Colossians 4:5

KJV

¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

KJV (with Strong's)

Walk {G4043} in {G1722} wisdom {G4678} toward {G4314} them that are without {G1854}, redeeming {G1805} the time {G2540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Behave wisely toward outsiders, making full use of every opportunity —

Berean Standard Bible

Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.

American Standard Version

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 4:5 provides a crucial directive from the Apostle Paul, urging believers to conduct themselves with intentional wisdom and discernment in their interactions with those outside the Christian faith. It is a call to strategic living, emphasizing the importance of maximizing every opportune moment to bear witness to the Gospel and to live a life that honors God and commends the Christian message to a watching world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal transition in Paul's letter to the Colossians. Having meticulously laid out profound theological truths regarding the supremacy of Christ and the believer's new identity in Him (Colossians 1-2), and then providing practical instructions for Christian living within the household and church (Colossians 3:18-4:1), Paul now broadens his scope. He shifts the focus from internal community dynamics to the outward-facing conduct of believers, specifically their engagement with non-Christians. This instruction is immediately followed by specific guidance on speech (Colossians 4:6) and a list of personal greetings and commendations (Colossians 4:7-18), underscoring the practical, relational nature of the Christian walk. Colossians 4:5 thus acts as a bridge, connecting the internal spiritual transformation with external missional responsibility.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Colossae existed within a complex Hellenistic environment, likely influenced by various philosophical and religious currents, including elements of Gnosticism, asceticism, and local pagan cults. Believers were a minority in a society that held different values and worldviews. Paul's exhortation to "walk in wisdom toward them that are without" was therefore highly pertinent. It was not merely about personal piety but about public witness in a pluralistic and often hostile setting. Their conduct, speech, and use of time would either validate or undermine the message of Christ in a culture where their lives were under scrutiny. The need for discernment was paramount to navigate social interactions, business dealings, and evangelistic opportunities effectively without compromising their faith or alienating potential converts.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 4:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letter and broader New Testament theology. The command to "Walk in wisdom" highlights the theme of **Christian Prudence and Discernment**, emphasizing that believers are to live thoughtfully, guided by divine wisdom rather than worldly folly. This echoes themes found in [Ephesians 5:15](/ephesians/5-15 "Ephesians 5:15 - Walk Circumspectly"), where Paul similarly calls for careful living. The phrase "toward them that are without" underscores the theme of **Outward-Focused Witness and Evangelism**. It reminds believers that their lives are a public testimony, and their conduct should be winsome and attractive to those who do not yet know Christ, preparing the way for the verbal proclamation of the Gospel (as further explained in [Colossians 4:6](/colossians/4-6 "Colossians 4:6 - Speech with Grace")). Finally, "redeeming the time" introduces the crucial theme of **Stewardship of Opportunity**. This is not merely about managing chronological time (Greek _chronos_) but about recognizing and seizing opportune moments (_kairós_) for spiritual impact. This concept is powerfully reiterated in [Ephesians 5:16](/ephesians/5-16 "Ephesians 5:16 - Redeeming the Time"), urging believers to make the most of every chance, especially in a world marked by evil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Walk (Greek, _peripatéō_):** From Strong's G4043, meaning "to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)." In this context, "walk" is a common biblical metaphor for one's entire manner of life, conduct, or habitual behavior. It signifies the ongoing pattern of a believer's daily existence, encompassing all actions, attitudes, and choices. It's not a single act but a continuous lifestyle.
* **Wisdom (Greek, _sophía_):** From Strong's G4678, meaning "wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)." Here, it refers to spiritual wisdom, the practical application of divine truth to daily living. It implies discernment, prudence, and sound judgment, especially in navigating complex relationships and situations. It's the ability to see things from God's perspective and act accordingly.
* **Redeeming (Greek, _exagorázō_):** From Strong's G1805, meaning "to buy up, i.e. ransom; figuratively, to rescue from loss (improve opportunity)." This is a powerful commercial term, implying a proactive, intentional effort to "buy out" or "buy up" something, often at a cost, to secure it for oneself. In this context, it means to actively seize and make the most of every opportunity, preventing it from being lost or wasted.
* **Time (Greek, _kairós_):** From Strong's G2540, meaning "an occasion, i.e. set or proper time." This is distinct from _chronos_ (chronological time). _Kairós_ refers to a specific, opportune, or critical moment – a season, a window of opportunity, a divinely appointed occasion. The command is not merely to manage hours but to recognize and leverage strategic moments for spiritual impact.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Walk in wisdom":** This is an imperative, a command for continuous action. "Walk" signifies the entirety of one's life and conduct. "In wisdom" indicates the guiding principle for this conduct. It means living with practical discernment, prudence, and understanding that stems from God's truth. It's about making thoughtful, Spirit-led choices in every interaction and situation, ensuring that one's life reflects godly character and sound judgment.
* **"toward them that are without":** This phrase identifies the specific audience for this wise conduct. "Them that are without" refers to those outside the Christian community, non-believers, or those who do not share the Christian faith. The preposition "toward" (Greek _prós_, G4314) emphasizes direction and relationship, implying that believers' conduct should be intentionally oriented towards influencing and engaging with this external group, recognizing that their lives are a public testimony.
* **"redeeming the time":** This is a participial phrase that describes _how_ one is to walk in wisdom toward outsiders. "Redeeming" (Greek _exagorázō_) means to "buy up" or "buy out," suggesting a proactive, urgent, and perhaps costly effort to seize and maximize opportunities. "The time" (Greek _kairós_) refers to the opportune moment, the strategic occasion, rather than merely the passage of chronological hours. Thus, the command is to make the most of every favorable occasion, every interaction, and every season to advance God's purposes, especially in relation to those who do not know Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Colossians 4:5 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "walk" (Greek _peripatéō_) serves as a comprehensive metaphor for one's entire manner of life or conduct. It's not about physical locomotion but about the trajectory and character of one's daily existence. The phrase "them that are without" uses **Synecdoche**, where a part (being outside the community) stands for the whole (non-believers), clearly delineating the target audience for the believer's wise conduct. Furthermore, the imperative "Walk" establishes an **Exhortation**, a direct command from Paul to the Colossian believers, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this instruction. Finally, the concept of "redeeming the time" presents a vivid **Commercial Imagery**, drawing from the marketplace idea of "buying up" or "buying out" something valuable, suggesting that opportunities are precious commodities to be seized and utilized to their fullest potential before they are lost.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 4:5 encapsulates a profound theological truth: the Christian life is inherently missional, extending beyond the confines of the church into the broader world. It underscores the believer's role as an ambassador for Christ, where every interaction with non-believers is an opportunity for witness. This verse connects the internal transformation wrought by Christ with the external responsibility of living a life that commends the Gospel. It highlights the importance of practical wisdom (sophia) as a spiritual gift and a cultivated discipline, essential for navigating complex social landscapes and effectively communicating the hope of Christ. Furthermore, it speaks to the stewardship of time, not merely as a finite resource but as a series of divine appointments, urging believers to be alert and proactive in leveraging every opportune moment for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. This holistic approach to Christian living ensures that faith is not merely a private conviction but a public testimony.

* [Ephesians 5:15-16](/ephesians/5-15-16 "Ephesians 5:15-16 - Walk Circumspectly, Redeeming the Time")
* [1 Peter 2:12](/1_peter/2-12 "1 Peter 2:12 - Honorable Conduct Among Gentiles")
* [Proverbs 14:8](/proverbs/14-8 "Proverbs 14:8 - The Wisdom of the Prudent")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 4:5 offers timeless and profoundly practical guidance for believers in any era. It challenges us to live with an acute awareness that our lives are a continuous testimony to those who do not yet know Christ. This means cultivating a lifestyle marked by intentionality, where our actions, words, and even our use of time are carefully considered for their impact on others. In a world increasingly skeptical of faith, our consistent demonstration of integrity, grace, and genuine love often speaks louder than any sermon. We are called to be discerning in our interactions, seeking to understand the perspectives of non-believers and building bridges rather than walls. "Redeeming the time" compels us to be proactive, not passive, in our witness. It's about recognizing the "kairos" moments—the unexpected conversations, the opportunities to serve, the chance to offer a kind word—and seizing them for God's glory. This verse encourages us to view our daily routines, workplaces, social circles, and even online presence as fertile ground for demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel, ensuring that our lives are a compelling invitation to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life (work, social media, family) do you most need to "walk in wisdom" toward those who are "without"?**
* **How can you become more intentional about recognizing and "redeeming the time"—seizing opportune moments—for spiritual conversations or acts of service?**
* **What aspects of your conduct might be hindering your witness to non-believers, and what steps can you take to align your life more closely with Christ's example?**
* **How does your understanding of "wisdom" in this verse differ from the world's definition of wisdom, and how does that impact your daily choices?**

### FAQ

**What does "them that are without" mean in this verse?**

Answer: "Them that are without" (Greek _éxō_, G1854) refers to those outside the Christian community or the church. It is a common New Testament phrase used to distinguish between believers and non-believers. In this context, it specifically means people who do not share the Christian faith, including pagans, those of other religions, or simply those who are not yet followers of Christ. Paul is instructing believers on how to conduct themselves in their interactions with the broader society, emphasizing the importance of their public witness.

**What is the significance of "redeeming the time," and how does it differ from simply managing time?**

Answer: The phrase "redeeming the time" (Greek _exagorázō ton kairon_) is highly significant. "Redeeming" (_exagorázō_) literally means "to buy up" or "to buy out," implying a proactive, urgent, and intentional effort to seize an opportunity, perhaps even at a cost, to prevent it from being lost. "Time" here is _kairós_ (G2540), which refers to an opportune moment, a season, or a strategic occasion, rather than _chronos_, which denotes mere chronological time. So, it's not simply about efficient time management (though that can be part of it), but about recognizing and actively leveraging specific, divinely appointed opportunities for spiritual impact, especially in our interactions with non-believers. It's about making the most of every strategic moment that arises to advance God's purposes. This concept is powerfully echoed in [Ephesians 5:16](/ephesians/5-16 "Ephesians 5:16 - Redeeming the Time, Because the Days are Evil").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 4:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine wisdom, always walking "in wisdom" (as seen in [Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus' Growth in Wisdom and Stature")) and perfectly discerning the opportune "time" (_kairós_) for every action, teaching, and miracle. Jesus consistently engaged with "them that are without"—tax collectors, sinners, Samaritans, Gentiles—demonstrating profound wisdom, grace, and intentionality in His interactions, always seeking to draw them to the Father ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")). His entire earthly ministry was a masterful act of "redeeming the time," culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which was the supreme act of "buying back" humanity from sin and death, thereby redeeming the lost opportunity for fellowship with God ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). As believers, we are called to walk in Christ, empowered by His Spirit, to continue His mission of wise and intentional engagement with the world, making the most of every moment to reflect His light and share His redemptive message, knowing that our ability to do so is entirely dependent on His finished work and indwelling presence ([Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6-7 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Walk in Christ Jesus the Lord")).

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 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Ephesians 5:17

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is].

1 Thessalonians 4:12

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye may have lack of nothing.

James 3:13

¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Romans 16:19

For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.