Devine Scripture

Colossians 3:6

What does Colossians 3:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 3:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 3:6 means

Paul explains the gravity of the previous sins: they incur “the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience.” God’s wrath is His holy, just opposition to evil; it is not capricious anger but the settled judgment of the Righteous One. Calling people “sons of disobedience” identifies a pattern and identity shaped by rebellion. Believers once belonged to that domain, but now, in Christ, they must abandon the practices that draw God’s judgment. This warning dignifies God’s holiness and love, for a God who loves righteousness must also oppose what destroys His creatures. The verse urges sobriety: sin is not trivial; heaven’s King responds with justice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for which things’ sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for which things’ sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because of which the wrath of God comes on those who go against his orders;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because of which things cometh the anger of God upon the sons of the disobedience,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For which things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of unbelief.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

On account of which things the wrath ofGod comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Context

Verse 6 reinforces verse 5 by showing why sin must be put to death—God’s wrath. This theological backdrop gives moral urgency. Verse 7 will recall the Colossians’ past in these sins, creating a contrast between old and new. Then verse 8 will pivot to additional vices to be discarded, particularly those that fracture relationships and reveal inner hostility. Paul builds a comprehensive picture: God’s people must reject both corrupt desires and the destructive speech and tempers they produce.

v.5Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;

v.6This passage

v.7wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things;

Cross references

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

  • Ezekiel 16:45

    Thou art the daughter of thy mother, that loatheth her husband and her children; and thou art the sister of thy sisters, who loathed their husbands and their children: your mother was a Hittite, and your father an Amorite.

  • Ephesians 5:6

    Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience.

  • Romans 1:18

    For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness;

  • 1 Peter 1:14

    as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance:

  • Revelation 22:15

    Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie.

  • 2 Peter 2:14

    having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; enticing unstedfast souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; children of cursing;

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