King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:10 Mean?

Colossians 3:10 in the King James Version says “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”

Colossians 3:10 · KJV

Context

8

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9

Lie not one to another , seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

10

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

12

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Conversion involves both negative (putting off) and positive (putting on). "Have put on" (endysamenoi, ἐνδυσάμενοι) continues clothing metaphor: believers clothed themselves with "the new man" (ton neon, τὸν νέον), the new identity in Christ. This isn't self-improvement but new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

This new man "is renewed in knowledge" (anakainoumenon eis epignōsin, ἀνακαινούμενον εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν), present participle indicating ongoing renewal toward fuller knowledge of God. "After the image of him that created him" (kat' eikona tou ktisantos auton, κατ' εἰκόνα τοῦ κτίσαντος αὐτὸν) echoes Genesis 1:27—redemption restores humanity to God's image, marred by fall, progressively renewed until glorification. Christ is the perfect image (1:15); believers are being conformed to His likeness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greek philosophy sought self-improvement through education and discipline. Judaism emphasized law-keeping. Christianity uniquely teaches new creation—not renovating old nature but receiving entirely new identity through union with Christ. This newness begins at conversion (justification) and progresses throughout life (sanctification), culminating in resurrection (glorification). The process is divine work, not human achievement, though believers cooperate through obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you pursue holiness through self-improvement or through deepening your new identity in Christ?
  2. What evidence of progressive renewal exists in your life—growing knowledge of God and conformity to Christ?
  3. How does recognizing you're being remade in God's image affect self-perception and purpose?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐνδυσάμενοι2 of 13

“have put on”

G1746

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ3 of 13

“man which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νέον4 of 13

“the new”

G3501

"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate

τοῦ5 of 13

“man which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνακαινούμενον6 of 13

“is renewed”

G341

to renovate

εἰς7 of 13

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἐπίγνωσιν8 of 13

“knowledge”

G1922

recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

κατ'9 of 13

“after”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

εἰκόνα10 of 13

“the image of him”

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

τοῦ11 of 13

“man which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κτίσαντος12 of 13

“that created”

G2936

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)

αὐτόν13 of 13

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 3:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:23-24Romans 12:2Ephesians 2:102 Corinthians 5:17Colossians 3:12Psalms 51:10

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