For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Colossians 3:25
What does Colossians 3:25 mean?
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Colossians 3:25
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This verse isn't just a general statement about justice; it’s specifically written to encourage enslaved people in the Roman world. When Paul says "he that doeth wrong," it's meant to reassure those who might be mistreated by their masters, reminding them that God sees every injustice and will balance the scales. The phrase "no respect of persons" powerfully declares that God’s judgment is impartial, valuing the dignity of the enslaved just as much as the status of their masters.
For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his practical instructions to believers, moving from general household relationships to the specific dynamic between slaves and masters. After urging slaves to obey their earthly masters wholeheartedly, as if serving Christ himself, he offers a powerful assurance and warning. This verse serves as a direct consequence for those who act unjustly within these relationships, promising divine retribution for wrongdoing and emphasizing God's perfect impartiality in judgment.
Ever feel like injustice gets swept under the rug? This verse reminds us that every wrong action has a consequence, no matter who commits it.
Paul delivers a firm warning: 'For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done.' This isn't just a threat; it's a declaration of divine accountability. It echoes throughout Scripture, assuring us that God’s justice is not passive. Whether it's a subtle deception by a servant or harsh treatment by a master, no wrong action goes unnoticed or without its fitting consequence. God’s judgment ensures that what is done in secret or dismissed as minor will ultimately be reckoned.
Think God plays favorites? This verse shatters that idea, especially in the context of our relationships, both in the ancient world and today.
The closing phrase, 'and there is no partiality,' is crucial. It means God doesn't favor the wealthy over the poor, the master over the servant, or any other social standing. In the context of ancient Roman society, where masters held immense power over slaves, this was a revolutionary concept. It assured slaves that their suffering at the hands of an unjust master would not be overlooked by God. Likewise, it warned masters that their position did not grant them immunity from divine judgment for any mistreatment. This impartiality applies to all of us; God’s justice is blind to worldly status.
Understand the original words
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adikōn · Greek Noun/Participle
One who acts unjustly or commits iniquity; someone who fails to live according to God's standard of righteousness.
prosōpolēmpsia · Greek Noun
Literally 'not receiving face'; the impartial nature of God in judgment, where He does not show favoritism based on social status, race, or outward appearance.
This verse speaks directly to the harsh realities of the Roman social system, particularly the master-slave relationship. It offers profound hope and a radical reorientation for slaves, assuring them that their suffering and any wrongs committed against them will be justly judged by God, who shows no favoritism.
c. 50-52 AD
Paul in Corinth
The Apostle Paul likely wrote the letter to the Ephesians and the letter to the Colossians around this time, possibly from Corinth. These letters address issues within the early Christian communities, including the dynamics between masters and slaves.
c. 53-55 AD
Onesimus Flees
Onesimus, a slave who had wronged his master Philemon, flees from Colossae to Rome. He would later encounter Paul.
c. 55 AD— this verse
Paul Writes to Philemon and the Colossians
While imprisoned, Paul writes the Epistle to Philemon regarding the runaway slave Onesimus and the Epistle to the Colossians, which includes instructions for slaves and masters. He likely sends both letters together via Tychicus.
c. 55 AD
Onesimus Returns to Philemon
Paul sends Onesimus back to his master, Philemon, with a letter urging Philemon to receive him not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ.
This passage directly echoes the 'no partiality' theme, stating 'You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not show partiality to the poor or favor any person of consequence, but in justice you shall judge your neighbor.' It highlights that true justice and God's judgment are impartial, regardless of social status, which aligns with Paul's message.
Deuteronomy 10:17This verse emphasizes God's impartiality, stating 'For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribe.' It provides a foundational understanding of God's character as a just judge who doesn't favor anyone based on external factors.
Romans 2:11This verse in Romans reinforces the concept of God's impartial judgment: 'For God shows no partiality.' It directly parallels the sentiment in Colossians, emphasizing that God's judgment will be fair and just for all, without favoritism.
Ephesians 6:8This verse, written by Paul to another church, speaks to the same context of masters and slaves: 'knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.' It mirrors the idea of receiving recompense for one's actions, regardless of one's social standing, from the ultimate Master.
1 Peter 1:17Peter writes, 'And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear.' This passage highlights the impartial nature of God's judgment, connecting our actions to His fair evaluation, much like the closing statement in Colossians.
henryColossians 3:18-25: "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord."
3:18-25 The epistles most taken up in displaying the glory of the Divine grace, and magnifying the Lord Jesus, are the most particular in pressing the duties of the Christian life. We must never separate the privileges and duties of the gospel. Submission is the duty of wives. But it is submission, not to a severe lord or stern tyrant, but to her own husband, who is engaged to affectionate duty. And…
vincentColossians 3:25: "But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."
He that doeth wrong (ὁ ἀδικῶν)Compare Plm 1:18. The reference is primarily to the slave; but the following clause extends it to the master. If the slave do wrong, he shall be punished; but the master who does wrong will not be excused, for there is no respect of persons. Tychicus, who carried this letter to Colossae, carried at the same time the letter to Philemon, a…
This verse isn't just a general statement about justice; it’s specifically written to encourage enslaved people in the Roman world. When Paul says "he that doeth wrong," it's meant to reassure those who might be mistreated by their masters, reminding them that God sees every injustice and will balance the scales. The phrase "no respect of persons" powerfully declares that God’s judgment is impartial, valuing the dignity of the enslaved just as much as the status of their masters.
Paul is wrapping up his practical instructions to believers, moving from general household relationships to the specific dynamic between slaves and masters. After urging slaves to obey their earthly masters wholeheartedly, as if serving Christ himself, he offers a powerful assurance and warning. This verse serves as a direct consequence for those who act unjustly within these relationships, promising divine retribution for wrongdoing and emphasizing God's perfect impartiality in judgment.
Paul is wrapping up his practical instructions to believers, moving from general household relationships to the specific dynamic between slaves and masters. After urging slaves to obey their earthly masters wholeheartedly, as if serving Christ himself, he offers a powerful assurance and warning. This verse serves as a direct consequence for those who act unjustly within these relationships, promising divine retribution for wrongdoing and emphasizing God's perfect impartiality in judgment.
"For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality." — This verse isn't just a general statement about justice; it’s specifically written to encourage enslaved people in the Roman world. When Paul says "he that doeth wrong," it's meant to reassure those…
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Last reviewed October 2026