King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:5 Mean?

Colossians 3:5 in the King James Version says “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupisce...” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”

Colossians 3:5 · KJV

Context

3

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

4

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6

For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

7

In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

Read Colossians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. "Therefore" (oun, οὖν) draws practical implication from resurrection union with Christ (vv. 1-4). "Mortify" (nekrōsate, νεκρώσατε, "put to death") uses violent imagery—not gradual suppression but decisive execution of sinful practices. Aorist imperative suggests definitive action, not continuous process (though application requires ongoing vigilance).

"Your members which are upon the earth" uses bodily metaphor for sinful practices: "fornication" (porneian, πορνείαν, sexual immorality), "uncleanness" (akatharsian, ἀκαθαρσίαν, moral impurity), "inordinate affection" (pathos, πάθος, lustful passion), "evil concupiscence" (epithymian kakēn, ἐπιθυμίαν κακήν, evil desire), "covetousness" (pleonexian, πλεονεξίαν, greed). The climactic identification: covetousness "is idolatry" (hētis estin eidōlolatria, ἥτις ἐστὶν εἰδωλολατρία)—desiring created things above Creator worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture normalized sexual immorality, temple prostitution, and materialistic greed. Paul's ethical demands were countercultural and radical, requiring complete break from pagan lifestyle. Identifying covetousness as idolatry exposed how possessions replace God as ultimate concern. Early Christian moral purity distinguished believers from pagan neighbors, testifying to transforming gospel power and attracting seekers dissatisfied with empty hedonism.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which sins on Paul's list still require mortification in your life through radical decisive action?
  2. How do you recognize covetousness functioning as idolatry—what desires compete with God for ultimate allegiance?
  3. What does 'putting to death' sin look like practically versus merely managing or minimizing it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Νεκρώσατε1 of 20

“Mortify”

G3499

to deaden, i.e., (figuratively) to subdue

οὖν2 of 20

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὴν3 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

μέλη4 of 20

“members”

G3196

a limb or part of the body

ὑμῶν5 of 20

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τὴν6 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

ἐπὶ7 of 20

“are upon”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν8 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

γῆς9 of 20

“the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

πορνείαν10 of 20

“fornication”

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

ἀκαθαρσίαν11 of 20

“uncleanness”

G167

impurity (the quality), physically or morally

πάθος12 of 20

“inordinate affection”

G3806

properly, suffering ("pathos"), i.e., (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence)

ἐπιθυμίαν13 of 20

“concupiscence”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

κακήν14 of 20

“evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

καὶ15 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

τὴν16 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

πλεονεξίαν17 of 20

“covetousness”

G4124

avarice, i.e., (by implication) fraudulency, extortion

ἥτις18 of 20

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐστὶν19 of 20

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

εἰδωλολατρεία,20 of 20

“idolatry”

G1495

image-worship (literally or figuratively)

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 3:5 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 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:13Galatians 5:19-21Galatians 5:241 Peter 2:11Ephesians 5:3-61 Corinthians 6:9-10

Test Your Knowledge

Colossians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterColossians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Colossians 3 with CommentaryAll Colossians ChaptersComplete Colossians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes