Colossians 3:9

KJV

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

KJV (with Strong's)

Lie {G5574} not {G3361} one to another {G1519}{G240}, seeing that ye have put off {G554} the old {G3820} man {G444} with {G4862} his {G846} deeds {G4234};

Complete Jewish Bible

Never lie to one another; because you have stripped away the old self, with its ways,

Berean Standard Bible

Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices,

American Standard Version

lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 3:9 serves as a crucial ethical imperative within Paul's letter, urging believers to abandon deceitful practices. This command is rooted in the profound theological reality that through Christ, they have undergone a radical transformation, shedding their former, unregenerate identity—the "old man"—along with its inherent sinful behaviors. The verse thus calls for a consistent alignment of conduct with this new spiritual status, emphasizing truthfulness as a hallmark of the Christian life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 3 marks a significant transition in Paul's letter from theological exposition to practical exhortation. Having established the supremacy of Christ and the believer's new identity "hidden with Christ in God" ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Our Life Hidden with Christ")), Paul pivots to the ethical implications of this spiritual reality. The chapter begins with a call to "seek those things which are above" ([Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Seek Heavenly Things")), setting the stage for a life lived in accordance with heavenly values. Verses 5-8 list specific vices that characterized their former pagan lives, such as "fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness" ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Members")) and "anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication" ([Colossians 3:8](/colossians/3-8 "Colossians 3:8 - Put Off Anger and Malice")). Verse 9, "Lie not one to another," continues this list of behaviors to be "put off," directly linking the rejection of deceit to the fundamental change in identity described in the subsequent verse, where believers are said to have "put on the new man" ([Colossians 3:10](/colossians/3-10 "Colossians 3:10 - Put On the New Man")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Colossae, located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), was a melting pot of various religious and philosophical influences, including syncretistic forms of Judaism, Gnosticism, and local pagan cults. These belief systems often promoted esoteric knowledge or ritualistic practices as paths to spiritual enlightenment, sometimes leading to moral laxity or, conversely, extreme asceticism. Paul's letter combats these false teachings by emphasizing the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ. In such a diverse and often morally ambiguous environment, the command against lying was particularly pertinent. Deceit was a common practice in the ancient world, whether in business, politics, or personal relationships. For early Christians, living truthfully was a counter-cultural act that distinguished them as followers of a God of truth, contrasting sharply with the prevalent dishonesty and idolatry. The emphasis on community within the early church also made truthfulness vital for fostering trust and genuine fellowship, essential for their survival and witness in a hostile world.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 3:9 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the letter. Foremost among these is the theme of **Radical Transformation and New Identity in Christ**. The phrase "ye have put off the old man" encapsulates the decisive break believers make with their former sinful existence upon conversion, a theme echoed in [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Man Crucified") and [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old Man, Put On the New"). This transformation is not merely behavioral modification but a fundamental change in who they are, enabling them to live a new life. Connected to this is the theme of **Practical Ethics Flowing from Theology**. Paul consistently grounds ethical commands in theological truths. Because believers are united with Christ and have a new identity, their conduct must reflect this reality. Lying, therefore, is incompatible with their new nature. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Community and Interpersonal Relationships**. The command "Lie not one to another" specifically addresses conduct within the Christian community, underscoring the importance of truthfulness for building healthy, trusting relationships among believers, which is foundational for the unity and witness of the church as described throughout [Colossians 3](/colossians/3 "Colossians 3 - The New Life in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lie (Greek, _pseúdomai'_):** This verb (G5574) means to utter an untruth or to attempt to deceive by falsehood. It encompasses any form of intentional misrepresentation or dishonesty, whether spoken or acted. The present tense imperative ("Lie not") indicates a continuous prohibition, forbidding the ongoing practice of lying.
* **Put off (Greek, _apekdýomai'_):** This verb (G554) is in the middle voice, meaning "to divest wholly oneself" or "to despoil for oneself." It conveys the decisive, voluntary, and complete act of stripping off something, much like removing old, dirty clothes. The aorist participle indicates a completed action that has already taken place, serving as the basis for the subsequent command. Believers *have* already put off the old man.
* **Old (Greek, _palaiós'_):** This adjective (G3820) means antique, not recent, or worn out. When applied to the "man," it refers to the former, unregenerate self, characterized by its fallen nature and sinful habits, which is now considered obsolete and discarded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lie not one to another,"**: This is a direct, imperative command, prohibiting the practice of falsehood within the community of believers. The phrase "one to another" (G1519 _eis_ G240 _allḗlōn_) emphasizes the relational aspect of this command, highlighting the importance of honesty in fostering trust and genuine fellowship among Christians. It implies that deceit undermines the very fabric of Christian community.
* **"seeing that ye have put off the old man"**: This clause provides the theological basis for the command against lying. The Greek participle "seeing that ye have put off" (G554 _apekdýomai_) indicates a completed action that serves as the foundation for the ethical imperative. Believers have decisively and completely stripped off their former, unregenerate self, which was characterized by sin. This "old man" (G3820 _palaiós_ G444 _ánthrōpos_) represents the totality of their pre-conversion identity, dominated by sin and rebellion against God.
* **"with his deeds;"**: This phrase clarifies that the "old man" is not merely an abstract concept but is intrinsically linked to specific behaviors and practices. The preposition "with" (G4862 _sýn_) denotes association or companionship, indicating that the deeds (G4234 _prâxis_, meaning practice or act) are an integral part of the "old man's" identity. Therefore, when the old man is put off, his characteristic actions, including lying, must also be discarded.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Symbolism** through the powerful imagery of "putting off the old man." The "old man" is a symbolic representation of the believer's former, unregenerate self, characterized by sin and alienation from God. This metaphor evokes the act of shedding old, worn-out, and perhaps dirty clothing, signifying a complete and decisive break from a past way of life. It emphasizes that the transformation in Christ is not superficial but a radical change of identity that necessitates a corresponding change in behavior. This imagery is further reinforced by the implied **Contrast** between the "old man" and the "new man" (mentioned in the subsequent verse, [Colossians 3:10](/colossians/3-10 "Colossians 3:10 - The New Man")), highlighting the distinct ethical demands of each identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 3:9 underscores a fundamental theological truth: Christian ethics are not arbitrary rules but flow directly from a transformed identity in Christ. Having been united with Christ in His death and resurrection, believers are no longer defined by their former sinful nature. This radical change in status necessitates a corresponding change in conduct. Lying, being a characteristic deed of the "old man," is utterly incompatible with the "new man" who is being renewed in the image of God. This principle highlights the holistic nature of salvation, impacting not only one's spiritual standing but also every aspect of daily life and interpersonal relationships. Truthfulness, therefore, becomes a vital expression of one's new creation in Christ and a reflection of God's own character, who is truth and cannot lie.

* [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to Your Neighbor")
* [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified")
* [Zechariah 8:16](/zechariah/8-16 "Zechariah 8:16 - Speak Truth to One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 3:9 calls believers to a profound integrity that extends beyond mere avoidance of outright falsehoods. It challenges us to examine the subtle ways dishonesty might manifest in our lives, from exaggerations and half-truths to misrepresentations and omissions of fact, all of which erode trust and contradict our new identity in Christ. Since we have been decisively "put off the old man," our lives should be characterized by an unwavering commitment to truth in all our interactions—with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. This means cultivating a heart that values honesty, not just as a rule, but as an overflow of our transformed nature. Living truthfully is a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the reality and transforming power of the gospel, and it fosters genuine, healthy relationships within the body of Christ, building a community founded on trust and transparency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I still be allowing the "deeds" of the "old man" to manifest, particularly in terms of truthfulness?**
* **How does my commitment to truthfulness impact my relationships within my family, church, and workplace?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more fully "put off" any remaining tendencies toward dishonesty and "put on" a greater commitment to truth?**

### FAQ

**What does "the old man" refer to in this verse, and why is it important to "put him off"?**

Answer: In Colossians 3:9, "the old man" (Greek: _ho palaios anthrōpos_) refers to the believer's former, unregenerate self—the sinful nature and identity that characterized their life before conversion to Christ. It encompasses all the desires, habits, and ways of thinking that were enslaved to sin. Paul uses this imagery to emphasize a decisive break with the past. To "put off" the old man means to consciously and continually reject and abandon the sinful practices and attitudes that defined one's life apart from Christ. This is crucial because our new identity in Christ demands a new way of living; the deeds of the old man, like lying, are incompatible with the character of the "new man" who is being renewed in the knowledge and image of God ([Colossians 3:10](/colossians/3-10 "Colossians 3:10 - The New Man")). It's a call to align our daily conduct with our spiritual reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 3:9, with its command to "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds," finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in Christ. The "putting off of the old man" is not a human achievement but a spiritual reality accomplished through union with Christ in His death and resurrection. As [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified") declares, "our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Jesus Christ Himself is the embodiment of truth, proclaiming, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). His life was marked by perfect integrity, and He exposed the lies and hypocrisy of the religious leaders ([Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ broke the power of sin, including the dominion of falsehood, enabling believers to walk in newness of life. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised as the "Spirit of truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")), indwells believers, empowering them to live truthfully and to manifest the character of Christ, who "did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Example")). Thus, our ability to "put off" lying and live in truth is a direct result of Christ's finished work and the ongoing sanctifying power of His Spirit within us.

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 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Leviticus 19:11

¶ Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.

John 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Romans 6:6

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Zephaniah 3:13

The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make [them] afraid.

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.