Colossians 3:10-11
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The "new self" isn't just a static change, but a continuous process of being "renewed in knowledge." This ongoing renewal isn't about accumulating facts, but about gaining a deeper understanding of God, mirroring His very nature and character. It's about transforming our inner lives to reflect the perfect image of our Creator.
Paul is urging believers to live out their new identity in Christ by shedding their old, sinful ways and embracing the virtues of a renewed life. This verse describes that transformation as "putting on" a new self, one that is continuously being remade into the likeness of its Creator through a growing understanding of God. This process of renewal and transformation contrasts sharply with the old, deceitful nature that Paul has just instructed them to put off.
You've heard of makeovers, but what about a spiritual one? The Apostle Paul talks about shedding an 'old self' and 'putting on' something entirely new. What does this radical transformation actually look like?
Paul uses the powerful imagery of clothing to describe our spiritual transformation. Think of it like this:
Shedding the Old
Before putting on new clothes, you have to take off the old, right? Paul refers to this as 'putting off the old self' (Colossians 3:9). This isn't just about changing habits; it's about rejecting the core identity shaped by sin and self-centeredness – the 'old man' we inherited from Adam, according to Calvin. This old self is characterized by its deeds and tendencies, like lying and deceit.
Embracing the New
Then comes the 'putting on the new self.' This isn't a minor alteration; it's a complete re-creation. It's a 'new man' (or 'new humanity') that is fundamentally different, like a fresh creation, as Meyer suggests. It’s about embracing a new identity in Christ, one that is being actively reshaped. It's a continuous process, not a one-time event. As Vincent notes, the word used implies 'being renewed' in an ongoing manner.
We're being remade into something new. But what's the engine driving this change, and what's the ultimate goal? It has everything to do with knowledge and God's own image.
The verse reveals two crucial aspects of this 'new self':
Renewal Through Knowledge
The 'new self' isn't just different; it's actively being 'renewed in knowledge.' This isn't just accumulating facts; it's a deep, intimate 'knowing' of God, as Barnes points out. It's about understanding truth, particularly divine truth, which counteracts ignorance and deceit. This knowledge transforms our perspective and aligns our thinking with God's reality.
Becoming Like the Creator
The purpose of this renewal in knowledge is to reflect the 'image of its creator.' As Meyer and Calvin explain, this points back to the original state of humanity, created in God's likeness. This image wasn't just about intellect but the whole person – our reason, will, righteousness, and holiness. While the fall marred this image, the new self is being restored to that original, perfect reflection of God's character. It's about becoming more like Christ, who is the perfect image of God.
Understand the original words
neos anthrōpos · Greek Noun Phrase
The new nature given to a believer through union with Christ. It is a radical transformation of the inner man, created to reflect the character and holiness of God.
anakainoutai · Greek Verb
An ongoing process of spiritual transformation where the Holy Spirit continually conforms the believer’s mind, will, and character to be more like Christ.
epignōsis · Greek Noun
An experiential, relational, and transformative understanding of God and His truth. It is not mere intellectual assent but a deep, personal knowledge that shapes the life of the believer.
eikōn · Greek Noun
The representation or manifestation of God in human form; as believers are renewed, they are progressively restored to bear the character and moral likeness of God, their Maker.
This passage describes God creating humanity in His own image and likeness, directly linking to the concept of the 'new self' being renewed according to that divine image in Colossians.
Romans 12:2Paul urges believers not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewal of their minds, a concept that parallels the continuous renewal of the 'new self' in Colossians.
Ephesians 4:24This verse states that believers are to 'put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness,' which directly echoes and expands upon the idea of renewal after God's image found in Colossians.
2 Corinthians 5:17This verse declares that 'if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,' emphasizing the radical transformation and new identity that Christians experience, aligning with the 'putting on the new self' in Colossians.
1 John 4:12This passage speaks of God abiding in believers and His love being perfected in them, suggesting that the renewal in knowledge after God's image leads to a tangible manifestation of His presence and character in our lives.
henryColossians 3:5-11: "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:"
3:5-11 It is our duty to mortify our members which incline to the things of the world. Mortify them, kill them, suppress them, as weeds or vermin which spread and destroy all about them. Continual opposition must be made to all corrupt workings, and no provision made for carnal indulgences. Occasions of sin must be…
barnesColossians 3:10: "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:"
Which is renewed in knowledge - In Ephesians 4:24 , it is said that the new man is "created after God in righteousness and true holiness." In this place it is added that to the renewed soul knowledge is imparted, and it is made in that respect as man was when he was first created. This passage, in connection with Ephesians 4:24 , proves that before man fell he was endowed with…
The "new self" isn't just a static change, but a continuous process of being "renewed in knowledge." This ongoing renewal isn't about accumulating facts, but about gaining a deeper understanding of God, mirroring His very nature and character. It's about transforming our inner lives to reflect the perfect image of our Creator.
Paul is urging believers to live out their new identity in Christ by shedding their old, sinful ways and embracing the virtues of a renewed life. This verse describes that transformation as "putting on" a new self, one that is continuously being remade into the likeness of its Creator through a growing understanding of God. This process of renewal and transformation contrasts sharply with the old, deceitful nature that Paul has just instructed them to put off.
Paul is urging believers to live out their new identity in Christ by shedding their old, sinful ways and embracing the virtues of a renewed life. This verse describes that transformation as "putting on" a new self, one that is continuously being remade into the likeness of its Creator through a growing understanding of God. This process of renewal and transformation contrasts sharply with the old, deceitful nature that Paul has just instructed them to put off.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Colossians 3:10-11 is available in the Sola app.
Hellēn · Greek Noun
The original inhabitants of Greece or those who adopted its culture and language; in the NT, it often represents the non-Jewish world generally.
Ioudaios · Greek Noun
A member of the covenant people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, set apart by the Mosaic Law.
peritomē · Greek Noun/Adjective
The physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham; in the NT, it is contrasted with the inward, spiritual transformation wrought by Christ.
barbaros · Greek Noun
A derogatory term in the Greco-Roman world for anyone who did not speak Greek or live by Greek cultural norms.
Skythēs · Greek Noun
An ancient nomadic people known for their extreme ferocity; representing the most uncivilized or 'outcast' group in the ancient world.
doulos · Greek Noun
One who is legally owned by another; the NT often uses this image to describe the believer's former state of bondage to sin or their new identity as a bondservant of Christ.
eleutheros · Greek Adjective/Noun
An individual not under the legal ownership of another; in the NT, it refers to spiritual liberty found in Christ, regardless of social status.
Christos · Greek Noun
The Anointed One of God, the Messiah; the central figure of Christian theology who occupies the entirety of God's redemptive purpose.
"and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all." — The "new self" isn't just a static change, but a continuous process of being "renewed in knowledge." This ongoing renewal isn't about accumulating facts, but about gaining a deeper understanding of G…
