Colossians 3:6

For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

For {G1223} which things' sake {G3739} the wrath {G3709} of God {G2316} cometh {G2064} on {G1909} the children {G5207} of disobedience {G543}:

for it is because of these things that God’s anger is coming on those who disobey him.

Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.

for which things’ sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience:

Colossians 3:6 serves as a solemn warning within Paul's broader exhortation for believers to live a life worthy of their new identity in Christ. It underscores the serious consequences of living according to the old, sinful nature.

Context

This verse directly follows Colossians 3:5, which lists specific "earthly members" (vices) that believers are commanded to mortify or put to death: "fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry." These are the "which things' sake" for which God's wrath comes. Paul is urging believers, who have been raised with Christ, to shed the behaviors characteristic of their former lives and embrace the spiritual transformation that comes from being united with Him. The warning here serves as a powerful motivation to truly put off the old man with his deeds and put on the new man.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Wrath: The phrase "the wrath of God" signifies God's righteous and settled indignation against sin and unrighteousness. It is not a capricious outburst, but a just response to rebellion against His holy character and laws. This wrath is a consistent theme in scripture, revealed against all ungodliness (cf. Romans 1:18).
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse highlights that persistent, habitual sin leads to divine judgment. While believers are saved from the ultimate wrath of God through Christ, Paul emphasizes that a life characterized by these specific vices aligns with those who are subject to God's active displeasure.
  • Children of Disobedience: This idiomatic expression refers to those whose very nature or characteristic behavior is defined by disobedience. It's not just occasional sin, but a pattern of life lived in rebellion against God's will and truth. A parallel warning is found in Ephesians 5:6.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "wrath" is orgē (ὀργή), which denotes a settled, righteous indignation rather than a sudden, passionate anger. It speaks to God's inherent opposition to evil.
  • "Children of disobedience" translates the Greek phrase huioi tēs apeitheias (υἱοὶ τῆς ἀπειθείας). This is a Hebraism, a common way in Semitic languages to describe people characterized by a particular quality or belonging to a certain group. Thus, "children of disobedience" means "those who are characterized by disobedience" or "those whose nature is disobedience."

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for all believers. It calls for:

  • Self-Examination: It prompts us to honestly assess our lives and identify any "earthly members" that may still be active, encouraging us to actively put them to death.
  • Motivation for Holiness: Understanding the seriousness of sin and God's just response to it provides a strong incentive to pursue holiness and live a life that honors Christ.
  • Understanding God's Character: It reinforces that God is both loving and just. His love provides salvation, but His justice demands a response to sin. This truth should lead to both reverence and gratitude.
  • Living Out Our New Identity: As those who are "risen with Christ," our lives should reflect this spiritual reality, actively choosing to live in conformity with His nature rather than the patterns of the world (cf. Romans 6:4).

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.

  • Ephesians 5:6

    Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

  • Romans 1:18

    For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

  • 1 Peter 1:14

    As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

  • Ezekiel 16:45

    Thou [art] thy mother's daughter, that lotheth her husband and her children; and thou [art] the sister of thy sisters, which lothed their husbands and their children: your mother [was] an Hittite, and your father an Amorite.

  • Ezekiel 16:46

    And thine elder sister [is] Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, [is] Sodom and her daughters.

  • Revelation 22:15

    For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

  • Ephesians 2:2

    Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
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