14 In addition to all these things put on love, which is [a](A)the perfect bond of (B)unity. 15 Let (C)the peace of Christ, to which you were [b]indeed called in (D)one body, [c]rule in your hearts; and [d]be thankful. 16 Let (E)the word of [e]Christ richly dwell within you, [f]with all wisdom (F)teaching and admonishing [g]one another (G)with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, (H)singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 (I)Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, (J)giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Family Relations

18 (K)Wives, (L)be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 (M)Husbands, love your wives and do not become bitter against them. 20 (N)Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing [h]to the Lord. 21 (O)Fathers, do not [i]antagonize your children, so that they will not become discouraged.

22 [j](P)Slaves, obey those who are your [k]human masters in everything, (Q)not with [l]eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work [m]heartily, (R)as for the Lord and not for people, 24 (S)knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward [n]of (T)the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you (U)serve. 25 For (V)the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and [o](W)that without partiality.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:14 Lit the uniting bond of perfection
  2. Colossians 3:15 Or also
  3. Colossians 3:15 Or be in control in
  4. Colossians 3:15 Or show yourselves thankful
  5. Colossians 3:16 One early ms the Lord
  6. Colossians 3:16 Or in
  7. Colossians 3:16 Or one another, singing with psalms...
  8. Colossians 3:20 Lit in
  9. Colossians 3:21 Or provoke to anger
  10. Colossians 3:22 I.e., slaves in first-century Roman culture
  11. Colossians 3:22 Lit masters according to flesh
  12. Colossians 3:22 I.e., working only when watched
  13. Colossians 3:23 Lit from the soul
  14. Colossians 3:24 I.e., consisting of
  15. Colossians 3:25 Lit there is no partiality

14 And over all these virtues put on love,(A) which binds them all together in perfect unity.(B)

15 Let the peace of Christ(C) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body(D) you were called to peace.(E) And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ(F) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom(G) through psalms,(H) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.(I) 17 And whatever you do,(J) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks(K) to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households(L)

18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,(M) as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers,[a] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance(N) from the Lord as a reward.(O) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.(P)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:21 Or Parents