King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:16 Mean?

Colossians 3:16 in the King James Version says “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and s... — study this verse from Colossians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16 · KJV


Context

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.

16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

18

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (ho logos tou Christou enoikeitō en hymin plousiōs, ὁ λόγος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐνοικείτω ἐν ὑμῖν πλουσίως) commands making Scripture central to Christian life. "Dwell richly" indicates abundant, saturating presence—not occasional Scripture reading but continuous engagement transforming mind and life.

This Scripture-saturation produces community effects: "teaching and admonishing one another" (didaskontes kai nouthetountes heautous, διδάσκοντες καὶ νουθετοῦντες ἑαυτούς)—mutual instruction and correction. The medium: "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" encompassing various musical forms. "Singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (en tē chariti adontes en tais kardiais hymōn tō theō, ἐν τῇ χάριτι ᾄδοντες ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν τῷ θεῷ) indicates music's dual direction: vertical (to God) and horizontal (mutual edification).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christianity was singing movement—hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs featured prominently in worship and daily life. Some NT portions may be early hymns (Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15-20). Music embedded theology in memory, making truth accessible to illiterate believers and creating corporate worship experience. Pagan critics noted Christian singing even noted by pagan critics. This singing culture sustained believers through persecution and transmitted faith across generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How richly does Christ's word dwell in you—occasional interaction or saturating abundance?
  2. How do you use music for mutual teaching and admonition versus mere entertainment?
  3. What practical steps would fill your mind and heart more richly with Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
1 of 30
G3588

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

λόγος2 of 30

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ3 of 30
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ4 of 30

of Christ

G5547

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

ἐνοικείτω5 of 30

Let

G1774

to inhabit (figuratively)

ἐν6 of 30

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν7 of 30

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

πλουσίως8 of 30

richly

G4146

copiously

ἐν9 of 30

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πάσῃ10 of 30

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σοφίᾳ11 of 30

wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

διδάσκοντες12 of 30

teaching

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

καὶ13 of 30

and

G2532

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

νουθετοῦντες14 of 30

admonishing

G3560

to put in mind, i.e., (by implication) to caution or reprove gently

ἑαυτοὺς15 of 30

one another

G1438

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

ψαλμοῖς16 of 30

psalms

G5568

a set piece of music, i.e., a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a "psalm"); collectively, the book of the psalms

καὶ17 of 30

and

G2532

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

ὕμνοις18 of 30

hymns

G5215

probably akin to g0103; compare h5667); a "hymn" or religious ode (one of the psalms)

καὶ19 of 30

and

G2532

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

ᾠδαῖς20 of 30

songs

G5603

a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially

πνευματικαῖς21 of 30

spiritual

G4152

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou

ἐν22 of 30

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

χάριτι23 of 30

grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ᾄδοντες24 of 30

singing

G103

to sing

ἐν25 of 30

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ26 of 30
G3588

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

καρδίᾳ27 of 30

hearts

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

ὑμῶν28 of 30

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τῷ29 of 30
G3588

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

Κυρίῳ30 of 30

to the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)


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 3:16 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 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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