Bible Strands
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Colossian believers, instructing them to let Christ's word take up residence within them as they teach, correct, and worship together. This command follows his directive for the peace of Christ to rule their hearts and precedes his charge to perform every action in Jesus' name.
The words — The Greek λόγος Χριστοῦ (logos Christou) means "word of Christ," modified by ἐνοικεῖτω (enoikeitō), "should dwell," and πλουσίως (plousiōs), "richly." The text explicitly commands this teaching to inhabit the community in an abundant, permanent manner.
The thread — The concept of internalized Scripture appears in Psalm 119:11, which links hiding God's word in the heart to avoiding sin, and in Ephesians 5:19, which pairs psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with heartfelt gratitude to God. John 15:7 similarly ties abiding in Christ and His words to effective prayer.
Why it lands — The text demands that Christ's teaching govern the community's instruction, correction, and worship. Readers must allow this word to shape their daily interactions and corporate praise rather than treating it as external information.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Cross-references
- Psalms 119:11 I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
- Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,
- John 15:7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
- Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
- Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.
- Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- 1 John 2:24 As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If it does, you will also remain in the Son and in the Father.
- Deuteronomy 6:6 These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts.
- Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.
- Job 23:12 I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.