Colossians 3:7

In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

In {G1722} the which {G3739} ye {G5210} also {G2532} walked {G4043} some time {G4218}, when {G3753} ye lived {G2198} in {G1722} them {G846}.

True enough, you used to practice these things in the life you once lived;

When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways.

wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things;

Context

Colossians 3:7 serves as a poignant reminder to the believers in Colossae of their former way of life before encountering Christ. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul issues a strong exhortation to "mortify" (put to death) various earthly vices and sinful behaviors, such as fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, which he equates with idolatry (Colossians 3:5-6). This verse highlights that these very practices were once characteristic of their daily existence, underscoring the radical transformation brought about by their conversion from a pagan lifestyle to following Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

  • A Past Left Behind: The verse powerfully contrasts the believer's new identity in Christ with their former, unredeemed life. It emphasizes that the Colossian Christians, like all who come to faith, have been delivered from a life dominated by sin.
  • Radical Transformation: Paul's words imply that genuine conversion is not merely a change of belief but a fundamental shift in conduct and character. The "walk" (a biblical metaphor for one's lifestyle) of the believer is no longer defined by these former sins, highlighting the profound Christian transformation.
  • The Reality of Sin's Grip: By stating they "lived in them," Paul acknowledges the deep entanglement and pervasive nature of these sinful habits in their pre-Christian lives, making the deliverance through God's grace all the more significant.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "walked" is peripateō (περιπατέω), which frequently appears in the New Testament to describe one's manner of life or conduct. It signifies habitual action and lifestyle. Thus, "ye also walked some time" means that these sinful behaviors were once the regular, characteristic way they conducted their lives. The phrase "lived in them" further emphasizes being immersed in or continually engaged with these practices, indicating a state of being dominated by them before they embraced their new life in Christ.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly relates to the broader New Testament teaching on the believer's new identity and the putting off of the "old man." Paul elaborates on this concept in other epistles, such as when he instructs believers to put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. Similarly, in Romans, he explains how believers are crucified with Christ, that the body of sin might be destroyed, so that we should no longer serve sin. The transformation described here is a core aspect of Christian discipleship, as seen in the call to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Practical Application

For believers today, Colossians 3:7 serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace and deliverance. It encourages us to:

  • Remember God's Deliverance: Reflecting on our past, if it included sinful patterns, deepens our appreciation for the salvation and freedom found in Christ. This remembrance fosters humility and gratitude.
  • Live Consistently: Since we no longer "live in" these sins, our daily lives should reflect our new identity in Christ. This means actively choosing righteousness and rejecting former ways, demonstrating our commitment to a holy lifestyle.
  • Maintain Vigilance: While we are new creations, the pull of old habits can remain. This verse implicitly calls for ongoing vigilance and the active pursuit of holiness, as we are called to put on the new man and live out our faith daily.

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 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:

  • 1 Peter 4:3

    For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

  • 1 Peter 4:4

    ¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:

  • Romans 6:19

    I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

  • Romans 6:20

    For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

  • Titus 3:3

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:11

    And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

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