Devine Scripture

Colossians 4:5

What does Colossians 4:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 4:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 4:5 means

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” directs believers to live thoughtfully before unbelievers, making the most of every opportunity. Wisdom here is practical godliness—discerning what is fitting, prudent, and winsome. “Redeeming the time” suggests buying up the moments God gives, since opportunities can be brief and conditions can be hostile. Wise living commends the gospel before a word is spoken. It avoids needless offense while refusing moral compromise. The verse envisions Christians as ambassadors who watch the moment, read the room, and act for Christ’s honor, turning ordinary interactions into openings for eternal good.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Be wise in your behaviour to those who are outside, making good use of the time.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in wisdom walk ye toward those without, the time forestalling;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Walk with wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Walk in wisdom towards those without, redeeming opportunities.

Context

Paul moves from his own request for an open door to the Colossians’ everyday mission field. Their conduct among outsiders will either hinder or help the word he longs to proclaim. Verse 6 will complement this lifestyle with counsel about speech—grace-filled and apt answers. Together, verses 5–6 describe a credible witness: wise actions and gracious words. After these general exhortations, Paul will pivot to personal updates and greetings (verses 7–18), modeling how mission is carried forward through real relationships.

v.4that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

v.5This passage

v.6Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 5:12

    For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within?

  • Colossians 3:16

    Let 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.

  • 1 Peter 3:1

    In like manner, ye wives, bein subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;

  • Romans 16:19

    For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:19

    howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

  • James 1:5

    But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

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