Colossians 3

Colossians 3 calls believers to set their affection on things above, put off the old self and put on the new, and do everything — word or deed — in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The Book of Colossians · New Testament · chapter 3 of 4.

Where this chapter sits

Following two chapters warning against rival teachings and legalistic regulations pressing on this congregation, the letter turns to what a settled identity looks like in practice. Clothing supplies the governing image, laying aside old habits like a worn garment and putting on a new set that includes compassion and patience, with the reminder that in this new identity the old distinctions of ethnicity and status no longer divide. Household instructions follow in the second half.

Key verses (KJV)

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17 (KJV)

What to notice as you read

Look at how the wardrobe language works as structure, off, then on, cataloguing vices before naming their replacements one for one. The chapter's closing formula, whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, generalizes everything before it into a single standard applied to any action at all.

Read Colossians 3 on your iPhone

Read the full text of Colossians 3 in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.

Other chapters worth reading

• Hebrews 11
• James 1
• 1 John 4
• Revelation 21

Explore more

• Full overview of Colossians
• Read the whole Bible offline
• Today's verse of the day

Frequently asked questions

Where does Colossians 3 come in Colossians?

It is chapter 3 of 4 in Colossians, a book of Epistle in the New Testament. The other widely-read chapters of Colossians are linked further down this page.

Where can I read Colossians 3?

Read the full text of Colossians 3 — and the whole Bible, offline, in your preferred translation — free in the Quiethaven app for iPhone.