Colossians 3:14
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Colossians 3:14 in other translations
| BSB | And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. |
|---|---|
| WEB | Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. |
| ASV | and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. |
| YLT | and above all these things, have love, which is a bond of the perfection, |
| DARBY | And to all these add love, which is the bond of perfectness. |
| BBE | And more than all, have love; the only way in which you may be completely joined together. |
| Webster | And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. |
What does Colossians 3:14 mean?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain
Barnes' Notes
Charity. Love. 1Cor 13:1.
Which is the bond of perfectness. The bond of all perfection; the thing which will unite all other things, and make them complete. Comp. the parallel place in Eph 4:3. The idea seems to be, that love will bind all the other graces fast together, and render the whole system complete. Without love, though there might be other graces and virtues, there would be a want of harmony and compactness in our Christian graces--and this was necessary to unite and complete the whole. There is great beauty in the expression, and it contains most important truth. If it were possible to conceive that the other graces could exist among a Christian people, yet there would be a sad incompleteness, a painful want of harmony and union, if love were not the reigning principle. Nor faith, nor zeal, nor prophecy, nor the power of speaking with the tongue of angels, would answer the purpose. See this sentiment expressed in 1Cor 13, and the effect of love more fully explained in the Notes on that chapter.
(a) "put on charity" 1Pet 4:3 (*) "charity" "love" (b) "the bond" 1Cor 13:2,8,13
Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Colossians 3:12-17
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. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; it is of his…
Colossians 3:14 in the original Greek
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Cross references for Colossians 3:14
- 1 Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
- Ephesians 5:2
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, …
- Colossians 2:2
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
- John 13:34
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
- Romans 13:8
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
- Ephesians 4:3
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- 1 Timothy 1:5
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
- 1 John 4:21
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
- 2 Peter 1:7
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
- John 15:12
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
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Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Context
- Colossians 3:13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
- Colossians 3:14
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
- Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Colossians 3:14 in other languages
| Spanish Reina-Valera 1909 | Y sobre todas estas cosas vestíos de caridad, la cual es el vínculo de la perfección. |
|---|---|
| French Bible J.N. Darby 1885 | Et par-dessus toutes ces choses, revêtez-vous de l’amour, qui est le lien de la perfection. |
| German Elberfelder 1871 | Zu diesem allen aber ziehet die Liebe an, welche das Band der Vollkommenheit ist. |
| Latin Clementine Vulgate | Super omnia autem hæc, caritatem habete, quod est vinculum perfectionis: |