Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
What does Colossians 3:13 mean?
We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Colossians 3:12-15 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Colossians 3:13
Forbearing one another - Notes, Ephesians 4:2 . And forgiving one another - Notes, Matthew 6:12 , Matthew 6:14 . If any man have a quarrel against any - Margin, "or complaint." The word used here - μομφη momphe - occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means, "fault found, blame, censure;" and here denotes occasion of complaint.
Key words
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Context in Colossians 3
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Colossians 3 belongs to the late movement of the book, especially the section often described as new life in Christ. Colossians magnifies Christ as image, creator, reconciler, head of the church, and the one in whom believers are complete. Read this chapter with the wider themes of supremacy of Christ, fullness, and reconciliation in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Bible verses about forgiveness
A reading list on divine pardon, repentance, reconciliation, and the demand to forgive others because God has first forgiven.
A guided collection of passages on God’s love, neighbor-love, steadfast covenant love, and the shape of love in Christian life.
Verses on the fear of the Lord, wise speech, practical judgment, teachability, and the difference between biblical wisdom and mere cleverness.
Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.