From these high flights into the eternal and divine, Paul turns to the daily duties of the home, and demands that in the simplest domestic concerns the disciple should ever keep in mind the high claims of Christ. No act of life can be left outside the sacred enclosure of His everlasting love. As the moon affects the tides around the world, even in the smallest indentations of the coast, so must the power of Christ's resurrection make itself felt in the behavior of the servant and the child.
It is especially beautiful to notice the Apostle's constant reference to the bond-slaves who formed so important an element in the early Church. There they learned that in Christ all souls were free, and that in Him also master and slave were brethren. Stealing out at night from the arduous labors of his lot, many a poor slave would return with new conceptions of his daily tasks, to be applied to the service rendered to his Lord. No angel in heaven's high temple has more definite service to the King than any honest and industrious servant may daily render to Jesus. Here is the dignity of labor indeed! And, masters, remember your Master. [source]
Chapter Summary: Colossians 3
1He shows where we should seek Christ 5He exhorts to holiness; 10to put off the old self, and put on Christ; 12exhorting to charity, humility, 18and other duties
Greek Commentary for Colossians 3:25
Shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done [κομισεται ο ηδικησεν] It is not clear whether ο αδικων ho adikōn (he that doeth wrong) is the master or the slave. It is true of either and Lightfoot interprets it of both, “shall receive back the wrong which he did.” This is a general law of life and of God and it is fair and square. [source]
There is no respect of persons [ουκ εστιν προσωπολημπσια] There is with men, but not with God. For this word patterned after the Hebrew see note on Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; James 2:1 The next verse should be in this chapter also. [source]
He that doeth wrong [ὁ ἀδικῶν] Compare Philemon 1:18. The reference is primarily to the slave; but the following clause extends it to the master. If the slave do wrong, he shall be punished; but the master who does wrong will not be excused, for there is no respect of persons. Tychicus, who carried this letter to Colossae, carried at the same time the letter to Philemon, and escorted Onesimns to his master. [source]
Respect of persons [] See on James 2:1. In the Old Testament it has, more commonly, a good sense, of kindly reception, favorable regard. In the New Testament always a bad sense, which came to it through the meaning of mask which attached to πρόσωπον facei0. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Colossians 3:25
Acts 10:34I perceive [katalambanomai)] Aoristic present middle of katalambanō to take hold of, the middle noting mental action, to lay hold with the mind (Acts 4:13; Acts 10:34; Acts 25:25; Ephesians 3:18). It had been a difficult thing for Peter to grasp, but now “of a truth” This compound occurs only here and in Chrysostom. It is composed of prosōpon face or person (pros and ops before the eye or face) and lambanō The abstract form prosōpolēmpsia occurs in James 2:1 (also Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25) and the verb prosōpolempteō in James 2:9. The separate phrase (lambanein prosōpon) occurs in Luke 20:21; Galatians 2:6. The phrase was already in the lxx (Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Ps 82:6). Luke has simply combined the two words into one compound one. The idea is to pay regard to one‘s looks or circumstances rather than to his intrinsic character. The Jews had come to feel that they were the favourites of God and actually sons of the kingdom of heaven because they were descendants of Abraham. John the Baptist rebuked them for this fallacy. [source]
Romans 2:11Respect of persons [προσωπολημπσια] Milligan (Vocabulary) considers this word (in N.T. only here, Colossians 3:25; Ephesians 6:9) and προσωπολημπτης prosōpolēmptēs (Acts 10:34) and προσωπολημπτεω prosōpolēmpteō (James 2:9) the earliest definitely known Christian words, not in lxx or non-Christian writings. See note on Acts 10:34 for the formation in imitation of the Hebrew to take note of the face (prosōponlambanō), to judge by the face or appearance. [source]
Ephesians 6:8Whatsoever good thing each one doeth [εκαστος εαν τι ποιησηι αγατον] Literally, “each one if he do anything good.” Condition of third class, undetermined, but with prospect. Note use here of αγατον agathon rather than αδικον adikon (one doing wrong) in Colossians 3:25. So it is a reward (κομισεται komisetai) for good, not a penalty for wrong, though both are true, “whether he be bond or free” (ειτε δουλος ειτε ελευτερος eite doulos eite eleutheros). [source]
James 2:1Hold not [μη εχετε] Present active imperative of εχω echō with negative μη mē exhortation to stop holding or not to have the habit of holding in the fashion condemned.The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ (την πιστιν του κυριου ημων Ιησου Χριστου tēn pistin tou kuriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou). Clearly objective genitive, not subjective (faith of), but “faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,” like εχετε πιστιν τεου echete pistin theou (Mark 11:22), “have faith in God.” See the same objective genitive with πιστις pistis in Acts 3:6; Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:22; Revelation 14:12. Note also the same combination as in James 1:1 “our Lord Jesus Christ” (there on a par with God).The Lord of Glory Simply “the Glory.” No word for “Lord” A Christian word, like προσωπολημπτης prosōpolēmptēs (Acts 10:34) and προσωπολημπτειτε prosōpolēmpteite (James 2:9), not in lxx or any previous Greek, but made from προσωπον λαμβανειν prosōpon lambanein (Luke 20:21; Galatians 2:6), which is α a Hebrew idiom for panim nasa, “to lift up the face on a person,” to be favorable and so partial to him. See προσωπολημπσια prosōpolēmpsia in this sense of partiality (respect of persons) in Romans 2:11; Colossians 3:25; Ephesians 6:9 (nowhere else in N.T.). Do not show partiality. [source]
James 2:1The Lord of Glory [της δοχης] Simply “the Glory.” No word for “Lord” A Christian word, like προσωπολημπτης prosōpolēmptēs (Acts 10:34) and προσωπολημπτειτε prosōpolēmpteite (James 2:9), not in lxx or any previous Greek, but made from προσωπον λαμβανειν prosōpon lambanein (Luke 20:21; Galatians 2:6), which is α a Hebrew idiom for panim nasa, “to lift up the face on a person,” to be favorable and so partial to him. See προσωπολημπσια prosōpolēmpsia in this sense of partiality (respect of persons) in Romans 2:11; Colossians 3:25; Ephesians 6:9 (nowhere else in N.T.). Do not show partiality. [source]
James 2:1With respect of persons [εν προσωπολημπσιαις] A Christian word, like προσωπολημπτης prosōpolēmptēs (Acts 10:34) and προσωπολημπτειτε prosōpolēmpteite (James 2:9), not in lxx or any previous Greek, but made from προσωπον λαμβανειν prosōpon lambanein (Luke 20:21; Galatians 2:6), which is α a Hebrew idiom for panim nasa, “to lift up the face on a person,” to be favorable and so partial to him. See προσωπολημπσια prosōpolēmpsia in this sense of partiality (respect of persons) in Romans 2:11; Colossians 3:25; Ephesians 6:9 (nowhere else in N.T.). Do not show partiality. [source]
1 Peter 1:9Receiving [κομιζόμενοι] The verb originally means to take care of or provide for; thence to receive hospitably or entertain; to bring home with a view to entertaining or taking care of. Hence, to carry away so as to preserve, to save, rescue, and so to carry away as a prize or booty. Generally, to receive or acquire. Paul uses it of receiving the awards of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 6:8; Colossians 3:25). In Hebrews it is used of receiving the promise (Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 11:39), and of Abraham receiving back Isaac (Hebrews 11:19). Peter uses it thrice, and in each case of receiving the rewards of righteousness or of iniquity. See 1 Peter 5:4; 2 Peter 2:13. [source]
What do the individual words in Colossians 3:25 mean?
The [one]fordoing wrongwill be repaid [for]whathe has done wrongandnotthere ispartiality
Greek Commentary for Colossians 3:25
It is not clear whether ο αδικων ho adikōn (he that doeth wrong) is the master or the slave. It is true of either and Lightfoot interprets it of both, “shall receive back the wrong which he did.” This is a general law of life and of God and it is fair and square. [source]
There is with men, but not with God. For this word patterned after the Hebrew see note on Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; James 2:1 The next verse should be in this chapter also. [source]
Compare Philemon 1:18. The reference is primarily to the slave; but the following clause extends it to the master. If the slave do wrong, he shall be punished; but the master who does wrong will not be excused, for there is no respect of persons. Tychicus, who carried this letter to Colossae, carried at the same time the letter to Philemon, and escorted Onesimns to his master. [source]
See on 1 Peter 1:8. Compare Ephesians 6:8. [source]
See on James 2:1. In the Old Testament it has, more commonly, a good sense, of kindly reception, favorable regard. In the New Testament always a bad sense, which came to it through the meaning of mask which attached to πρόσωπον facei0. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Colossians 3:25
Aoristic present middle of katalambanō to take hold of, the middle noting mental action, to lay hold with the mind (Acts 4:13; Acts 10:34; Acts 25:25; Ephesians 3:18). It had been a difficult thing for Peter to grasp, but now “of a truth” This compound occurs only here and in Chrysostom. It is composed of prosōpon face or person (pros and ops before the eye or face) and lambanō The abstract form prosōpolēmpsia occurs in James 2:1 (also Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25) and the verb prosōpolempteō in James 2:9. The separate phrase (lambanein prosōpon) occurs in Luke 20:21; Galatians 2:6. The phrase was already in the lxx (Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Ps 82:6). Luke has simply combined the two words into one compound one. The idea is to pay regard to one‘s looks or circumstances rather than to his intrinsic character. The Jews had come to feel that they were the favourites of God and actually sons of the kingdom of heaven because they were descendants of Abraham. John the Baptist rebuked them for this fallacy. [source]
Milligan (Vocabulary) considers this word (in N.T. only here, Colossians 3:25; Ephesians 6:9) and προσωπολημπτης prosōpolēmptēs (Acts 10:34) and προσωπολημπτεω prosōpolēmpteō (James 2:9) the earliest definitely known Christian words, not in lxx or non-Christian writings. See note on Acts 10:34 for the formation in imitation of the Hebrew to take note of the face (prosōponlambanō), to judge by the face or appearance. [source]
See on 1 Peter 1:8. Compare Ephesians 6:8; Colossians 3:25. [source]
See on James 2:1; see on Colossians 3:25. [source]
See on 1 Peter 1:8; compare Colossians 3:25. [source]
Literally, “each one if he do anything good.” Condition of third class, undetermined, but with prospect. Note use here of αγατον agathon rather than αδικον adikon (one doing wrong) in Colossians 3:25. So it is a reward (κομισεται komisetai) for good, not a penalty for wrong, though both are true, “whether he be bond or free” (ειτε δουλος ειτε ελευτερος eite doulos eite eleutheros). [source]
Present active imperative of εχω echō with negative μη mē exhortation to stop holding or not to have the habit of holding in the fashion condemned.The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ (την πιστιν του κυριου ημων Ιησου Χριστου tēn pistin tou kuriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou). Clearly objective genitive, not subjective (faith of), but “faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,” like εχετε πιστιν τεου echete pistin theou (Mark 11:22), “have faith in God.” See the same objective genitive with πιστις pistis in Acts 3:6; Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:22; Revelation 14:12. Note also the same combination as in James 1:1 “our Lord Jesus Christ” (there on a par with God).The Lord of Glory Simply “the Glory.” No word for “Lord” A Christian word, like προσωπολημπτης prosōpolēmptēs (Acts 10:34) and προσωπολημπτειτε prosōpolēmpteite (James 2:9), not in lxx or any previous Greek, but made from προσωπον λαμβανειν prosōpon lambanein (Luke 20:21; Galatians 2:6), which is α a Hebrew idiom for panim nasa, “to lift up the face on a person,” to be favorable and so partial to him. See προσωπολημπσια prosōpolēmpsia in this sense of partiality (respect of persons) in Romans 2:11; Colossians 3:25; Ephesians 6:9 (nowhere else in N.T.). Do not show partiality. [source]
Simply “the Glory.” No word for “Lord” A Christian word, like προσωπολημπτης prosōpolēmptēs (Acts 10:34) and προσωπολημπτειτε prosōpolēmpteite (James 2:9), not in lxx or any previous Greek, but made from προσωπον λαμβανειν prosōpon lambanein (Luke 20:21; Galatians 2:6), which is α a Hebrew idiom for panim nasa, “to lift up the face on a person,” to be favorable and so partial to him. See προσωπολημπσια prosōpolēmpsia in this sense of partiality (respect of persons) in Romans 2:11; Colossians 3:25; Ephesians 6:9 (nowhere else in N.T.). Do not show partiality. [source]
A Christian word, like προσωπολημπτης prosōpolēmptēs (Acts 10:34) and προσωπολημπτειτε prosōpolēmpteite (James 2:9), not in lxx or any previous Greek, but made from προσωπον λαμβανειν prosōpon lambanein (Luke 20:21; Galatians 2:6), which is α a Hebrew idiom for panim nasa, “to lift up the face on a person,” to be favorable and so partial to him. See προσωπολημπσια prosōpolēmpsia in this sense of partiality (respect of persons) in Romans 2:11; Colossians 3:25; Ephesians 6:9 (nowhere else in N.T.). Do not show partiality. [source]
The verb originally means to take care of or provide for; thence to receive hospitably or entertain; to bring home with a view to entertaining or taking care of. Hence, to carry away so as to preserve, to save, rescue, and so to carry away as a prize or booty. Generally, to receive or acquire. Paul uses it of receiving the awards of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 6:8; Colossians 3:25). In Hebrews it is used of receiving the promise (Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 11:39), and of Abraham receiving back Isaac (Hebrews 11:19). Peter uses it thrice, and in each case of receiving the rewards of righteousness or of iniquity. See 1 Peter 5:4; 2 Peter 2:13. [source]