Devine Scripture

Colossians 3:15

What does Colossians 3:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 3:15 means

Believers are to let “the peace of Christ” be the ruling arbiter in their hearts. Christ’s peace—won by His cross and given by His Spirit—should decide matters where conflict and preference collide. Since they were “called in one body,” communal harmony is not optional; it is inherent to their calling. Gratitude is commanded alongside peace, for thankfulness softens hearts, resists entitlement, and fuels unity. This verse envisions a church where Christ’s reconciling peace governs reactions, choices, and corporate life, because all belong to one body under one Head. The peace that Christ established is to become the peace by which His people live together.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And let the peace of Christ be ruling in your hearts, as it was the purpose of God for you to be one body; and give praise to God at all times.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye were called in one body, and become thankful.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body: and be ye thankful.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And let the peace of Christ preside in your hearts, to which also ye have been called in one body, and be thankful.

Context

Crowning the virtues (verses 12–14), verse 15 establishes the communal atmosphere: Christ’s peace ruling and thankfulness abounding. Verse 16 will add the content and practice that sustain such peace—the rich indwelling of Christ’s word expressed in mutual teaching and heartfelt worship. Verse 17 will then expand the scope to everything done, in word or deed, under Jesus’ name with thanksgiving. The sequence forms a holistic picture: love binds, peace rules, the word dwells, and all is done in Christ-centered gratitude.

v.14and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.

v.15This passage

v.16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18

    in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.

  • Isaiah 26:3

    Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.

  • Colossians 1:12

    giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;

  • Psalms 100:4

    Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Give thanks unto him, and bless his name.

  • Psalms 116:17

    I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of Jehovah.

  • Romans 5:1

    Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;

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