Colossians 3:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 3:7 serves as a stark reminder to believers in Colossae of their former lifestyle, characterized by the very vices Paul has just exhorted them to abandon. It underscores the radical transformation inherent in their conversion to Christ, emphasizing that their past "walk" and "life" were deeply entangled with sinful practices, from which they have now been delivered by divine grace and are called to live a new existence in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 3 marks a significant transition in Paul's letter, moving from profound theological exposition to practical ethical instruction. Having established Christ's supremacy and the believer's new identity "risen with Christ" ([Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Seek Things Above")), Paul issues a strong imperative to "mortify" or "put to death" the "earthly members" (vices) that characterized their former lives. In [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Members"), he lists specific sins—fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness (equated with idolatry)—and warns in [Colossians 3:6](/colossians/3-6 "Colossians 3:6 - Wrath of God on Disobedience") that God's wrath comes upon those who practice them. Verse 7 then directly connects these very vices to the Colossians' past, providing the compelling rationale for why they *must* now abandon them: these sins were once their way of life, but no longer define them as believers in Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Colossae existed in a syncretistic environment, where various philosophical and religious influences, including elements of Gnosticism, Jewish legalism, and pagan practices, challenged the purity of the gospel. Many Colossian believers would have converted from a pagan background, where the sexual immorality, greed, and idolatry listed in [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Earthly Members to Mortify") were commonplace and often integrated into religious worship. Paul's exhortation acknowledges this past reality while firmly asserting that their new identity in Christ demands a complete break from such behaviors. The concept of "walking" as a metaphor for one's conduct or lifestyle was well-understood in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought, making Paul's language immediately accessible and impactful to his audience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to the overarching theme of the **radical transformation** that occurs at conversion, highlighting the stark contrast between the **old self** and the **new identity in Christ**. It underscores that genuine faith is not merely a change of belief but a fundamental reorientation of one's entire life and conduct. The "walk" and "life" described in [Colossians 3:7](/colossians/3-7 "Colossians 3:7 - Former Way of Life") represent a past that is incompatible with the believer's present reality of being "risen with Christ" ([Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Raised with Christ")). This passage reinforces the theological truth that **sanctification is a process of "putting off" the old and "putting on" the new**, actively shedding sinful habits and embracing Christ-like virtues, as further elaborated in [Colossians 3:9-10](/colossians/3-9-10 "Colossians 3:9-10 - Put Off the Old Man, Put On the New").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **walked (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** (G4043) This verb literally means "to tread all around" or "walk at large," but figuratively, and more commonly in the New Testament, it signifies one's manner of life, conduct, or deportment. When Paul states "ye also walked some time," he is describing a habitual, characteristic pattern of behavior that defined the Colossians' existence before their conversion. It implies that the sins listed in [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Sins to Put to Death") were not isolated incidents but were integral to their daily routine and identity.
* **lived (Greek, _záō'_):** (G2198) A primary verb meaning "to live," either literally or figuratively. In this context, "ye lived in them" conveys a profound sense of immersion and deep entanglement. It suggests that these sinful practices were not merely external actions but constituted the very essence or state of their being. Their pre-conversion existence was defined by, found its expression in, and was sustained within the sphere of these ungodly behaviors.
* **in (Greek, _en'_):** (G1722) This primary preposition denotes a "fixed position (in place, time or state)" and implies instrumentality. When used with "walked" and "lived," it emphasizes a state of being enveloped by or deeply embedded within these sinful practices. It's not just that they *committed* these sins, but that they *existed* within a realm where these sins were normative and defining, highlighting the pervasive nature of their former spiritual condition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the which ye also walked some time":** This phrase directly refers back to the list of vices (fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness) in [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Earthly Members"). Paul reminds the Colossian believers that these very behaviors were once the defining characteristics of their daily conduct and lifestyle. The verb "walked" (Greek _peripatéō_) denotes a habitual manner of life, indicating that these sins were not isolated incidents but a pervasive pattern that shaped their existence before Christ. The addition "some time" (Greek _poté_) emphasizes that this was a past reality, a former state from which they have now been delivered by God's grace.
* **"when ye lived in them":** This clause intensifies the previous statement, specifying the depth of their former entanglement with sin. The verb "lived" (Greek _záō_) speaks to the very essence of their being and existence. To "live in them" means these sinful practices were not merely external actions but were deeply integrated into their identity, their worldview, and their daily experience. They were immersed in, defined by, and found their life within the sphere of these ungodly behaviors, underscoring the profound spiritual transformation wrought by their conversion to Christ. This phrase highlights the radical nature of their deliverance from a life dominated by sin.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to underscore the dramatic transformation in the Colossian believers' lives. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the use of "walked" (**_peripatéō_**) to describe their former conduct. This common biblical metaphor vividly portrays their pre-conversion existence as a journey or path defined by sinful practices. The phrase "lived in them" uses **Personification** or **Hypostatization**, treating the abstract vices as a tangible environment or state of being that enveloped and defined their lives. This emphasizes the pervasive and immersive nature of sin's dominion. Furthermore, the entire passage, especially [Colossians 3:5-7](/colossians/3-5-7 "Colossians 3:5-7 - Putting Off the Old Self"), creates a powerful **Antithesis** by setting the believers' past sinful "walk" and "life" in stark contrast to their new identity and calling in Christ, thereby highlighting the radical discontinuity between the old self and the new creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 3:7 is foundational to understanding the New Testament's teaching on conversion and sanctification. It asserts that genuine faith in Christ necessitates a decisive break from the patterns of sin that characterized one's former life. This is not merely a moralistic appeal but a theological imperative rooted in the believer's new identity in Christ, who has died to sin and risen to new life. The "putting off" of the old self is a direct consequence of having been "raised with Christ" ([Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Raised with Christ")), signifying a fundamental shift in allegiance, nature, and trajectory. The past "walk" is incompatible with the new spiritual reality, demanding a life that reflects the holiness and righteousness of their new Head, Jesus Christ. This verse reinforces the active role believers play in living out their new creation status.

* [Ephesians 4:22](/ephesians/4-22 "Ephesians 4:22 - Put Off the Old Man")
* [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Man Crucified")
* [1 Peter 4:3](/1_peter/4-3 "1 Peter 4:3 - Past Sins Suffice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 3:7 serves as a profound call to self-examination and a powerful reminder of God's transformative grace. For believers today, it prompts us to reflect on the stark contrast between our pre-conversion lives (if applicable) and our current identity in Christ. It challenges us to honestly assess if there are any lingering "walks" or "lives" "in them"—any old patterns of sin, attitudes, or desires—that we have not yet fully surrendered to Christ. This verse encourages a deep appreciation for the deliverance we have received and motivates us to live consistently with our new nature, actively pursuing holiness and demonstrating the reality of our spiritual rebirth in every area of life. It reminds us that Christian living is not merely about avoiding certain behaviors but about a fundamental reorientation of our entire being towards Christ and His righteousness, recognizing that our past no longer defines our present or future in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "earthly members" or sinful patterns did my life "walk in" or "live in" before coming to Christ, or even before a deeper commitment to Him?**
* **How does remembering my former way of life deepen my appreciation for God's grace and the radical transformation He has wrought in me?**
* **Are there any areas of my life where I am still tempted to "walk" or "live in" old patterns, and what practical steps can I take to actively "put them off" today, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ
**What does "walked some time" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "walked some time" (Greek: _peripatéō pot_é) refers to the past habitual lifestyle and conduct of the Colossian believers before their conversion to Christ. The Greek word _peripatéō_ is frequently used in the New Testament to describe one's manner of life, signifying a consistent pattern of behavior. Thus, Paul is reminding them that the sinful practices he just listed in [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Earthly Members to Put to Death") were once the defining characteristics of their daily existence, but that era is now definitively in the past. It highlights the radical shift in their identity and behavior brought about by their new life in Christ.

**Why does Paul say "ye lived in them"?**

Answer: The expression "ye lived in them" (Greek: _záō en autois_) intensifies the previous statement, emphasizing the deep entanglement and pervasive nature of these sinful habits in their pre-Christian lives. To "live in them" means these vices were not just occasional actions but were deeply ingrained in their identity, their very way of being. It signifies that they were immersed in, and their lives were characterized by, these ungodly practices. This highlights the profound spiritual change that occurred through their conversion, as they were delivered from a state of being defined by sin to a new life in Christ. This transformation is a central theme in Paul's letters, as seen in his call to "put off the old man" and "put on the new man" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old, Put On the New")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 3:7, while describing the past sinful state of believers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "walk" and "life" that were once defined by sin are now utterly transformed because believers have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Christ's crucifixion represents the decisive death of the "old man" and the power of sin over the believer, as articulated in [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Man Crucified with Christ"), where "our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed." His resurrection inaugurates a new quality of life, a "newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walk in Newness of Life")), in which believers are called to "walk" according to His righteousness. Therefore, the command to put off former behaviors is not merely a moralistic exhortation but a declaration of spiritual reality: because Christ has triumphed over sin and death, those who are "in Him" are no longer bound by their former ways. He is the power and the pattern for their new walk, enabling them to live out the holiness that is now their true identity in Him, as [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ") powerfully declares, "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

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

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.