King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:13 Mean?

Colossians 3:13 in the King James Version says “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so... — study this verse from Colossians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. quarrel: or, complaint

Colossians 3:13 · KJV


Context

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;

13

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. quarrel: or, complaint

14

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Paul focuses on relational dynamics within Christian community. "Forbearing" (anechomenoi, ἀνεχόμενοι, bearing with, tolerating) recognizes that believers will annoy and disappoint each other. "Forgiving" (charizomenoi, χαριζόμενοι, graciously releasing) uses the grace-word group—forgiveness as grace, not debt repayment.

"If any man have a quarrel" (ean tis pros tina echē momphēn, ἐάν τις πρός τινα ἔχῃ μομφήν) acknowledges real conflicts will arise. The standard: "even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye" (kathōs kai ho Kyrios echaris ato hymin, houtōs kai hymeis, καθὼς καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἐχαρίσατο ὑμῖν, οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς). Christ's forgiveness—undeserved, complete, costly—models believers' forgiveness. Those forgiven much must forgive others (Matthew 18:23-35). Refusing forgiveness denies grace's reality.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient honor-shame cultures required defending reputation and avenging wrongs. Forgiveness was weakness; vengeance proved strength. Jesus's and Paul's teaching on forgiveness was radically countercultural, requiring supernatural grace to implement. Early Christian communities' ability to maintain unity through mutual forbearance and forgiveness testified powerfully to gospel transformation, creating functional communities where Roman society featured constant rivalry and factional conflict.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who do you need to forbear with and forgive, and what prevents you from extending grace?
  2. How does meditating on Christ's forgiveness of you enable forgiving others who've wronged you?
  3. What unresolved conflicts or unforgiveness currently hinder your Christian relationships and church unity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἀνεχόμενοι1 of 20

Forbearing

G430

to hold oneself up against, i.e., (figuratively) put up with

ἀλλήλων2 of 20

one another

G240

one another

καὶ3 of 20

also

G2532

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

ἐχαρίσατο4 of 20

forgave

G5483

to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue

ἑαυτοῖς5 of 20

one another

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἐάν6 of 20

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τινα7 of 20

any

G5100

some or any person or object

πρός8 of 20

against

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τινα9 of 20

any

G5100

some or any person or object

ἔχῃ10 of 20

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

μομφήν·11 of 20

a quarrel

G3437

blame, i.e., (by implication), a fault

καθὼς12 of 20

even as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ13 of 20

also

G2532

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

14 of 20
G3588

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

Χριστὸς15 of 20

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἐχαρίσατο16 of 20

forgave

G5483

to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue

ὑμῖν17 of 20

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

οὕτως18 of 20

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ19 of 20

also

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς·20 of 20

do ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)


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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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