Colossians 3:8 - but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Colossians 3:8" mean?
Colossians 3:8 is a call to action, a direct command for believers to actively discard specific negative behaviors and attitudes. Let's break it down:
"But now you also put them all away..." This is a turning point. "But now" emphasizes the contrast between the believer's old life (presumably lived according to worldly standards) and their new life in Christ. "Put them all away" is a strong imperative. It's not a suggestion, but a command to actively and decisively get rid of these things. It implies a conscious effort and a commitment to change. The imagery is of taking off old, dirty garments.
"...anger..." This refers to a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility. It can range from mild irritation to furious rage. The Greek word used here often implies a settled, habitual anger rather than a momentary flare-up.
"...wrath..." This is often considered a more intense and explosive form of anger, often involving a desire for revenge or retribution. It's a violent outburst of anger.
"...malice..." This speaks to a desire to do harm to others. It's ill will, spitefulness, and a deliberate intention to cause pain or suffering. It's a deep-seated malevolence.
"...slander..." This refers to speaking falsely about someone to damage their reputation. It's defamation, backbiting, and spreading rumors or lies.
"...shameful speaking out of your mouth." This encompasses a wide range of inappropriate or offensive language, including foul language, crude jokes, insults, and any speech that is dishonoring or hurtful. It highlights the importance of controlling one's tongue and using words for good.
In summary, the verse means:
As believers in Christ, you must actively and consciously get rid of these destructive behaviors and attitudes: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and any kind of shameful or harmful speech. You should view these traits as incompatible with your new identity in Christ.
Key Implications:
Transformation is expected: Becoming a Christian involves a real change in behavior, not just a change in belief.
Active effort is required: Overcoming these negative traits isn't automatic. It requires a deliberate and ongoing effort to resist temptation and cultivate positive alternatives like love, kindness, and forgiveness.
Speech matters: The verse highlights the importance of controlling our tongues and using our words to build up, not tear down.
Holistic Change: These are not isolated incidents but are rather a part of the 'old self' that needs to be discarded to live in the 'new self' which is being renewed in the image of God.
The verse encourages believers to actively work toward living a life that reflects Christ's character, shedding the negative aspects of their former selves and embracing a new way of relating to others.
Colossians 3:8 - but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
What does "Colossians 3:8" mean?
Colossians 3:8 is a call to action, a direct command for believers to actively discard specific negative behaviors and attitudes. Let's break it down:
"But now you also put them all away..." This is a turning point. "But now" emphasizes the contrast between the believer's old life (presumably lived according to worldly standards) and their new life in Christ. "Put them all away" is a strong imperative. It's not a suggestion, but a command to actively and decisively get rid of these things. It implies a conscious effort and a commitment to change. The imagery is of taking off old, dirty garments.
"...anger..." This refers to a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility. It can range from mild irritation to furious rage. The Greek word used here often implies a settled, habitual anger rather than a momentary flare-up.
"...wrath..." This is often considered a more intense and explosive form of anger, often involving a desire for revenge or retribution. It's a violent outburst of anger.
"...malice..." This speaks to a desire to do harm to others. It's ill will, spitefulness, and a deliberate intention to cause pain or suffering. It's a deep-seated malevolence.
"...slander..." This refers to speaking falsely about someone to damage their reputation. It's defamation, backbiting, and spreading rumors or lies.
"...shameful speaking out of your mouth." This encompasses a wide range of inappropriate or offensive language, including foul language, crude jokes, insults, and any speech that is dishonoring or hurtful. It highlights the importance of controlling one's tongue and using words for good.
In summary, the verse means:
As believers in Christ, you must actively and consciously get rid of these destructive behaviors and attitudes: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and any kind of shameful or harmful speech. You should view these traits as incompatible with your new identity in Christ.
Key Implications:
Transformation is expected: Becoming a Christian involves a real change in behavior, not just a change in belief.
Active effort is required: Overcoming these negative traits isn't automatic. It requires a deliberate and ongoing effort to resist temptation and cultivate positive alternatives like love, kindness, and forgiveness.
Speech matters: The verse highlights the importance of controlling our tongues and using our words to build up, not tear down.
Holistic Change: These are not isolated incidents but are rather a part of the 'old self' that needs to be discarded to live in the 'new self' which is being renewed in the image of God.
The verse encourages believers to actively work toward living a life that reflects Christ's character, shedding the negative aspects of their former selves and embracing a new way of relating to others.