Colossians 3:7 - You also once walked in those, when you lived in them;

Generated Verse: Colossians 3:7

What does "Colossians 3:7" mean?


Colossians 3:7 is part of a larger passage (Colossians 3:5-10) where Paul is urging the Colossians to put off their old selves and put on their new selves in Christ. Understanding the context is crucial to understanding the verse.

Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:

"You also once walked in those...": The "those" refers back to the list of vices Paul mentions in the preceding verses (Colossians 3:5-6). This list typically includes things like:

Sexual immorality
Impurity
Passion
Evil desire
Covetousness (which is idolatry)
Anger
Wrath
Malice
Slander
Obscene talk

"Walked in those" is a metaphor for living a life characterized by those behaviors. It means that the Colossians used to habitually engage in those sins, making them a part of their daily life and character. It implies that they didn't just occasionally stumble into these sins, but that they actively and deliberately walked down that path.

"...when you lived in them;": This reinforces the idea that these sins were not just external actions, but were deeply ingrained in their way of life. "Lived in them" suggests that these sins were the defining characteristic of their former existence, their old self. It emphasizes the degree to which these vices shaped their thoughts, actions, and identity before they came to Christ. It meant that the behaviors in which they were engaged were how they had learned to survive and exist in the world.

In essence, the verse means:

"There was a time in your life, before you became Christians, when you regularly practiced these sins. These sins were not just isolated incidents, but were a consistent part of your life, defining who you were and how you lived."

Key takeaways:

Reminder of the Past: It serves as a reminder of their life before Christ. Paul is emphasizing the transformation that has taken place in their lives through faith in Jesus.
Motivation for Change: By reminding them of their past, Paul is motivating them to live differently now. They have been set free from those sins and should no longer live as slaves to them.
Understanding of Grace: The verse implicitly highlights the grace of God. He rescued them from a life dominated by sin and gave them a new life in Christ.
Emphasis on Transformation: The verse underscores the dramatic transformation that occurs when someone becomes a Christian. They are no longer defined by their old habits and desires.

In simpler terms: "You used to live that way, engaging in those sins all the time. But that's no longer who you are."

What categories does "Colossians 3:7" have?