fairness and without favoritism. This verse underscores the universal principle of divine retribution and the unwavering equity of God's character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as the powerful conclusion to Paul's extensive instructions on Christian household codes, which begin in [Colossians 3:18](/colossians/3-18 "Colossians 3:18 - Christian Household Codes"). Following exhortations to wives and husbands, children and parents, Paul specifically addresses bondservants and masters in [Colossians 3:22-24](/colossians/3-22-24 "Colossians 3:22-24 - Instructions to Bondservants"). He urges bondservants to work with sincerity and diligence, "as to the Lord, and not unto men" ([Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Working as unto the Lord")), promising them an inheritance as their reward from the Lord Christ. Verse 25 then pivots, applying the principle of divine accountability not just to bondservants, but universally, implicitly including masters as well, thereby leveling the playing field and ensuring that no one is exempt from God's righteous judgment. This universal application is further reinforced in [Colossians 4:1](/colossians/4-1 "Colossians 4:1 - Masters and their Heavenly Master"), where masters are reminded that they too "have a Master in heaven."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Roman society, in which Colossians was written, was rigidly hierarchical, with clear distinctions between masters and slaves, citizens and non-citizens, men and women. Slavery was a pervasive institution, and while not chattel slavery in the modern sense, it still involved significant power imbalances and potential for abuse. Within this social framework, Paul's teaching in [Colossians 3](/colossians/3 "Colossians 3 - New Life in Christ") and [Colossians 4](/colossians/4 "Colossians 4 - Further Exhortations and Greetings") was revolutionary. By declaring that God shows "no respect of persons," Paul directly challenged the prevailing social norms that privileged the powerful and marginalized the weak. This statement would have been particularly impactful, offering dignity and hope to bondservants while simultaneously serving as a stern warning to masters, reminding them that their earthly authority did not exempt them from divine scrutiny. The message of impartiality was a radical departure from the common practice of patronage and favoritism inherent in the Roman social structure.

* **Key Themes:** Colossians 3:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Colossians. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Justice and Accountability**, asserting that God is the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong, and all actions will be met with just recompense. This provides assurance that ultimate justice will prevail, even if earthly systems fail, echoing the broader biblical truth that God is a righteous judge (e.g., [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")). Secondly, it highlights **God's Impartiality**, a foundational attribute of His character. The declaration "there is no respect of persons" emphasizes that God's judgment is based purely on deeds, not on social status, wealth, race, or any other external factor, aligning with other New Testament affirmations of God's non-discriminatory nature (e.g., [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality")). Finally, this verse implicitly promotes **Equality Before God**, leveling the social hierarchies of the time by reminding both the powerful and the powerless that they stand equally accountable before the same heavenly Master. This theological truth undergirds the practical exhortations for mutual submission and righteous living found throughout [Colossians 3](/colossians/3 "Colossians 3 - New Life in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **doeth wrong (Greek, _adikéō'_):** From _adikos_, meaning "unjust." This verb signifies to be unjust, or actively to do wrong, whether morally, socially, or physically. It encompasses any act that violates righteousness, fairness, or God's law. In this context, it refers to any unjust or unrighteous behavior committed by either a bondservant against a master, a master against a bondservant, or by any person in any relationship.
* **receive (Greek, _komízō'_):** Properly, "to provide for," or by implication, "to carry off" (as if from harm), and thus "to obtain" or "to bring." Here, it carries the sense of receiving back what is due, whether good or bad. In the context of "doing wrong," it means to incur or experience the consequences or penalty for one's unjust actions. It implies a guaranteed recompense.
* **respect of persons (Greek, _prosōpolēpsía'_):** From _prosōpolēptēs_, meaning "partiality" or "favoritism." This term denotes judging or treating individuals based on their outward appearance, social standing, wealth, or other external factors, rather than on their intrinsic worth or the merits of their actions. Paul's use of "no respect of persons" emphatically declares that God's judgment is entirely free from such bias.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done:"** This clause establishes the principle of divine retribution. The "but" (G1161 _dé_) introduces a contrast or a strong emphasis on the consequence. It declares with certainty that any individual who commits an act of injustice or unrighteousness will inevitably face the consequences of that action. The phrase "shall receive for the wrong which he hath done" highlights the direct correlation between the action and its recompense, implying that the punishment or negative consequence will be proportionate to the wrongdoing. This is a fundamental tenet of God's justice, ensuring that no unrighteous act goes unaddressed in the divine economy.

* **"and there is no respect of persons."** This powerful declaration clarifies the nature of God's judgment. The conjunction "and" (G2532 _kaí_) links this statement directly to the previous one, explaining *how* the wrongdoer will receive for the wrong. The phrase "there is no respect of persons" (G3756 _ou_ G2076 _estí_ G4382 _prosōpolēpsía_) emphatically states God's absolute impartiality. It means that divine justice is applied universally, without favoritism, bias, or discrimination based on social status, wealth, power, or any other human distinction. Masters and bondservants, rich and poor, powerful and weak – all are judged by the same righteous standard. This ensures that the promise of recompense for wrongdoing applies equally to everyone, offering both a warning to those in power and comfort to those who suffer injustice.

#### Literary Devices
Colossians 3:25 employs several effective literary devices. It functions as an **Aphorism**, a concise statement of a universal truth, encapsulating a foundational principle of divine justice in a memorable and authoritative manner. The verse also utilizes **Legal Language**, with terms like "doeth wrong," "receive," and "respect of persons" drawing from legal and judicial contexts to emphasize the certainty and fairness of God's judgment. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** implied between human systems, which often exhibit partiality, and God's divine system, which is utterly impartial. This stark contrast highlights the revolutionary nature of Christian ethics in a hierarchical society. The verse's direct and declarative tone also lends it a sense of **Divine Authority**, reinforcing the absolute and unwavering nature of God's justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 3:25 is a cornerstone passage for understanding God's character as a righteous and impartial judge. It affirms the absolute certainty of divine justice, where every act of wrongdoing will be met with appropriate recompense. This truth serves as both a warning to those who might exploit their position or engage in unrighteousness, and a profound comfort to those who suffer injustice, assuring them that ultimate fairness will prevail. The declaration of God's impartiality means that earthly hierarchies and social distinctions hold no sway in His courtroom; all stand equally accountable before Him, judged not by their status but by their deeds. This theological truth underpins the call to ethical living for all believers, reminding them that their actions are ultimately observed and weighed by a perfectly just God.

* [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God shows no partiality")
* [Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - Peter's realization of God's impartiality")
* [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 3:25 holds profound practical implications for believers today, transcending its original context of household relationships to apply to all spheres of life. It calls us to live with integrity and fairness in every interaction, whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or even online. Knowing that God is perfectly just and impartial should motivate us to act righteously, not out of fear, but out of reverence for His character and a desire to honor Him in all we do. For those in positions of authority—parents, employers, leaders—it serves as a powerful reminder to exercise power justly and compassionately, never abusing their influence, for they too are under the authority of the impartial God. Conversely, for those who experience injustice or are marginalized, this verse offers immense comfort and hope, assuring them that while earthly systems may fail, God's ultimate justice will ensure that every wrong is addressed and that no one escapes accountability before Him. It encourages patience and trust in God's perfect timing for justice to be served.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's impartiality challenge my own tendencies towards favoritism or prejudice in my relationships or decisions?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "doing wrong" (even subtly) that I need to bring before God for repentance and change, knowing He will hold me accountable?**
* **How can the assurance of God's ultimate justice provide comfort and strength when I experience or witness injustice in the world?**
* **If I am in a position of authority, how does the reminder that God shows "no respect of persons" shape my leadership style and my treatment of those under my care?**

### FAQ

**Does "no respect of persons" mean God doesn't care about my individual circumstances?**

Answer: No, "no respect of persons" (Greek: _prosōpolēpsía_) means God does not show favoritism or bias based on external factors like social status, wealth, race, or gender. It does not mean He is indifferent to individual circumstances or struggles. On the contrary, God is deeply compassionate and attentive to the needs of His people, as seen throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is near to the brokenhearted")). Rather, it assures us that His justice is perfectly equitable, and He judges everyone by the same righteous standard, ensuring fairness for all, especially those who might be overlooked or disadvantaged by human systems.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of grace and forgiveness?**

Answer: Colossians 3:25 highlights God's justice and accountability, emphasizing that wrongdoing has consequences. This truth does not contradict grace but rather underscores its necessity. Because God is just and will "receive for the wrong which he hath done," humanity's sin incurs a debt. Grace, through Christ, is God's provision for dealing with this debt. Forgiveness is offered to those who repent and believe in Jesus, whose sacrifice on the cross fully satisfied the demands of God's justice for sin ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23-26 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, while this verse speaks to the certainty of judgment for unrighteousness, it also implicitly points to the need for the grace that only Christ can provide, allowing believers to stand righteous before an impartial God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 3:25, with its emphatic declaration of divine justice and impartiality, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse warns that "he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done," Christ Himself, though perfectly righteous, "became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He, the sinless Lamb of God, received the full recompense for the wrong of humanity, bearing the impartial judgment of God on the cross, so that those who believe in Him might be spared. This demonstrates God's unwavering justice—sin *must* be punished—and His boundless love, providing a substitute. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly embodied the principle of "no respect of persons" during His earthly ministry. He ministered to all—rich and poor, Jew and Gentile, male and female—without favoritism ([John 4:7-42](/john/4-7-42 "John 4:7-42 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman"); [Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus and Zacchaeus")). His kingdom is open to all who believe, regardless of their earthly status or background ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ")). Ultimately, Christ is the One who will execute this impartial judgment, for the Father "has given Him authority to execute judgment because He is the Son of Man" ([John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Jesus Given Authority to Judge")), ensuring that every wrong is addressed and every deed brought to light, all through the lens of His perfect righteousness and redemptive work.

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

Acts 10:34

¶ Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Romans 2:11

For there is no respect of persons with God.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

Deuteronomy 10:17

For the LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

1 Thessalonians 4:6

That no [man] go beyond and defraud his brother in [any] matter: because that the Lord [is] the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

1 Peter 1:17

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:

Deuteronomy 1:17

Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; [but] ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment [is] God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring [it] unto me, and I will hear it.