What does Colossians 3:9 mean?

Explanation

[Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;] from the book of Colossians 3:9, is an exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the Christian believers in Colossae.

Literally, this verse instructs the members of the early Christian community to abstain from lying to one another.

Deeper than its literal meaning, this verse suggests ethical living in accordance with a new identity in Christ.

Here, "the old man" represents a former way of life characterized by sinful acts, which the believers are supposed to have renounced upon their conversion to Christianity.

The use of the term "old man" implies that through their faith, Christians have undergone a fundamental transformation and should behave in ways befitting their new, regenerated selves.

Historical Context

The "old man" referenced in Colossians 3:9 is part of the larger theme of a spiritual transformation found throughout the New Testament.

During the time Paul wrote this letter to the Colossian church (around 60-62 A.D.), newly converted Christians were struggling to separate themselves from their former pagan practices and community ethics, which often conflicted with Christian teachings.

Paul's letter to the Colossians aims to guide them in their new faith and remind them of the moral and ethical implications of living as Christians in a predominantly pagan society.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse has several key insights:

1. Transformation in Christ: The "old man" symbolizes the pre-Christian self that is dominated by sin.

In Christian theology, putting off the old nature is seen as part of the sanctification process where believers become more Christ-like.

1. Ethical Living: There is an ethical dimension that is essential to the Christian walk.

Truthfulness is held as a virtue, and lying is seen as part of the sinful nature that must be left behind.

1. Community Integrity: The directive not to lie is not just about personal morality but also about the health and integrity of the Christian community itself.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Colossians 3:9 calls for honesty in Christians' interactions with others, emphasizing integrity as a core value for personal behavior and relationships within the church.

It encourages believers to examine their actions and speech, ensuring they are in alignment with their professed beliefs.

Lying undermines trust and unity within a community, so adhering to the teaching of this verse helps to strengthen both personal character and the collective character of the church.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:25: "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."
• Romans 6:6: "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
• 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Language Study

In the original Greek text:

• "Lie not" translates from "ψεύδεσθε" (pseudomai), which is a middle voice verb meaning to intentionally deceive or bear false witness.
• "Old man" translates from "παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον" (palaios anthropos), with "palaios" meaning "old" or "antiquated" and "anthropos" meaning "man" or "humanity," referring to one's pre-conversion state.

These terms underline the importance of personal responsibility in avoiding deceit and the fundamental change in identity associated with Christian conversion.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of an "old self" and a "new self" can be found in various religious and philosophical traditions where a transformation or an enlightenment leads to abandoning previous behaviors.

For instance, in Buddhism, individuals strive to overcome ignorance and desire, which can be seen as an "old self," seeking a state of enlightenment, analogous to the "new self."

Scientific Perspectives

While science does not address theological concepts such as the "old man" or moral imperatives found in religious texts, psychological studies on honesty and the effects of lying on community dynamics support the practical application of being truthful.

Research has found that honesty tends to promote social bonds and trust, while lying can lead to the breakdown of relationships and community trust.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians provide various interpretations of Colossians 3:9:

• Some focus on the practical morality outlined by Paul, asserting the necessity of truthfulness for living a Christian life.
• Others explore the metaphor of "putting off" and "putting on" as an ongoing process of sanctification and renewal in the believer’s life.
• Some commentaries may also draw attention to the importance of this verse for maintaining the integrity and witness of the early Christian community in a multicultural and polytheistic context.

They emphasize how ethical behavior distinguished Christians from the surrounding society and facilitated the spread of the Gospel.