Colossians 3:5

KJV

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

KJV (with Strong's)

Mortify {G3499} therefore {G3767} your {G5216} members {G3196} which {G3588} are upon {G1909} the earth {G1093}; fornication {G4202}, uncleanness {G167}, inordinate affection {G3806}, evil {G2556} concupiscence {G1939}, and {G2532} covetousness {G4124}, which {G3748} is {G2076} idolatry {G1495}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, put to death the earthly parts of your nature — sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed (which is a form of idolatry);

Berean Standard Bible

Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.

American Standard Version

Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 3:5 issues a direct and urgent command for believers to actively put to death or render inoperative the sinful desires and behaviors that belong to their former, earthly way of life. This verse lists specific vices—fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness—culminating in the striking declaration that covetousness is, in essence, idolatry, thereby highlighting the profound spiritual nature of these seemingly "earthly" transgressions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 3:5 marks a pivotal transition in Paul's letter, moving from theological exposition to practical application. The preceding verses (Colossians 3:1-4) establish the believer's new identity in Christ, emphasizing that they have been "raised with Christ" and their "life is hidden with Christ in God." This foundational truth—that believers are spiritually united with the resurrected Christ and should [set their minds on things above](/colossians/3-2 "Colossians 3:2 - Set Your Mind on Things Above")—provides the imperative for the ethical demands that follow. Verse 5, therefore, is the logical consequence of this new spiritual reality: because believers are new creations in Christ, they must actively shed the old, sinful patterns of life. The list of vices here is then contrasted with the virtues Paul encourages in the subsequent verses, such as [compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience](/colossians/3-12 "Colossians 3:12 - Put on the New Self").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Colossae, located in Asia Minor, was a melting pot of various philosophical and religious influences, including elements of Jewish mysticism, Gnosticism (or proto-Gnosticism), and pagan practices. Paul's letter addresses a "Colossian heresy" that combined asceticism, angel worship, and a devaluation of Christ's supremacy. While Colossians 3:5 doesn't directly counter these specific heresies, it speaks to the pervasive moral laxity and spiritual syncretism common in the Greco-Roman world. The vices listed—sexual immorality, impurity, and greed—were rampant and often interwoven with pagan religious rituals and societal norms. Paul's call to "mortify" these "earthly members" was a radical summons to a counter-cultural lifestyle, demanding a complete break from the prevailing moral landscape and a commitment to Christ's exclusive Lordship, especially in an environment where people might be tempted to [worship angels](/colossians/2-18 "Colossians 2:18 - Warnings Against False Humility and Angel Worship") or adhere to man-made rules rather than true spiritual transformation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Colossians and Pauline theology. Foremost is the theme of **Sanctification**, the ongoing process by which believers are conformed to the image of Christ. The command to "mortify" underscores the active, volitional participation required in this process, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to practical obedience. It also highlights the theme of **New Creation**, contrasting the "old self" (characterized by these vices) with the "new self" that is [being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator](/colossians/3-10 "Colossians 3:10 - The New Self"). The explicit connection between "covetousness" and "idolatry" introduces the theme of **Idolatry** not merely as the worship of physical idols, but as any misplaced ultimate allegiance or desire, particularly for worldly possessions or pleasures, which effectively displaces God from His rightful place. This broadens the understanding of idolatry beyond ritualistic practices to include internal dispositions and desires, echoing warnings found throughout Scripture against [serving other gods](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mortify (Greek, _nekróō'_):** Derived from the word for "dead" (νεκρός, _nekrós_), this verb literally means "to make dead," "to kill," or "to put to death." In this context, it signifies a decisive, active, and continuous act of rendering something powerless or inoperative. It's not about merely suppressing or managing sin, but about executing it, cutting off its life source, and ensuring it no longer holds sway over the believer's life. This strong imagery conveys the seriousness and radical nature of the command.
* **Members (Greek, _mélos'_):** This term refers to a "limb or part of the body." In this verse, "members which are upon the earth" is a powerful **metaphor** for the instruments or faculties through which sin operates in the human experience. These are not physical limbs to be literally amputated, but rather the sinful desires, passions, and inclinations that are deeply ingrained in the fallen human nature and manifest in earthly behaviors. Paul uses this imagery to emphasize that these sinful tendencies are integral parts of the "old self" that must be decisively dealt with.
* **Covetousness (Greek, _pleonexía'_):** This word signifies "avarice," "greed," or an "excessive desire to have more." It implies a grasping, insatiable craving, not just for material possessions, but for anything that one does not rightfully possess or that one desires inordinately. It often leads to fraudulence or extortion, driven by a self-centered pursuit of gain. Paul's profound declaration that this particular vice "is idolatry" (Greek, _eidōlolatreía_) elevates it from a mere moral failing to a direct spiritual affront against God, implying that the object of one's excessive desire becomes a functional god.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;":** This opening clause serves as the central command. "Therefore" links back to the preceding theological truths about the believer's union with Christ. The imperative "mortify" demands active, ongoing effort. "Your members which are upon the earth" metaphorically refers to the sinful inclinations and practices associated with the fallen human nature and the worldly way of life, which are to be put to death.
* **"fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness,":** This is an enumeration of specific vices that characterize the "earthly members." "Fornication" (πορνεία, _porneía_) is a broad term for all sexual immorality outside of marriage. "Uncleanness" (ἀκαθαρσία, _akatharsía_) refers to moral impurity, often linked to sexual sin but encompassing any defilement. "Inordinate affection" (πάθος, _páthos_) denotes uncontrolled passions or lusts. "Evil concupiscence" (κακὴ ἐπιθυμία, _kakē epithymía_) specifies wicked or harmful desires and cravings. These four terms primarily relate to sexual and sensual sins, highlighting their pervasive nature in the "earthly" life.
* **"which is idolatry:":** This concluding phrase makes a striking and crucial theological point. It directly equates "covetousness" (the final vice listed) with "idolatry." This is not merely a comparison but an identification. It reveals that placing ultimate desire, trust, or pursuit in anything other than God—especially material gain or worldly possessions—is a form of worship, effectively making that object a god in one's life, thereby violating the first commandment.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **literary devices** in Colossians 3:5 to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "your members which are upon the earth." This vivid imagery likens sinful desires and behaviors to parts of the body that must be surgically removed or killed, emphasizing the radical and decisive action required. It's a powerful way to communicate that these sins are deeply ingrained and require extreme measures to eradicate. Paul also uses **Enumeration** by listing specific vices: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness. This detailed list provides concrete examples of the abstract concept of "earthly members," making the command immediately actionable for his audience. Finally, the verse culminates in a powerful **Identification** or **Equation** when Paul declares, "covetousness, which is idolatry." This is more than a comparison; it's a direct theological equivalence, elevating covetousness from a mere ethical failing to a profound spiritual offense against God, equating it with the worship of false gods.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 3:5 is a profound statement on Christian ethics and the nature of sanctification, deeply rooted in the believer's new identity in Christ. The command to "mortify" or "put to death" the "earthly members" underscores the active role of the believer in the process of spiritual transformation, which is enabled by the Holy Spirit. This is not a passive waiting for God to remove sin, but an intentional, Spirit-empowered battle against indwelling sin. The list of vices, particularly the emphasis on sexual immorality and the identification of covetousness as idolatry, highlights that sin is not merely external action but also internal desire and misplaced worship. The New Testament consistently warns against the deceptive nature of sin and the necessity of a radical break from the patterns of the world, emphasizing that true freedom comes from living according to God's will, not the desires of the flesh.

* [Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit")
* [Ephesians 5:3-5](/ephesians/5-3-5 "Ephesians 5:3-5 - Flee Immorality and Greed")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 3:5 is a challenging yet liberating call to radical spiritual discipline. It compels us to confront the reality of indwelling sin, not as an abstract concept, but as "members" that are actively seeking to operate within us. The command to "mortify" implies a decisive, ongoing battle, much like putting a dangerous enemy to death. This requires intentionality: identifying the specific "earthly members" (like the vices listed) that are most active in our lives, and then actively starving them of their power by refusing to indulge them, fleeing from temptation, and replacing sinful desires with godly ones. The startling declaration that "covetousness is idolatry" forces us to examine our hearts for any misplaced affections or ultimate desires that compete with our devotion to God. True application means not just avoiding outward acts of sin, but diligently rooting out the internal desires and affections that fuel them, recognizing that anything we desire more than God becomes an idol. This is a lifelong process, empowered by the Holy Spirit, of choosing Christ's reign over the reign of sin in every area of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "members upon the earth" (specific sinful desires or habits) do I need to actively "mortify" in my own life?**
* **How does the connection between "covetousness" and "idolatry" challenge my understanding of sin and worship?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to put to death a specific "earthly member" and cultivate a heavenly mindset instead?**
* **How does my understanding of being "raised with Christ" (Colossians 3:1) empower or motivate me to obey the command in Colossians 3:5?**

### FAQ

**What does "mortify" mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: In Colossians 3:5, "mortify" (Greek, _nekróō_) means to "put to death" or "render inoperative." Practically, for believers today, it signifies an active, intentional, and ongoing process of decisively weakening and eliminating sinful desires, habits, and thought patterns. It's not a one-time event, but a continuous spiritual discipline. This involves recognizing sin for what it is—a destructive force—and then taking deliberate steps to resist its pull. Examples include fleeing tempting situations, choosing to meditate on Scripture instead of ungodly thoughts, confessing sin, seeking accountability, and cultivating spiritual disciplines that strengthen one's walk with Christ. It's about starving the "old self" and nourishing the "new self" that is [being renewed in the image of its Creator](/colossians/3-10 "Colossians 3:10 - The New Self").

**Why is covetousness specifically called "idolatry" in this verse, and what are the implications?**

Answer: Paul's declaration that "covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5) is a profound theological statement. Covetousness (Greek, _pleonexía_) is an excessive, insatiable desire for more, particularly for material possessions or worldly gain. It is called idolatry because when a person's ultimate desire, trust, and pursuit are directed towards created things (wealth, possessions, status, etc.) rather than the Creator, those things effectively become their "god." They occupy the place in the heart that rightfully belongs to God alone. The implication is that idolatry is not just about bowing down to physical statues; it's fundamentally about misplaced worship and allegiance. It reveals that the heart's deepest affections and ultimate security are found in something other than God, which is a direct violation of the first commandment: [“You shall have no other gods before me”](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). This broadens our understanding of idolatry to include internal attitudes and desires, making it a pervasive spiritual danger.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 3:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Jesus Christ. The command to "mortify your members which are upon the earth" is not a legalistic burden but a joyful response to the new life believers have in Christ. It is because we have been [crucified with Christ](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ") and [raised with Him](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Raised with Christ") that we are enabled to put sin to death. Christ's death on the cross was the decisive act that broke the power of sin, and His resurrection inaugurated a new realm of life in the Spirit. Therefore, the "mortification" Paul calls for is not self-effort but a Spirit-empowered participation in Christ's victory over sin. Jesus perfectly exemplified a life free from fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness. He was utterly devoted to the Father's will, never seeking His own gain or glory, but always [seeking the will of Him who sent Him](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks the Father's Will"). Through our union with Him, His righteousness is imputed to us, and His Spirit indwells us, providing the power to actively put off the old self and [put on the new self](/colossians/3-10 "Colossians 3:10 - The New Self"), which is being renewed in His image. Thus, the command in Colossians 3:5 is a call to live out the reality of Christ's triumph in our daily lives, reflecting His purity and devotion to God.

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

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

1 Corinthians 6:9

¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 Corinthians 6:10

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5:3

¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;