Colossians 3:9-10
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The "old self" isn't just a collection of bad habits; it's the entire persona, the way of being, that you had before Christ. When Paul says you've "put off" this old self with its "practices," he means you've divested yourselves of that whole identity and its accompanying actions. Lying, then, is incompatible because it's a core characteristic of that former way of life, not just an occasional slip-up.
Paul is urging the Colossians to actively reject sinful behaviors like lying, malice, and deceit. He's reminding them that their new identity in Christ, signified by their conversion and spiritual transformation, means they've shed their old, sinful way of life and its corrupt practices. This instruction flows directly from his previous command to get rid of these old habits and is part of his broader argument about living out their new identity in Christ.
You've been called to live a new life in Christ. But what does that practically mean for your past ways of behaving?
Paul uses a powerful metaphor here: the 'old self' with its 'practices.' This isn't just about a few bad habits; it represents your entire pre-conversion identity. Think of it like shedding an old, worn-out coat that no longer fits. The 'practices' are the actions, the way of life that stemmed from that old identity. For the Colossians, this included things like deception, anger, and impurity, as Paul details earlier in chapter 3. Because they have 'put off' this old self, these former ways of living should no longer be their mode of operation.
Lying is a serious issue, but why is it particularly incompatible with the new life believers are called to live?
The command 'Do not lie to one another' isn't just a rule; it's a declaration of who you now are in Christ. The 'new self' is characterized by authenticity and truthfulness. This transformation is radical – it's not just about suppressing bad behavior, but about a fundamental change in identity, like being reborn. If you have truly embraced the new life in Christ, your words and actions should reflect that new reality. Lies, deceit, and falsehoods belong to the old life that has been discarded.
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Understand the original words
pseudomai · Greek Verb
To depart from the truth or to intentionally deceive. Biblically, it is the opposite of the truth inherent in God's nature and is considered a characteristic of the old life.
palaios anthrōpos · Greek Noun Phrase
The unregenerate human nature inherited from Adam; the totality of the fallen character, desires, and patterns of life that a person possessed before union with Christ.
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 directly echoes Colossians 3:9 by commanding believers to 'put away falsehood' and 'speak the truth each to his neighbor,' reinforcing the importance of honesty in Christian community.
Romans 6:6It explains the concept of 'the old man' being crucified with Christ, providing the theological foundation for why believers are called to 'put off' their former sinful nature and its practices, as mentioned in Colossians 3:9.
Colossians 3:10Immediately following the instruction not to lie, this verse speaks of being 'renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator,' highlighting the internal transformation that makes the putting off of the old self and its deceitful practices both necessary and possible.
2 Corinthians 5:17This verse states that 'if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,' which aligns with the idea in Colossians 3:9 that believers have 'put off the old self,' signifying a radical transformation that should manifest in their outward behavior.
Colossians 3:5This verse lists 'covetousness, which is idolatry,' as actions to be put to death. It shows how the 'old self with its practices' encompasses not just outward actions like lying, but also the internal sinful desires that drive them.
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…
vincentColossians 3:9: "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;"
Seeing that ye have put off (ἀπεκδυσάμενοι)See on Colossians 2:15.The old manSee on Romans 6:6.
The "old self" isn't just a collection of bad habits; it's the entire persona, the way of being, that you had before Christ. When Paul says you've "put off" this old self with its "practices," he means you've divested yourselves of that whole identity and its accompanying actions. Lying, then, is incompatible because it's a core characteristic of that former way of life, not just an occasional slip-up.
Paul is urging the Colossians to actively reject sinful behaviors like lying, malice, and deceit. He's reminding them that their new identity in Christ, signified by their conversion and spiritual transformation, means they've shed their old, sinful way of life and its corrupt practices. This instruction flows directly from his previous command to get rid of these old habits and is part of his broader argument about living out their new identity in Christ.
Paul is urging the Colossians to actively reject sinful behaviors like lying, malice, and deceit. He's reminding them that their new identity in Christ, signified by their conversion and spiritual transformation, means they've shed their old, sinful way of life and its corrupt practices. This instruction flows directly from his previous command to get rid of these old habits and is part of his broader argument about living out their new identity in Christ.
"Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." — The "old self" isn't just a collection of bad habits; it's the entire persona, the way of being, that you had before Christ. When Paul says you've "put off" this old self with its "practices," he m…
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