King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:6 Mean?

Colossians 3:6 in the King James Version says “For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Colossians 3:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

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

Read Colossians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. Paul provides motivation: divine judgment. "The wrath of God" (hē orgē tou theou, ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ θεοῦ) isn't emotional outburst but settled opposition to sin, God's holy response to moral evil. "Cometh" (erchetai, ἔρχεται) uses present tense, possibly indicating certainty (prophetic present) or ongoing reality (wrath already operative through sin's consequences).

"Children of disobedience" (tous huious tēs apeitheias, τοὺς υἱοὺς τῆς ἀπειθείας) describes those characterized by persistent rebellion against God. Semitic idiom "children/sons of" indicates essential character. These aren't occasional sinners but individuals defined by disobedience, refusing God's authority. God's wrath justly falls on such rebellion. Believers escaped this wrath through Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:10) but shouldn't presume upon grace by continuing in sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman culture mocked divine judgment as primitive superstition. Epicurean philosophy taught that gods, if existing, had no interest in human affairs. Stoicism viewed fate as impersonal necessity. Against such backdrop, Paul's insistence on personal divine judgment—holy God responding actively to human sin—was countercultural. Yet this doctrine provided moral framework and ultimate justice, holding powerful accountable and promising vindication for the oppressed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does belief in God's wrath against sin affect your view of sin's seriousness?
  2. Do you presume upon grace, treating sin casually because you're forgiven, or does gratitude motivate holiness?
  3. How would you explain God's wrath to someone who views God as cosmic grandfather tolerating everything?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
δι'1 of 12

“For”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἃ2 of 12

“which things' sake”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἔρχεται3 of 12

“cometh”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἡ4 of 12
G3588

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

ὀργὴ5 of 12

“the wrath”

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

τοῦ6 of 12
G3588

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

θεοῦ7 of 12

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐπὶ8 of 12

“on”

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

τοὺς9 of 12
G3588

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

υἱοὺς10 of 12

“the children”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τῆς11 of 12
G3588

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

ἀπειθείας12 of 12

“of disobedience”

G543

disbelief (obstinate and rebellious)

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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:6Romans 1:181 Peter 1:14Ezekiel 16:45-46Revelation 22:15Isaiah 57:4

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