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Colossians 3:12

Colossians 3:12 in Multiple Translations

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering;

As saints of God, then, holy and dearly loved, let your behaviour be marked by pity and mercy, kind feeling, a low opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, and a power of undergoing all things;

Since you are God's special people, holy and dearly loved, adopt a sympathetic nature that is kind, humble, gentle, and patient.

Now therfore as the elect of God holy and beloued, put on the bowels of mercies, kindnesse, humblenesse of minde, meekenesse, long suffering:

Put on, therefore, as choice ones of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humble-mindedness, meekness, long-suffering,

Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;

Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy, and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience:

Because God has chosen you to be his people; and because he loves you, be compassionate to one another. Be kind to one another. Be humble. Be meek (OR, be considerate toward one another), be patient with one another,

You see, God loves you. He picked you to be his own special people. So you have to live a new way for him. You have to be good to other people. You have to feel sorry for people that have trouble and try to help them. Don’t think that you are more important than other people. You have to be easy on other people, and don’t get angry with them, even if they give you trouble.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Colossians 3:12

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Colossians 3:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ενδυσασθε ουν ως εκλεκτοι του θεου αγιοι και ηγαπημενοι σπλαγχνα οικτιρμου χρηστοτητα ταπεινοφροσυνην πραοτητα μακροθυμιαν
ενδυσασθε enduō G1746 to put on Verb-AMM-2P
ουν oun G3767 therefore/then Conj
ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv
εκλεκτοι eklektos G1588 select Adj-NPM
του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM
θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM
αγιοι hagios G40 holy Adj-NPM
και kai G2532 and Conj
ηγαπημενοι agapaō G25 to love Verb-RPP-NPM
σπλαγχνα splagchnon G4698 affection/entrails Noun-APN
οικτιρμου oiktirmos G3628 compassion Noun-GSM
χρηστοτητα chrēstotēs G5544 kindness Noun-ASF
ταπεινοφροσυνην tapeinophrosunē G5012 humility Noun-ASF
πραοτητα prautēs G4240 gentleness Noun-ASF
μακροθυμιαν makrothumia G3115 patience Noun-ASF
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Greek Word Reference — Colossians 3:12

ενδυσασθε enduō G1746 "to put on" Verb-AMM-2P
To put on clothes or armor, like in Matthew 6:25 and Ephesians 6:11, where we're told to clothe ourselves with God's protection. This word is used to describe physical and spiritual dressing. It's about covering ourselves with something, whether it's clothes or God's power.
Definition: ἐν-δύω (ἐνδύνω, 2Ti.3:6), [in LXX chiefly for לָבַשׁ ;] __1. with accusative of person(s), Mat.27:28 (WH, mg., R, mg.); with dupl. accusative, Mat.27:31, Mrk.15:20, Luk.15:22; mid., to put on oneself, be clothed with: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.6:25, Mrk.6:9, Luk.8:27 12:22, Act.12:21; ptcp., Mat.22:11, Mrk.1:6, 2Co.5:3, Rev.1:13 15:6 19:14; of armour (figuratively): Rom.13:12, Eph.6:11, 14, 1Th.5:8; metaphorically, δύναμιν, Luk.24:49; ἀφθαρσίαν, ἀθανασίαν, 1Co.15:53-54; τ. καινὸν ἄνθρωπον, Eph 4:24, Col.3:10; σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, Col.3:12; Ἰησ. Χριστόν, Rom.13:14, Gal.3:27, __2. to enter, press into: 2Ti.3:6 (cf. ἐπ-ενδύω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 26 NT verses. KJV: array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on See also: 1 Corinthians 15:53; Luke 24:49; Revelation 1:13.
ουν oun G3767 "therefore/then" Conj
This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.
Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.
ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv
This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.
Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.
εκλεκτοι eklektos G1588 "select" Adj-NPM
This word means select or favorite, often describing someone or something chosen by God. In Romans 16:13, it describes a chosen person, and in Luke 23:35, it refers to Jesus as the chosen one. It represents God's special selection and love.
Definition: ἐκ-λεκτός, -ή, -όν (ἐκλέγω), [in LXX for בָּחַר (so prob. in Isa.28:16, Pro.17:3, for MT בָּחַן), בָּרִיא, etc. ;] __1. choice, select (cl., rarely; Thuc., Plat., al.), hence, eminent: Rom.16:13 (cf. Eze.27:24). __2. As in Inscr. (MM, Exp., xii), chosen; esp. as in LXX, of Israel, elect, chosen of God (Isa.65:9, Psa.105:43, al.); so in NT; __(a) of Christ: Luk.23:35 (cf. Isa.42:1); figuratively, λίθος, 1Pe.2:4-6 (LXX); __(b) of holy angels: 1Ti.5:21; __(with) of Christians: Mat.24:22, 24, Mrk.13:20, 22 13:27, 2Ti.2:10, 1Pe.1:1; τ. θεοῦ, Luk.18:7, Rom.8:33, Col.3:12, Tit.1:1; τ. Χριστοῦ, Mat.24:31; ἐ. κυρία, II Jn 1; ἀδελφή, II Jn 13; γένος, 1Pe.2:9 (LXX); κλητοὶ καὶ ἐ. κ. πιστοί, Rev.17:14; opposite to κλητός (not so in Epp.; see Lft. on Col.3:12), Mat.20:16 (T, WH, txt., R, omit) Mat.22:14 (Cremer, 405, 775).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: chosen, elect See also: 1 Peter 1:1; Mark 13:20; 1 Peter 2:4.
του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM
This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.
Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.
αγιοι hagios G40 "holy" Adj-NPM
In the Bible, this word means holy or set apart, describing God and things dedicated to Him. It appears in Luke 1:49 and John 17:11, highlighting God's purity and majesty.
Definition: ἅγιος, -α, ον (τό ἅγός, religious awe; ἅζω, to venerate), [in LXX chiefly for קֹ֫דֶשׁ ;] primarily, dedicated to the gods, sacred (Hdt.; rare in Att., never in Hom., Hes. and Trag., who use ἁγνός), hence, holy, characteristic of God, separated to God, worthy of veneration. __1. Its highest application is to God himself, in his purity, majesty, and glory: Luk.1:49, Jhn.17:11, Rev.4:8. Hence __(a) of things and places which have a claim to reverence as sacred to God, e.g. the Temple: Mat.24:15, Heb.9:1; __(b) of persons employed by him, as angels: 1Th.3:13; prophets, Luk.1:70; apostles, Eph.3:5. __2. Applied to persons as separated to God's service: __(a) of Christ, Mrk.1:24, Jhn.6:69, Act.4:30; __(b) of Christians, Act.9:13, Rom.1:7, Heb.6:10, Rev.5:8. __3. In the moral sense of sharing God's purity: Mrk.6:20, Jhn.17:11, Act.3:14, Rev.3:7. __4. Of pure, clean sacrifices and offerings: 1Co.7:14, Eph.1:4. SYN.: ἁγνός, pure, both in ceremonial and spiritual sense; ἱερός (sacer), sacred, that which is inviolable because of its (external) relation to God; ὅσιος (sanctus as opposite to nefas), that which is based on everlasting ordinances of right. (Cf. Tr., Syn., §lxxxviii; DB, ii, 399 f.; Cremer, 34, 594-601; MM, VGT, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 228 NT verses. KJV: (most) holy (one, thing), saint See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 1:26; 1 Peter 1:12.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
ηγαπημενοι agapaō G25 "to love" Verb-RPP-NPM
To love means to show esteem and goodwill towards someone, as seen in Matthew 5:43 and John 8:42. This love is not just a feeling, but an action that is demonstrated towards others. It is a key concept in the Bible.
Definition: ἀγαπάω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for אהב ;] to love, to feel and exhibit esteem and goodwill to a person, to prize and delight in a thing. __1. Of human affection, to men: τ. πλησίον, Mat.5:43; τ. ἐχθρούς, ib. 44; to Christ, Jhn.8:42; to God, Mat.22:37; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.11:43, Jhn.12:43, Eph.5:25, II Tim 4:8, 10, Heb.1:9, 1Pe.2:17, 3:10, 2Pe.2:15, 1Jn.2:15, Rev.12:11. __2. Of divine love; __(a) God's love: to men, Rom.8:37; to Christ, Jhn.3:35; __(b) Christ's love: to men, Mrk.10:21; to God, Jhn.14:31; with cogn. accusative, Jhn.17:26, Eph.2:4. SYN.: φιλέω. From its supposed etymology (Thayer, LS; but see also Boisacq) ἀ. is commonly understood properly to denote love based on esteem (diligo), as distinct from that expressed by φιλέω (amo), spontaneous natural affection, emotional and unreasoning. If this distinction holds, ἀ. is fitly used in NT of Christian love to God and man, the spiritual affection which follows the direction of the will, and which, therefore, unlike that feeling which is instinctive and unreasoned, can be commanded as a duty. (Cf. ἀγάπη, and v. Tr., Syn. §xii; Cremer, 9, 592; and esp. MM, VGT, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 109 NT verses. KJV: (be-)love(-ed) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; John 3:35; 1 Peter 1:8.
σπλαγχνα splagchnon G4698 "affection/entrails" Noun-APN
The inward parts of the body, this word is also used to describe feelings of pity or sympathy, as seen in Acts 1:18 and Proverbs 12:10. It refers to the seat of emotions and feelings of mercy.
Definition: σπλάγχνον, -ου, τό mostly (in NT always) in pl., σπλάγχνα, -ων, τά, [in LXX: Pro.12:10 (רַחַם, elsewhere rendered by οἰκτιρμοί, Psa.25:6 40:12 and by ἔλεος, Isa.47:6), Pro.26:22 (בֶּטֶן), Wis.10:5, Sir.30:7, 2Ma.9:5 (6), al. ;] the inward parts (heart, liver, lungs, etc.; Lat. viscera): Act.1:18. Metaphorical, of the seat of the feelings and of the feelings themselves (in Gk. poets, of anger, anxiety, etc.), the heart, affections (the characteristic LXX and NT reference of the word to feelings of kindness, benevolence and pity, is found in π.; see MM, xxiii; cf. Lft. on Php.1:8): 2Co.6:12 7:15, Phm 7 12 20, 1Jn.3:17; σ. οἰκτιρμοῦ, Col.3:12; σ. καὶ οἰκτιρμοὶ, Php.2:1; σ. ἐλέους θεοῦ; ἡμῶν, Luk.1:78; σ. Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, Php.1:8.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: bowels, inward affection, + tender mercy See also: 1 John 3:17; Luke 1:78; Philippians 2:1.
οικτιρμου oiktirmos G3628 "compassion" Noun-GSM
This word means showing compassion or pity to others, like God does. It appears in Romans 12:1 and Hebrews 10:28, describing God's heart of compassion. We see it in Colossians 3:12 too.
Definition: οἰκτιρμός, -οῦ, ὁ (οἰκτείρω), [in LXX, usually in pl., chiefly for רַחַם ;] compassion, pity. σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, a heart of compassion, Col.3:12; in pl. (as LXX for Heb. רַחַם), οἰ. τ. θεοῦ, Rom.12:1, Heb.10:28; ό πατὴρ τῶν οἰ, 2Co.1:3; σπλάγχνα κ. οἰ., Php.2:1.† SYN.: ἔλεος, q.v (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: mercy See also: 2 Corinthians 1:3; Hebrews 10:28; Romans 12:1.
χρηστοτητα chrēstotēs G5544 "kindness" Noun-ASF
This word means kindness or goodness, describing a character trait that is morally excellent, as seen in Romans 2:4 and Galatians 5:22. It is about showing gentleness and compassion to others.
Definition: χρηστότης, -ητος, ἡ (χρηστός), [in LXX for טוּב and cogn. forms ;] __1. goodness, excellence, uprightness: Rom.3:12 (LXX). __2. goodness of heart, kindness: Rom.2:4, 2Co.6:6, Gal.5:22, Col.3:12, Tit.3:4; before ἐπί, with accusative of person(s), Eph.2:7; id., opposite to ἀποτομία, Rom.11:22. SYN.: see: ἀγαθωσύνη. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: gentleness, good(-ness), kindness See also: 2 Corinthians 6:6; Romans 2:4; Romans 3:12.
ταπεινοφροσυνην tapeinophrosunē G5012 "humility" Noun-ASF
The quality of being humble, like the humility Paul describes in Acts 20:19 and Ephesians 4:2.
Definition: ταπεινοφροσύνη, -ης, ἡ (ταπεινόφρων) lowliness of mind, humility: Act.20:19, Eph.4:2, Php.2:3, Col.3:12, 1Pe.5:5; of a false humility, Col.2:18, 23 (rare outside of NT, but found in bad sense in FlJ, BJ, iv, 9, 2; also in Epictet., see Tr., Syn., § xlii).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: humbleness of mind, humility (of mind, loneliness (of mind) See also: 1 Peter 5:5; Colossians 2:23; Philippians 2:3.
πραοτητα prautēs G4240 "gentleness" Noun-ASF
Gentleness, or meekness, is a quality of being humble and mild. It is seen in the Bible as a virtue, especially in 1 Corinthians 4:21 and Galatians 5:23.
Definition: πραΰτης (Rec. -ότης, exc. Ja, 1Pe, ll. with, where πρᾳύτης), -ητος, ἡ, late form of πραότης, [in LXX: Psa.45:4 90:10 132:1 (עַנְוָה, עֱנוּת, Est.5:1, Sir.6:1-37 * ;] gentleness, meekness: 1Co.4:21, 2Co.10:1, Gal.5:23 6:1, Eph.4:2, Col.3:12 (see Lft., in l), 2Ti_2:25, Tit.3:2, Jas.1:21 3:13, 1Pe.3:15.† SIN.: ἐπιεικία, q.v (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: meekness See also: 1 Corinthians 4:21; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15.
μακροθυμιαν makrothumia G3115 "patience" Noun-ASF
Patience refers to longanimity and fortitude, as seen in Colossians 1:11 and 2 Timothy 3:10. It involves experiencing troubles and difficulties with endurance, and is also a characteristic of God's forbearance in Romans 2:4.
Definition: μακροθυμία, -ας, ἡ (μακρό-θυμος), [in LXX: Pro.25:15 (אַף אֹרֶךְ), Jer.15:15 (אַף אָרֵךְ) Isa.57:15, Sir.5:11, 1Ma.8:4 * ;], patience, longsuffering: of men, esp. in experiencing troubles and difficulties, Col.1:11, 2Ti.3:10, Heb.6:12, Jas.5:10; of God's forbearance, Rom.2:4 9:22, 2Co.6:6, Gal.5:22, Eph.4:2, Col.3:12, 1Ti.1:16, 2Ti.4:2, 1Pe.3:20, 2Pe.3:15.† SYN.: ὑπομονή (cf. Lft., Col., 138; Tr., Syn., liii) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: longsuffering, patience See also: 1 Peter 3:20; Colossians 3:12; Hebrews 6:12.

Study Notes — Colossians 3:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
2 Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3 1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us.
4 2 Peter 1:5–8 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5 Galatians 5:22–23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
6 Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
7 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,
8 1 Peter 3:8–11 Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
9 James 3:17–18 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.
10 Romans 12:9–10 Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

Colossians 3:12 Summary

[This verse is calling us to live out our faith in a way that reflects the character of God, by being compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. This means treating others with love and respect, even when it's difficult, as we are called to in Matthew 22:37-40. As we do this, we are putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of our Creator, as mentioned in Colossians 3:10. By living out these virtues, we can demonstrate the love of Christ to a world in need of it.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be the 'elect of God' in Colossians 3:12?

To be the elect of God means to be chosen by Him for a special purpose, as seen in Ephesians 1:4, where it says we were chosen before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.

How can we 'clothe' ourselves with hearts of compassion and kindness as mentioned in this verse?

We can clothe ourselves with these virtues by following the example of Christ, who demonstrated compassion and kindness throughout His ministry, as seen in Matthew 9:36 and Luke 10:25-37, and by asking the Holy Spirit to help us grow in these areas, as promised in Galatians 5:22-23.

What is the relationship between being 'holy and beloved' and putting on virtues like humility and gentleness?

Being holy and beloved is a position we have in Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:2, and it is from this position that we are able to put on virtues like humility and gentleness, as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out our faith in a way that honors God, as mentioned in 2 Peter 1:3-8.

How does this verse relate to our relationships with others, especially those who may be difficult to get along with?

This verse is closely connected to our relationships with others, as it calls us to bear with one another and forgive any complaints we may have against someone else, as mentioned in Colossians 3:13, and to put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity, as stated in Colossians 3:14.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate compassion and kindness to those around me this week?
  2. How can I cultivate a heart of humility, and what are some practical steps I can take to put this virtue into practice?
  3. In what ways have I experienced the patience of God in my own life, and how can I extend this same patience to others?
  4. What are some areas where I struggle to forgive others, and how can I apply the principle of forgiveness mentioned in Colossians 3:13 to these situations?

Gill's Exposition on Colossians 3:12

Put on therefore,.... As the apostle had argued for the putting off of the members of the body, from their having put off the old man himself; so he now argues from their having put on the new man,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Colossians 3:12

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Put on therefore - As you have put on the new man, put on all its

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Colossians 3:12

Put on therefore: as he had mentioned some particular vices of the old man they were to put off, , he doth here infer, that they might be complete in Christ, there be particular virtues and graces of the new man they are to put on, or, being new creatures, continually to exercise themselves in. As the elect of God, holy and beloved; chosen of God before all time, and effectually called in time from the rest of mankind; see ,30 Ephesians 1:4,5 : saints not only by obsignation, but renewed by the sanctifying Spirit, ; beloved with a gratuitous and special love of complacency, . Bowels of mercies; he would have us put on, i.e. exercise, (being sanctified by the Spirit), mercy, not simply, but according to the Hebrew phrase, bowels of mercies, i.e. tendernesses of compassions, resenting the miseries of our brethren, as sharing with them in their sufferings, from our very heart: see . Kindness; courtesy and goodness, ; endeavouring to succour one another in all offices of benignity, . Humbleness of mind; a sincere (not an affected) lowliness of spirit: See Poole on "", See Poole on "". Meekness; gentleness and mildness, receiving one another with an open heart and pleasant countenance: see ,23 6:1 . Long-suffering; patience, bearing affronts and outrages, with other vexatious afflictions, without exasperation, abiding sedate after many wrongs offered, 4:2 .

Trapp's Commentary on Colossians 3:12

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Ver. 12. As the elect of God, holy and beloved] Therefore holy, because elect, and therefore beloved, because holy; as God’ s name is holy, and therefore reverend, Psalms 111:9. God chose his for his love, and now loves them for his choice. Bowels of mercies] Draw out thy soul as well as thy sheaf to the hungry, Isaiah 58:10. Steep thy thoughts in the mercies of God, saith one, and they will dye thine, as the dye vat doth the cloth. Humbleness of mind] Even to be content to "be trampled upon," as the word signifieth; or to be laid low as earth, as Paul, Philippians 4:12; to have a low mind in a high conversation, as Athanasius (υφηλουβιαςταπεινονφρονημα). Humility is the veil of a Christian, that maketh the bride look most lovely. ταπεινος, quasi πατεινος, vel εδαφεινος.

Ellicott's Commentary on Colossians 3:12

[5. Practical Exhortation, General. (1) .—To MORTIFY THE OLD MAN, by fleeing from— (a) Uncleanness and lust (Colossians 3:5-7);(b) Wrath and malice (Colossians 3:8); (c) Falsehood (Colossians 3:9). (2) .—To PUT ON THE NEW MAN, making Christ our “all in all.” (a) In love and peace, as shown in mercy, humility, patience, and forgiveness (Colossians 3:10-15); (b) In thanksgiving (Colossians 3:16);(c) In living to the glory of God (Colossians 3:17); (The whole of this section stands in close parallelism, frequently in verbal coincidence, with Ephesians 4:20 to Ephesians 6:9. There are, however, constantly emerging indications of independence of handling. Generally speaking, the Ephesian Epistle is fuller and deeper in treatment; and, moreover, it constantly brings out, in relation both to moral duty and to the observation of the relations of life, the great characteristic doctrine of the universal unity in Christ. This Epistle, on the other hand, is briefer and more incisive, and has only slight, though clear, indications of the idea so powerfully worked out in the other Epistle.)]

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Colossians 3:12

Verse 12. Put on - as the elect of God] As the principal design of the apostle was to show that God had chosen the Gentiles, and called them to the same privileges as the Jews, and intended to make them as truly his people as the Jews ever were, he calls them the elect or chosen of God; and as the Jews, who were formerly the elect, were still beloved, and called to be holy, so he calls the Colossians beloved, and shows them that they are called with the same holy calling. Bowels of mercies, c.] Be merciful, not in act merely, but in spirit and affection. In all cases of this kind let your heart dictate to your hand be clothed with bowels of mercy-let your tenderest feelings come in contact with the miseries of the distressed as soon as ever they present themselves. Though I know that to put on, and to be clothed with, are figurative expressions, and mean to assume such and such characters and qualities; yet there may be a higher meaning here. The apostle would have them to feel the slightest touch of another's misery; and, as their clothes are put over their body, so their tenderest feeling should be always within the reach of the miserable. Let your feelings be at hand, and feel and commiserate as soon as touched. See Clarke on Ephesians 4:2. Instead of οικτιρμον mercies, in the plural, almost every MS. of importance, with many of the fathers, read οικτιρμου, bowels of mercy, in the singular. This various reading makes scarcely any alteration in the sense.

Cambridge Bible on Colossians 3:12

12–17. Universal Holiness: the positive side12. Put on therefore] They had already “taken off the old Man” and “put on the new” (Colossians 3:9, and notes). But the ideal would need to be made real, in obedient faith.the elect of God] For the same phrase (or nearly), cp. Matthew 24:31; Luke 18:7; Romans 8:33; Titus 1:1; and cp. Mark 13:20; John 13:18; John 15:16; John 15:19; Romans 9:11; Romans 11:5; Romans 11:7; Romans 11:28; 1 Corinthians 1:27-28; Ephesians 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:10.—The word rendered “elect” (and its cognates) is generally used in the N.T., where the highest level of Divine purpose, or spiritual privilege, is in view, and with a tendency to emphasize the sovereign and (humanly) uncaused mercy of the “choice.” See our note on Ephesians 1:4.—At the same time the truth of a sovereign choice is constantly found in connexions where (as here) practical holiness is in view. See e.g. Romans 8:29. It is mentioned here only to enforce the most practical “obligations of nobility.”beloved] In the Greek, a perfect participle passive (so 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13), indicating the settlement and fixity of the Divine love; “on whom He has set His love.” On the application to a whole community of such terms as those used in this verse, see above on Colossians 1:2.bowels of mercies] Better perhaps a heart of compassion; having regard to the English use of the word “heart” as a symbol for tenderness of feeling. See our notes on Philippians 1:8; Philemon 1:7.kindness] Almost, sweetness; the character which offers sympathy and invites confidence. See Trench, N.T. Synonyms, Second Series, § xiii.humbleness of mind] One word in the Greek.—See above on Colossians 2:18; Colossians 2:23, for the same word (there rendered in A.V. “humility”) in a very different context. It occurs Ephesians 4:2 (A.V., “lowliness”); Philippians 2:3 (A.V., “lowliness of mind”); where see notes in this Series.—The word is not older in Greek than the N.T., and the grace is essentially Christian, the attitude of a soul which has lost its pride in the discovery of the mercy of its salvation.meekness] Grouped similarly with “humbleness” Ephesians 4:2; where see note in this Series. It is the grace of submission under trial.longsuffering] See note, ch. Colossians 1:11.

Barnes' Notes on Colossians 3:12

Put on, therefore, as the elect of God - The fact that you thus belong to one and the same church; that you have been redeemed by the sameblood, and chosen by the same grace, and that you are all

Whedon's Commentary on Colossians 3:12

b. Duty in culture and exercise of Christian graces, Colossians 3:12-14.12.

Sermons on Colossians 3:12

SermonDescription
Francis Chan A New Attitude Towards People by Francis Chan This sermon emphasizes the transformation believers undergo when they accept Christ, becoming new creations and living differently from the world's patterns. It delves into the imp
David Wilkerson That Dreadful Day (Coming Economic Collapse) David Wilkerson by David Wilkerson This sermon from 2 Peter 3 discusses the impending day of the Lord, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared and live in holiness and godliness. The message warns of comin
A.W. Tozer Risen With Christ by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of seeking heavenly treasures and putting off worldly desires. He emphasizes that being a Christian requires intentional effo
C.J. Mahaney The Perils of Pride by C.J. Mahaney This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle with pride as a hindrance to humility. The speaker shares personal experiences and practica
Stephen Kaung Fundamentals: The Headship of Christ by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the corporate life or the body life in the church. They highlight that the key principle for living this body life is the h
Stephen Olford (The Sufficiency of the Saviour) 2. for Church Life by Stephen Olford In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of compassion in the life of a Christian. He contrasts the lack of mercy in the ancient world with the transformative power of
Dana Congdon (Spiritual Fullness #2) Have This Mind in You by Dana Congdon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life worthy of the calling we have received in Christ. He encourages believers to walk in humility, gentleness, pa

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